Search
shop

Alistair Brownlee & Jan Frodeno among wildcards for PTO European Open

Eight strong names have been added to the mix for the Ibiza battle
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Alistair Brownlee and Jan Frodeno have been named among the wildcards for next month’s inaugural PTO European Open in Ibiza.

The British star and the GOAT are two of eight picks across the men’s and women’s races, and will take on PTO World #1 Kristian Blummenfelt – and seven of the world’s top 10 – in a tantalising battle on May 6.

It will be the first time the trio of Brownlee, Frodeno and Blummenfelt – the sport’s three Olympic gold medallists since 2008 – have competed in the same race.

Advertisement

Big names

Australia’s Cameron Wurf, who was fifth at IRONMAN South Africa last month, and Germany’s Justus Nieschlag, who claimed an impressive victory at IRONMAN 70.3 Lanzarote, are the other two wildcards for the men’s field.

On the women’s side, New Zealand’s Amelia Watkinson fronts a strong quartet as she looks to continue her run of finishing on the podium at every event she’s raced at in the past two seasons.

Denmark’s Sif Madsen, who was second at CLASH Miami this year, Germany’s Anne Reischmann and Netherlands’ Els Visser, who has enjoyed a strong start to her season, are the other three picks.

Frodeno thrilled

Frodeno was delighted with his wildcard pick for the PTO European Open and the prospect of going up against the Olympic Champion Blummenfelt, who informed the German of his inclusion with a phone call shared on the PTO’s Instagram.

“The way we’re both going we need to get there first,” Frodeno joked. “Oh man, it’s on. It actually gives me goosebumps.”

World #3 Magnus Ditlev (DEN) and #4 Sam Laidlow (FRA) will also be in action at what is poised to be an exciting men’s race on the Mediterranean island.

The women’s edition is equally as fascinating, with Australia’s Ashleigh Gentle, the current PTO World #1, looking to add to her PTO Open wins in Edmonton and Dallas last year.

The full women’s podium from the 2022 IRONMAN World Championships in Kona are also involved as Chelsea Sodaro, Anne Haug and Lucy Charles-Barclay further compliment an immensely strong field.

PTO European Open Men’s Start List

  • Kristian Blummenfelt (NOR)
  • Magnus Ditlev (DEN)
  • Sam Laidlow (FRA)
  • Max Neumann (AUS)
  • Leon Chevalier (FRA)
  • Florian Angert (GER)
  • Frederic Funk (GER)
  • Aaron Royle (AUS)
  • Patrick Lange (GER)
  • Daniel Baekkegard (DEN)
  • Ben Kanute (USA)
  • Miki Taagholt (DEN)
  • Jason West (USA)
  • Bradley Weiss (RSA)
  • Pięter Heemeryck (BEL)
  • Thomas Bishop (GBR)
  • Rudy Von Berg (USA)
  • Kristian Hogenhaug (DEN)
  • Kyle Smith (NZL)
  • Mathias Petersen (DEN)
  • Ben Hoffman (USA)
  • David McNamee (GBR)
  • Filipe Azevedo (POR)
  • Alistair Brownlee (GBR)
  • Jan Frodeno (GER)
  • Cam Wurf (AUS)
  • Justus Nieschlag (GER)

PTO European Open Women’s Start List

  • Ashleigh Gentle (AUS)
  • Lucy Charles-Barclay (GBR)
  • Paula Findlay (CAN)
  • Daniela Ryf (SUI)
  • Anne Haug (GER)
  • Chelsea Sodaro (USA)
  • Laura Philipp (GER)
  • Holly Lawrence (GBR)
  • Emma Pallant-Browne (GBR)
  • Lisa Norden (SWE)
  • Fenella Langridge (GBR)
  • Kat Matthews (GBR)
  • Tamara Jewett (CAN)
  • Jocelyn McCauley (USA)
  • Sara Perez Sala (ESP)
  • Ellie Salthouse (AUS)
  • Grace Thek (AUS)
  • India Lee (GBR)
  • Lucy Byram (GBR)
  • Rebecca Clarke (NZL)
  • Lotte Wilms (NED)
  • Barbara Riveros (CHI)
  • Daniela Bleymehl (GER)
  • Maja Nielsen (DEN)
  • Luisa Baptista (BRA)
  • Els Visser (NED)
  • Sif Madsen (DEN)
  • Anne Reichsmann (GER)
  • Amelia Watkinson (NZL)
Olly Green
Written by
Olly Green
Olly is is been the content lead for RUN247, is a regular contributor to TRI247 and keeps an eye out for content that appeals to both audiences including interviews with pro Heather Jackson.
Discover more
TRI247 podcast p/b Challenge Family episode 2
Go behind the scenes at Challenge Roth with the latest episode of the TRI247 podcast
Cadomotus Chronos triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Challenge Family Roth
Five things you need to know about the Challenge Roth bike course
Challenge St. Pölten 2024 - image credit Jose Luis Hourcade / Challenge Family
Expert swim coach on the three most common swim mistakes age group triathletes make (and how to fix them!)
TRI-FIT VANGUARD tri suit review
The entry-level tri suit with a serious amount of performance for the price point – TRI-FIT VANGUARD review
latest News
Lisa Tertsch Cassandre Beaugrand Beth Potter Hamburg WTCS 2024 Photo credit: Tommy Zaferes / World Triathlon
WTCS Hamburg 2025: Start time, preview and how to watch live
IRONMAN CEO Scott DeRue Women For Tri 2024
‘The more co-operation the better’ – Challenge Roth chief welcomes IRONMAN CEO’s visit
joe-skipper-kona-2022-bike
Joe Skipper says his Challenge Roth experience proves just how high the bar now is in triathlon
Anne Haug wins Challenge Roth 2024 [Photo credit: Simon Fischer | Challenge Roth]
Anne Haug on inspiration ahead of comeback, sub-eight and no intention of retiring just yet
Caroline Pohle Ironman 70.3 Zell Am See 2024
CHAOS as Lena Meissner wins amazing sprint finish to become 70.3 European Champion and is then DEMOTED
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

Share to...