Major triathlon race set for London after PTO announcement

The Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) have announced the fourth event of this year’s PTO Tour after acquiring the Challenge London triathlon.

The race, acquired from the Challenge Family, has a 20-year heritage in the sport and includes a closed road course that takes place entirely in Central London.

In 2024, London will host the 100km distance on the weekend of 28-29 July, with a professional field of the world’s top professionals going head-to-head in the UK capital.

Major addition to the calendar

With PTO races in Singapore and Ibiza bolstered by the announcement of an event in Las Vegas and now London, the 2024 Tour looks set to showcase some of the best athlete’s in the sport on the biggest stage.

PTO CEO Sam Renouf, speaking on behalf of the organisation after the announcement, said that the decision to host an event in London fits in with its ethos of taking the sport to some of the world’s most iconic cities.

“Our ambition to hold spectacular PTO Tour races in the centre of iconic cities around the world is something we’ve been very clear about – and this race in central London fits that criteria perfectly, which is why we’re delighted to be announcing its acquisition and the plan for the race to be part of the 2024 PTO Tour.

“Since the PTO’s inception we have had a close partnership with Challenge Family, with shared ideals and ambition to grow the sport. Its history tells us this is a world class event and it’s very much our ambition to continue the good work Challenge started and return it to that status as one of the largest in the world.”

“It’s a great venue for triathlon”

Two athletes to share their enthusiasm for the event in London were reigning IRONMAN World Champions Sam Laidlow and Lucy Charles-Barclay, with 2023 Challenge London winner Laidlow full of praise for the race.

Sam Laidlow Challenge London 2023 Win — French star Sam Laidlow wins Challenge London 2023 (Photo – Challenge Family).

“It was a fabulous event to race in last year. The course, the crowds and the organisation were all top class, so I think the PTO Tour will be right at home here and be able to take it to the next level.”

For Charles-Barclay, who was born and raised in London, the opportunity to compete in her home city is huge and the Kona winner was adamant that the city was a great venue for the race.

“I am super excited to hear the PTO Tour will be coming to my home city. I live in London and the race takes place only a stone’s throw from where we live and train. I have raced multiple times there before and it’s a great venue for triathlon.”