Double Olympic and two-time ITU Triathlon World Series champion, Alistair Brownlee, is to make his long-awaited middle-distance triathlon debut at this year’s Gloria Challenge Mogán Gran Canaria. Taking place on 22 April 2017 the 70.3-mile race will provide Alistair’s first opportunity since claiming double Olympic glory to compete in a middle-distance triathlon
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The announcement that the current Olympic triathlon champion will join the line-up comes after the Yorkshireman first hinted at the end of last year that he will gear his training towards other goals outside of the Olympics.
“We are thrilled that Alistair Brownlee has decided to choose a Challenge Family race to debut his long-distance triathlon career,” said Zibi Szlufcik, Challenge Family CEO. “Gloria Challenge Mogán Gran Canaria is a testing and diverse course with steep mountains that climb above a rugged coastline.The bike course in particular is unique, varied and technical, which will suit Alistair.”
Alistair said: “I’m delighted to be racing my first middle distance triathlon race at Gloria Challenge Gran Canaria on 22 April. I’ve made no secret that I am going to spend the next couple of years racing some different distances and I’m really looking forward to the process of preparing for some longer distance races and of course, competing at them. I can’t think of a better place for my first one.”
The celebrated Olympian’s participation will provide excitement both for fellow competitors and spectators lining the course. The 28-year-old, who last year famously became the first ever triathlete to retain an Olympic title, will use Gloria Challenge Mogán Gran Canaria as his first foray into long-distance triathlon racing and will compete in other long-distance triathlon events.
Race director of Gloria Challenge Mogán Gran Canaria, Jordi González, said: “Last year was a dream come true for me when, after 25 years of being involved in the sport, I was asked to organise the international triathlon event with Challenge Family in Gran Canaria, where I was born. Now with Alistair Brownlee among those who are confirmed to race this year’s Gloria Challenge Mogán Gran Canaria, the dream has evolved and it’s an honour to welcome the legendary triathlete to Mogán.”
At a distance of more than double that of an Olympic triathlon, Gloria Challenge Mogán Gran Canaria is the first Challenge race in the European season. Exceptionally beautiful with dramatic terrain, bathed in a subtropical climate, Mogán in Gran Canaria should provide great conditions for Alistair’s first major middle-distance triathlon.
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For more information on the race, the course, the full start list, and what to look out for during the event, please visit: www.challengegrancanaria.com
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Alistair Brownlee’s key triathlon training sessions