The Professional Triathletes Organisation brings made for TV races to London in 2024 with acquisition of the Challenge London triathlon
Germany’s Anne Haug wins the 2023 PTO race in Ibiza, Spain
The Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) has acquired the iconic Challenge London triathlon from Challenge Family which means it will be bringing its made for TV races to its rapidly expanding 2024 global tour.
The Challenge London triathlon, which has a 20 year heritage and at its height attracted 14,000-plus participants – making it the world’s biggest triathlon – features a closed road course taking place entirely within central London. Starting and finishing at the ExCel London Exhibition Centre, the swim is in the sheltered Royal Victoria Dock; there’s a multi-lap bike course from Docklands to Westminster and back – taking in some of London’s most memorable sights including Big Ben and the London Eye; and it finishes with a multi-lap run around the Docklands.
In addition to the existing schedule of races already planned for the weekend of 27 to 28 July, 2024, the PTO will add its made for TV 100 kilometre triathlon races that will see the world’s top 20 female and top 20 male professionals going head-to-head around the capital, broadcast live around the world.
Said Challenge Family CEO Jort Vlam: “We’re very proud of the work the Challenge Family has done over the last year in building up this London race post the COVID pandemic, with the addition of the Challenge middle distance race. We know how much racing in such a world-renowned location adds to the profile of triathlon. So, in the best interests of the sport, it makes sense to collaborate with the PTO who we trust will provide the event with a chance to reach millions of people through mainstream media, serving our sport across the globe. That’s why we are happy to handover the keys of the city for the next chapter in this iconic event’s history.”
On 6 August, 2023, Challenge London saw thrilling wins for leading pro triathletes Sam Laidlow (FRA) and Fenella Langridge (GBR) as well as 6,000-plus amateur participants competing in a Middle Distance event (1.9km swim, 80km bike, 21.1km swim), an Olympic Distance (1.5km run, 40km bike, 10km run), Olympic Distance Relay, Sprint Distance (720m swim, 20km bike, 5km run), Sprint Relay and a Super Sprint (400m swim, 10km bike, 2.5km run).
Speaking on behalf of the PTO, CEO Sam Renouf commented: “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.”
The PTO has already confirmed that the PTO Tour will return to Singapore on 12 to 14 April and Ibiza on 28 to 29 September as well as visit Lake Las Vegas on 19 to 20 October and that the full season schedule and competing athletes will be announced on Tuesday 30 January. It is also delivering on its goal of bringing long distance triathlon to a broader audience, achieving a global dedicated TV and streaming audience of 24.6 million for its three races in Ibiza, Milwaukee and Singapore last year.