The unique sports complex x-bionic® sphere in Šamorín became the center of triathlon for Slovakia – Challenge Family series came to Slovakia for the very first time to introduce Challenge Samorin. The attractive course made it easy for the spectators to cheer and support the athletes along their way to the finish line.
294 athletes with 5 relay teams were present at the start line to conquer the half distance triathlon. Evert Scheltinga from Netherlands became the winner after finishing the course in less than four hours (3:58:14.6) despite the windy conditions on the bike course. „It’s my first big international victory, so I’m very happy. I liked the course and the whole resort here in Šamorín is amazing,” he described his feelings after the race. The winner did not seem to mind the wind nor the rain that started pouring as he approached the transition zone. Evert’s solid performance defeated one of the top candidates for the win, Filip Ospalý, who suprisingly finished fourth. The fastest Slovak was Ondrej Kubo, with a great time of 4:14:06.8. Helle Frederiksen from Denmark, the fastest woman, finished only 20 minutes after Evert. „I am very satisfied with my racing today, as I had some time off training for a while because of an injury. I enjoyed the race very much and everything went as it should,“ Helle stated. Nika Corbová, a local favorite who won last year’s race at the same venue, did not finish because of technical problems with her bike. The fastest Slovak woman was Kristina Nec-Lapinova, who finished 7th with a time of 4:40:35:5.
The first big challenge of the race was the swim course, which took place in the Danube River. The bike leg followed through surrounding villages with a complete road closure to ensure the safety of the athletes. The turn-around was shortly after crossing the Danube to the other shore, so the triathletes returned to x-bionic® sphere on the same course. The running consisted of four loops and took place mainly on the premises of x-bionic® sphere, which made the course easily accessible for the spectators. Their direct support was much appreciated by the triathletes.
A part of the race weekend were also Sprint and Olympic categories that were dominated by Slovak athletes. The winner of sprint was Tadeáš Drahovský and the Olympic course was dominated by Šimon Žácik. Challenge Samorin introduced a new standard of triathlon in Slovakia. 5.380 visitors were present at x-bionic® sphere over the weekend, who supported the athletes and enjoyed the exciting attractions and events of Challenge Samorin. The multifunctional sports resort offers the athletes ideal conditions for all sports and proved itself as a true paradise for triathletes. The fact that The Championship 2017 will take place here next year serves as perfect evidence. Challenge Samorin offered double the slots for The Championship 2017 – 12 slots for the top women and men in all age groups and 10 slots for women and men in the pro category.
Professional Men
1. Evert Scheltinga (NED) – 3:58:14
2. Matthias Knossalla (GER) – 3:59:54
3. Tomasz Szala (POL) – 4:00:28
Professional Women
1. Helle Frederiksen (DEN) – 4:18:13
2. Mirjam Weerd (NED) – 4:25:40
3. Erika Csomor (HUN) – 4:32:06