Strong pro field expected at CHALLENGE MELBOURNE: spectacle guaranteed!

Friday 12 April 2019
With CHALLENGE MELBOURNE approaching this Sunday, April 14th, it’s going to be an exciting race for both athletes and spectators: A remarkably strong pro field will be on the starting line, with each and every athlete prepared to go all out and claim victory. Of course it’s not just the strong pro field that makes this event so attractive, but also the incredible venue where this race takes place.
 
With 19 male pros and 10 female pros, the field is definitely tough and powerful. One of the biggest names in the men’s race for the 1.9 km swim, 90 km bike and last but not least the 21.1 km run, is Mike Phillips from New Zealand. Nevertheless, Phillips can expect a hard battle against a number of Australian guys including Joe Gambles, Luke McKenzie, Matt Burton and Levi Maxwell.
 
They’re all going to be racing at this fabulous event in the spectacular surroundings of Melbourne, the renowned sporting capital of the world and the first long-course triathlon to be held in the inner city region of Bayside. CHALLENGE MELBOURNE features a 1-lap protected ocean swim in Port Phillip Bay, a 3-lap bike ride on the picturesque and famous Beach Road followed by a 3-lap run overlooking the bay. The course is flat and therefore very fast.
 
In the women's race, it’s likely to be the Czech athlete Radka Kahlefeldt, who’s in with one of the best chances to claim victory in Melbourne. She’s 'on fire' right now with numerous wins under her belt this season already. For Kahlefeldt, CHALLENGE MELBOURNE is one of the most important races this season and she’s eager to continue her success.
 
Kahlefeldt will of course be faced with some very strong competition in Melbourne. Australian Annabel Luxford will be a mightly challenge, not to mention fellow Australian Grace Thek and Amelia Watkinson from New Zealand.
 
CHALLENGE MELBOURNE is one of the last races to qualify for CHALLENGE FAMILY's THE CHAMPIONSHIP, which will be held on June 2nd in Samorin, Slovakia.

About Challenge Family

CHALLENGE FAMILY is the fastest growing global triathlon series. With 34 full and middle distances in 23 different countries, CHALLENGE FAMILY is changing the face of triathlon around the world. Due to spectacular courses in iconic destinations, no CHALLENGE FAMILY race is like another. Focusing on delivering the race of a lifetime to athletes of all ages and abilities, CHALLENGE FAMILY races provide memorable experiences that capture all the excitement and emotions of this inspirational sport.
CHALLENGE Family


Coming Triathlon Events View all

Strongman

Miyakojima, Okinawa, Japan

Challenge Taiwan

Taitung City, Taiwan, China

Himalayan Xtreme

Pokhara, Nepal

FrenchMan

Carcans, France

Grizzlyman Xtri

Beskydy, Czech Republic

Mediterranean Epic

Oropesa del Mar, Spain

AlpsMan

Annecy, France

Bastion Chateau de Chantilly

Chantilly Oise, France

Pirene Xtreme

Cellers, Lleida, Spain

Celtman

Torridon, Scotland, United Kingdom

Ironman Texas

The Woodlands, Texas, United States

Ironman South African

Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Ironman Australia

Port Macquarie, Australia

Ironman Vietnam

Da Nang, Viet Nam

Ironman Jacksonville

Jacksonville Florida, United States

Ironman Lanzarote

Canary Islands, Spain

Ironman Brazil

Florianopolis, Brazil

Ironman Hamburg

Hamburg, Germany

Ironman Philippines

Subic Bay, Philippines

Ironman Tours Metropole

Tours Métropole – Loire Valley, France

Challenge Mogan Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria, Spain

Cannes International

Cannes, France

Infinitri 113

Peñíscola, Spain

Wildflower

Lake San Antonio CA, United States

White Lake Pro Am Half

White Lake, North Carolina, United States

Half Triatlon De Sevilla

Sevilla, Spain

Kinetic Half

Lake Anna State Park VA, United States

Challenge Salou

Salou, Spain

Triman Half

Olympic Beach, Greece

Challenge Cesenatico

Cesenatico, Italy

70.3 Valencia

Valencia, Spain

70.3 Peru

Lima, Peru

70.3 Brasilia

Brasília, Brazil

70.3 Los Cabos

Los Cabos, Mexico

70.3 Western Sydney

Penrith, NSW, Australia

70.3 Port Macquarie

Port Macquarie, New South Wales, Australia

70.3 Venice jesolo

Venice Jesolo, Italy

70.3 Gulf Coast

Panama City Beach, Florida, United States

70.3 Mallorca

Mallorca, Spain

70.3 Vietnam

Da Nang, Viet Nam

Triathlon News & Media Blogs View all

Damien le Mesnager FRA Caroline Pohl GER Win CHALLENGE Gran Canaria

Damien le Mesnager FRA Caroline Pohl GER Win CHALLENGE Gran Canaria

Saturday 18 Apr 2026 [Triathlon News]

The European season kicked off with memorable racing today at Anfi Challenge Mogán-Gran Canaria with wins by Damien Le Mesnager (FRA) and Caroline Pohle (GER). The day started with calm and warm conditions as the sold-out field gathered on the Anfi del Mar beach. In the men’s race, more

IRONMAN Texas Pro Series Start List

IRONMAN Texas Pro Series Start List

Thursday 16 Apr 2026 [Triathlon News]

The 2026 Memorial Hermann IRONMAN® Texas North American Championship triathlon will welcome more than 100 professional triathletes to its start line on Saturday, April 18, as one of the most pivotal races of the early season unfolds in The Woodlands, Texas. As the fourth stop on the 2026 Experience Oman IRONMAN Pro Series and the first full-distance IRONMAN triathlon held in North America this year, the event will offer a $175,000 total professional prize purse, more

IRONMAN South Africa Pro Start List

IRONMAN South Africa Pro Start List

Thursday 16 Apr 2026 [Triathlon News]

Nelson Mandela Bay—named after the freedom fighter and world icon of peace — hosts Africa's most renowned triathlon. An IRONMAN Championship race that pulses with South African spirit, experience the breathtaking courses and feverish support at this postcard-perfect beachside destination. more

70.3 Valencia Spain Pro Start List

70.3 Valencia Spain Pro Start List

Thursday 16 Apr 2026 [Triathlon News]

Race through the heart of Spain's vibrant gem, the sport and cultural hotbed of Valencia. An Expression of Passion, Passion for race that melts artistic architectural splendour, Passion for natural landscapes, Passion for iconic sporting landmarks, punctuated by vibrant culture, incredible sights and the finest flavors of Spain's gastronomy. more

CHALLENGE Gran Canaria Pro Start List

CHALLENGE Gran Canaria Pro Start List

Thursday 16 Apr 2026 [Triathlon News]

The wait is over for the European triathlon circuit. With the stunning Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop, perfect temperatures, and the luxury hospitality of ANFI Resorts, Challenge Mogán-Gran Canaria is ready to kick off the European season in style. On April 18, the race will ignite as a powerhouse professional field goes head-to-head in what has become the traditional and highly anticipated European season opener for Challenge Family. more

Facebook


YouTube


Sign up for FREE NEWSLETTER:

We will never share your email address or spam you.