The PTO announces London as the newest stage of the 2024 PTO Tour – through the acquisition of the iconic Challenge London triathlon.
London, UK: The Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) has acquired the iconic Challenge London triathlon from Challenge Family, to include on its rapidly expanding 2024 global tour.
The marquee race, which has a 20-year heritage and at its height attracted 14,000+ 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 27-28 July, 2024, the PTO will add its made-for-TV 100km 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.
Both sides shared their satisfaction with the deal, which comes on the eve of the PTO announcing their 2024 PTO Tour calendar in London tomorrow.
“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,” said Challenge Family CEO Jort Vlam. “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+ 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, its 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.”
PTO World #13, Sam Laidlow, also added his support by saying:
“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.”
The French star, who was born in the UK and is now the reigning Ironman World Champion, completed the central London course in 3 hours, 29 minutes and 31 seconds.
The middle distance race later this year will feature the 100km distance for both pros and amateurs as well as the full schedule of shoulder events, including: Olympic Distance, Olympic Distance Relay, Sprint Distance, Sprint Relay and a Super Sprint. All those currently signed up will be able to race as planned, or upgrade to the new 100km to get the full PTO Tour experience.
PTO World #4 and the reigning Ironman World Champion, Britain’s Lucy Charles-Barclay, said:
“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.”
The PTO has already confirmed that the PTO Tour will return to Singapore on 12-14 April and Ibiza on 28-29 September, 2024, as well as visit Lake Las Vegas on 19-20 October, 2024, and that the full season schedule and competing athletes will be announced on Tuesday 30 January, 2024. 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.
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For Further Information
Anthony Scammell E: [email protected]
About the Professional Triathletes Organisation
The PTO is a new body, co-owned by the professional athletes, seeking to elevate and grow the sport of Triathlon and take it to the next level. The PTO has already confirmed that the 2024 PTO Tour will go back to Singapore on 12-14 April and Ibiza on 28-29 September, 2024, as well as visit Lake Las Vegas for the first time on 19-20 October, 2024, and that full eight-stop schedule will be announced on Tuesday 30 January, 2024. Each PTO Tour race covers 100km (2km swim, 80km bike and 18km run).
Challenge Family
Victoria Murray-Orr E: [email protected]
About Challenge Family
Challenge Family features over 30 long and middle distance triathlons around the globe. With spectacular courses in iconic destinations, no Challenge Family race is like any other. Focusing on delivering the race of a lifetime to athletes of all ages and abilities, Challenge Family races provide unforgettable experiences that capture all the excitement and emotions of this inspirational sport for competitors, friends, family and supporters alike. #wearetriathlon #allabouttheathlete
