The fifteenth edition of the Andalucía Desafío Doñana has been suspended
El Andalucía Doñana Challenge, one of the most important events on the triathlon calendar in Spain, has announced the suspension of its fifteenth edition, which was scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 5 in Sanlucar de Barrameda, Cadiz.
The organisation has announced that this decision is due to reasons beyond their control, specifically the lack of a road safety report from the Sanlúcar City Council, which is necessary to obtain final authorisation.
The event, which attracts more than 350 triathletes each year, will not be able to take place due to the absence of an essential road safety report.
The reasons for his suspension
According to Law 13/1999 on Public Shows and Recreational Activities of Andalusia and Decree 195/2007, of June 26, any competition of this magnitude needs the approval of the General Secretariat of the Interior of the Andalusian Government.
However, such approval is subject to obtaining a favorable report on road safety, which in this edition depends solely on the City Council of Sanlucar de Barrameda.
The organization submitted the corresponding authorization application on July 1, 2024, accompanied by all the necessary documentation, but less than 18 days before the event, the report has not yet been issued.
This has created a situation of uncertainty that prevents guaranteeing the security and organisation conditions required for an event of such magnitude.
Economic and sporting impact
The suspension of the Doñana Challenge It not only affects the triathletes, many of whom had been preparing for months, but also the local economy. Sanlucar de Barrameda.
This event mobilizes hundreds of people, including participants and their companions, who fill the accommodations and consume in local hospitality, generating a positive economic impact in the area.
Furthermore, the organization highlights the economic and logistical effort that an event of this nature entails.
The participation of international and national triathletes, which in previous editions has included athletes such as Emilio Aguayo y Ivan Raña, contributes to the reputation of the Doñana Challenge as a reference event in the world of triathlon.
The importance of the event
El Doñana Challenge It is known for its demanding route, which includes a cycling segment that starts and ends in Sanlucar de Barrameda.
Triathletes must swim across the mouth of the Guadalquivir River, which adds a unique and spectacular dimension to the event. This competition has managed to establish itself as one of the most unique triathlons, not only in Spain, but internationally.
In addition, the event has always benefited from the selfless collaboration of dozens of volunteers from the city, who year after year support the athletes and contribute to the organisational success.
