Challenge Barcelona 2025: Jamie Riddle and Cathia Schär win in the rain
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El Challenge Barcelona Triatló 2025 crowned Jamie Riddle and Cathia Schär after an epic edition marked by rain, cold and the spirit of almost 3.000 triathletes in the Catalan capital.
An epic day on the Barcelona coast
Barcelona once again demonstrated why it is one of the world's triathlon capitals.
This Sunday, the city hosted one of the toughest and most exciting editions of the Challenge Barcelona Triatló 2025, where rain and low temperatures put the nearly 3.000 participants from around the world to the test.
Bad weather accompanied the start of the race and much of the cycling sector, although the sun finally appeared just as the first middle-distance triathletes crossed the finish line on the Passeig Marítim del Bogatell, providing an iconic image of the event.
Councilman sports, David Escude, highlighted the heroic nature of this edition: “It was a day we'll remember. The weather conditions only served to highlight the passion and perseverance that define this sport. Furthermore, the debut of the middle distance consolidates Barcelona as an international benchmark for triathlon.”
Jamie Riddle and Cathia Schär dominate the middle distance
The big news of this edition was the incorporation of distance Middle Distance, which brought together a large number of professionals. The South African Jamie riddle (03:36:39) and the Swiss cathia schär (04:07:29) They took the victory with authority.
Riddle cemented his victory during the cycling segment, opening a gap that was impossible to close for his pursuers. Meanwhile, Schär, who had just won in Challenge Peguera-Mallorca, made a spectacular comeback on foot, confirming his excellent form.
The fast but demanding route included 88 kilometers of cycling between Barcelona and Mataró and a finish in the heart of the coast, with views of the Sagrada Família and the Barcelona coastline.
Great performances in the Sprint and Junior events
In addition to the middle distance, the events of Sprint y Junior Challenge, with massive participation.
In the Sprint distance, the winners were Tian Denša (01: 04: 12) and Daria Mayer (01:14:33), while in the Junior category they won Jorge Ezquerro (00: 26: 28) and Ariadne Ivars (00: 28: 38).
Both races served to showcase the emerging talent of Catalan triathlon and the enthusiasm of the youngest participants, who braved the harsh conditions with a smile.
Aquathlon and open water: a festive start to the weekend
The activities began on Saturday, October 25 with the Aquathlon and open water tests, which filled La Mar Bella beach with athletes and fans.
In the Aquathlon, the victories went to Rubén Aguilar (00: 32: 52) and Ilbilge Ulukoy (00: 36: 33).
In the swimming events, Enrique García (00: 30: 18) and Kendelle Murphy (00:30:27) won the 1.900 meters, while Filip Ospaly (00: 55: 18) and Chloé Verkindt (01:03:19) were the best in the 3.800 meters.
The festive and family atmosphere continued throughout the weekend, accompanying the fair. TRIEXPO, with more than 20 brands present and thousands of visitors.
An international, inclusive event with a future
The 2025 edition has been the most international to date, with a 35% foreign participation and over 70 professional triathletes on the starting line.
Also notable is the growing female participation, reaching almost 30% of the total, consolidating the trend toward equality in triathlon.
The project Triathlon Without Borders, with athletes with functional diversity, once again excited the public and reaffirmed the commitment of the Challenge Barcelona Triathlon with inclusion and sport for all.
The organization distributed 25.000 € in prizes among the top six professional finishers and awarded the age group winners free entries to the Challenge Gdańsk 2026, strengthening ties within the international circuit of the Challenge Family.
With this edition, Barcelona consolidates itself as a point of reference in the calendar European, demonstrating that triathlon is not only about competition, but also about community, self-improvement, and a passion for sport.
