The Championship 2025: A mid-distance battle in Samorin
This coming Sunday, May 18, the elite of international triathlon meets in Samorin, Slovakia, to compete The Championship 2025, the star event of the circuit Challenge Family.
With free and unrestricted streaming via challenge-family.live, triathletes and fans from around the world will be able to follow live a day that promises strong emotions.
A luxury departure list
More than 90 professional triathletes will take the start, looking for their part of the €100.000 prize. Among the favorites are:
The male poster of The Championship 2025 It promises a battle between veterans and young talents ready to spring a surprise. We review the main names to watch this Sunday in Samorin:
Regular protagonist in Samorin, Frederic Funk He's back hungry for victory. After several podium finishes at this event, the German will be looking to finally make the jump to the top of the ladder in the iconic X-Bionic Sphere.
With a brilliant season in Europe, Justus Nieschlag He's arriving in top form. His recent performances have made him one of the most dangerous men in the world, especially if he can stay ahead after cycling.
Powerful on the bike like few others, Kristian Høgenhaug He'll try to break away from the race in the 90-kilometer cycling race. If he manages to open up a gap, he'll be a tough opponent to catch in the final half marathon.
Living legend of triathlon, Jonny Brownlee He wants to taste success in the middle distance. He finished second at Challenge Mogán Gran Canaria a few weeks ago, and now he's arriving in Samorín with the goal of winning one of the most prestigious events of the season.
The race will also have an emotional component: Richard Varga, one of the best swimmers in the history of triathlon, will compete in his final professional race at home. He's sure to look to shine in the swimming lane, where he can make a difference.
At 22 years Panagiotis Bitados He represents the new generation of talent. A champion in the lower categories and increasingly solid in the middle distance, the Greek could be one of the big surprises if he maintains consistency in all three segments.
We will also have to follow Willem Hirsch (Germany), Tom Bishop y Kieran Lindars (Great Britain), names that can shake up the race.
Women's Preview: Title Contenders at The Championship 2025
The women's race in The Championship 2025 It promises to be just as competitive as the men's. With previous champions and emerging triathletes, the fight for the podium will be more open than ever:
Champion in Samorin in 2022, Sara Pérez Sala She's back determined to reclaim her crown. With her usual explosiveness in the water and on the bike, the Spaniard will be one of the main protagonists.
On a roll after his recent victory at Challenge Taiwan, alani siffert She arrives in Samorin as one of the fittest triathletes currently on the scene. Her steady progress makes her a serious contender for the title.
Third in the 2024 edition, anna bergsten He returns with his sights set on climbing another step onto the podium. His consistency in all three segments will be his greatest asset in the fight for victory.
Always solid and constant, Hanna de Vet She's one of those triathletes you shouldn't lose sight of. If she keeps up with the favorites in the water and on the bike, she could be fighting for the top positions in the running race.
Known for its strength in the initial segments, Katrine Gaesboll Christensen She will look to set the pace through swimming and stay in the fight on a circuit that favors brave triathletes.
A very special goodbye: Brownlee and Varga
One of the most emotional moments of the day will be the farewell to Richard Varga as a professional, accompanied in the race by his great friend Jonny Brownlee.
The two have shared years of training and competition, and they want to put the finishing touches to their athletic history at Samorin. “Competing one last time with Richard will be something I'll remember for a lifetime,” Brownlee said.
How to watch The Championship 2025 live?
The official streaming will start on May 18 at 8:15 a.m. CEST, and just 15 minutes later, the professionals will jump into the water:
- 8h30PM: Elite Men's Exit
- 8h40PM: Women's Elite Exit
Belinda Granger, the iconic voice of Challenge Family, will lead the narration, joined by special guests to provide analysis and anecdotes throughout the day.
You can follow it from this link challenge-family .live
The broadcast will reflect the franchise's "All About The Athlete" essence, showcasing both the podium fights and the emotional finishes of the 2.000 age-group triathletes.
