Challenge to move from Henley
Organisers confirm that long-distance event will shift location in 2014
In breaking news, Challenge UK has announced that the Iron-distance Challenge Henley will have a new home for 2014, and will be held on the 14 September in a yet-to-be-revealed location.
The new destination will feature a Challenge Family long-distance triathlon as well as a half-distance race, with a supporting program of events leading up to race day, including a new Challenge kids event.
Challenge say the new course will open with a scenic swim, followed by a rolling two lap bike course, before finishing with a flat, lapped run course.
Challenge UK Race Director Alan Rose said: “We’re extremely proud to have developed Challenge in the UK from 800 to 1,350 athletes over a three year period and would like to thank the athletes for their continued support during this time.”
As documented previously in our news pages, the organisers have faced repeated criticism from certain sections of the local community about the closure of roads around Henley for the 180km bike route. Numerous consultations were held before the 2013 bike route was announced, with a small but vocal selection of local councillors and retailers questioning the financial benefits to the Henley economy, despite triathletes spending a total of £613,048 over 2012’s race weekend.
Of the new location, the Northants-based Challenge UK team will make a full announcement on Wednesday 23 October. We’ll be revealing the news here.
More info is at www.challengehenley.com.
Image: Getty
Matt Baird
Editor of Cycling Plus magazine 
