Javier Gomez to kick off 2015 season at Challenge Dubai
Spanish triathlete to lead the pack at the Challenge Triple Crown series’ first race next month
The inaugural Challenge Dubai triathlon on February 27 will be a star-studded affair, at least as far as pro competitors are concerned, and Spain’s Javier Gomez is the latest to join the party.
The competition just heated up even further @challenge_dubai on 27 Feb with the addition of @Jgomeznoya to the field! #WeAreTriathlon!
— Challenge Family (@Challenge_Famil) January 19, 2015
Gomez was an unstoppable force in 2014, bagging the Ironman 70.3 World Championship title in Mont Tremblant just a week after being crowned ITU World Triathlon series champ for the fourth time. Challenge Dubai will be his first race in 2015.
“I like half distances races and I really look forward to racing against the best triathletes in this distance. I expect Challenge Dubai is going to be a very tough and fast race because of the highest pro field level,” Gomez said.
With a prize pot of $300k (£198k) and a route dotted with sand dunes and world-famous landmarks, Challenge Dubai has already attracted pro triathletes from around the world, including Germany’s Jan Frodeno and Michael Raelert, New Zealand’s Terenzo Bozzone, and Australia’s Luke McKenzie, Tim Reed, Brad Kahlefeldt and Pete Jacobs.
Not to be outdone, the women’s field includes Switzerland’s Daniela Rfy and Caroline Steffen, Britain’s Jodie Swallow and Leanda Cave, and USA’s Meredith Kessler.
Challenge Dubai is the first race in the Challenge Triple Crown series, which also includes the recently announced Challenge Oman. Challenge Bahrain, whose debut in December 2014 was a tremendous success, will be the final race in the 2015 series, with a $1m (£660k) prize purse up for grabs.
“I’m happy to see how triathlon is growing in the Middle East countries. I’m sure it is something very good for the people, especially for the kids, and it is definitely very positive for our sport,” said Gomez.
Registration for Challenge Dubai is ongoing until January 31. Visit www.challenge-dubai.com for more information.
Do you think Gomez is a shoe-in to win Dubai? Let us know in the comments below!
Micah Sulit
Digital writer 
