THE iconic Freycinet Challenge will celebrate its 21st anniversary on October 8-9. The multi-sport event runs over the two days throughout the Freycinet Peninsula. The event offers athletes the unique opportunity to compete in a location that is considered to be one of the most beautiful places in Australia.
The challenge is divided into eight separate stages, with four stages running on each day of competition. Athletes compete in the sporting disciplines of trail running, sea kayaking, mountain biking and road cycling – taking on the Challenge as part of a team or as a solo competitor.
Last year saw the largest number of solo competitors and a field of 115 teams participating, which resulted in over 450 athletes taking on the challenge. The race directors are hopeful of achieving similar numbers this year.
This year there is a new mountain biking course that takes the competitors into the Freycinet National Park. “We’ve been working closely with the Parks and Wildlife Service and the mountain bikers are going to love the thrill of the downhill course we put together,’’ race director Mark Howell said. The event is also introducing a juniors team category with shorter trail running and sea kayaking courses.
“We’re hoping to inspire more younger athletes to participate and introduce them to the world of multi-sport racing,’’ Mr Howell said.
Competitors in the Men’s Solo division will be challenging Alex Hunt, who is aiming for his seventh consecutive win. Georgia Nesbitt is the defending women’s champion and is returning to the competition this year.