TRIATHLON EVENTS
CH AMPIONSHI P ASI A PACI F IC
ME L B OUR NE 2017
BY E L L A DAV I E S
T
he team at SME 360, who bring to
Victoria the sport’s longest running
triathlon series (Gatorade Triathlon
Series), announced recently that
CHALLENGEMELBOURNE will host the
2017 CHALLENGEFAMILY ASIA PACIFIC
CHAMPIONSHIP at Melbourne’s iconic
Catani Gardens in St Kilda on April 9, 2017.
There will be 66 male and female agegroup qualifying slots up for grabs to enter
‘THE CHAMPIONSHIP’ in Slovakia in June
2017, the CHALLENGEFAMILY’s world
championship event.
On offer will also be 10 qualifying slots for
CHALLENGEROTH, the biggest triathlon
event in the world with over 6000 athletes
converging on the Bavarian town of
Roth, Germany.
Previously CHALLENGEMELBOURNE was
held in the seaside suburb of Brighton but
with the new status added to the event and
the expected number of athletes attending
from around the Asia Pacific region, the
move to Cantani Gardens was an easy
choice.
“Catani Gardens has been hosting
triathlon events for over 30 years and will
create an incredible backdrop for the event
in April," said General Manager Dallas
O'Brien. "Melbourne has a thriving triathlon
community and combined with the influx of
international athletes, the move made sense
to allow for the natural growth of the event.
“Melbourne is also home to some of
the biggest sporting events in the world
and we look forward to showcasing
CHALLENGEMELBOURNE to our athletes
offering them an unforgettable race and
holiday."
Melbourne has been voted the most
livable city in the world and it is no secret
that this colourful city is one of the best
holiday destinations in Australia, with arts,
culture, fashion, sport, iconic beaches and a
lively night-life adding to the attraction
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for visitors.
The Event Village and famous
CHALLENGEFAMILY recovery zone will be
positioned in Catani Gardens, St Kilda which
is a short walk to many of Melbourne’s hot
spots. Athletes and supporters can soak up
the experience post race by visiting nearby
tourist attractions such as the St Kilda Sea
Baths, located on the beach front, as the hot
and cold pools are perfect for relaxing post
event.
Close by are popular beachfront
restaurants where you can watch all the
race day action whilst enjoying a refreshing
drink with the locals. After the race you can
wander down to Acland Street, St Kilda,
which is a short walk from the village and
is one of Melbourne’s most popular dining
and cultural destinations. Cake patisseries
and restaurants line the street, promising
all day breakfasts and something fresh and
tasty every visit.
"SME360 appreciates the support
of the Victorian Government for the
Challenge Melbourne Asia Pacific
Championship. With strong marketing
to the Asian Challenge events such as
Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Korea
and Taiwan, we are expecting a truly
international field of competitors and
visitors to Melbourne for this event."
- Dallas O'Brien
The new St Kilda course boasts a safe
‘L’ shaped 1.9km wetsuit swim, located in
the protected waters of Port Phillip Bay next
to the iconic St Kilda Pier, in front of the St
Kilda Sea Baths.
Following the swim, the 90km ride will
take cyclists along the bayside suburbs, and
with scenic views of the coastline this is a
smooth and fast course with three 30km
laps of Beach Road, from St Kilda to
Black Rock.
Lastly the 21.1km run will take place
along the beach running paths, and the
two-lap course will give spectators lots of
opportunity to support and cheer on their
friends and family as they cross the
finish line.
Competitors will be able to enjoy
a traditional CHALLENGEFAMILY
post-race beer, recovery foods, music
and entertainment in the Recovery
Zone. This experience is unique to the
CHALLENGEFAMILY and we encourage all
finishers to enjoy the post-race celebrations.
The top 10 professionals will compete
for $30,000 in prize money. Defending
champion, Todd Skipworth will also be
competing.
“CHALLENGEMELBOURNE is easily one
of my favourite Australian races. The SME
360 team who organise every facet of the
race provides all the information you could
need to know in the lead up, which helps
settle any unwanted nerves and allows you
to focus on performing. Every year the event
manages to pull off something special and
always surpasses my expectations. Great