Kona, Lanzarote, Roth, and MORE…

It is no secret that the sport of triathlon has enjoyed exponential growth over the last 20 years or so. From big branded races and championship events, to city races and iconic courses; it seems that everywhere you look there is another place, or a brand new race ready for you to test your endurance.

At Sports Tours International, we pride ourselves on bringing you the very best events, services, and experiences possible, at some of the most historic, iconic and sought after triathlon races in the world. IRONMAN Lanzarote, Challenge Roth, and the legendary IRONMAN World Championship at Kailua Kona, all regularly rank among the biggest, best, and most popular triathlon races in the world. With our expert race hosts, bespoke tours and fan experiences, and services that cater for your every racing need; you will be free to have the race of your life at anyone of our once in a lifetime events in 2021!

The BIG THREE

What: Club la Santa IRONMAN Lanzarote

When: SATURDAY 22 MAY 2021

Why: A challenge like no other, in a unique UNESCO protected landscape

The oldest IRONMAN event outside of North America, the Club la Santa IRONMAN Lanzarote will be celebrating its 29^th Edition in May 2021. Some consider it to be one of the toughest triathlon courses in the world; while others say it’s the closest you can get to a Kona experience, outside of the Big Island. One thing is for sure though, with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, and the unique experience of the volcanic landscape of Lanzarote, as well as a bike course that takes you on an almost full tour of this unique UNESCO biosphere reserve, culminating in a challenging but visually stunning climb up to the Mirador Del Rio viewing platform; the Club la Santa IRONMAN Lanzarote race experience is one you are sure to remember for a lifetime.

The Club la Santa IRONMAN Lanzarote winner’s roster also reads like a who’s who from the world of long distance triathlon with 13 times IRONMAN Champion Lucy Gossage and 4 time IRONMAN World Championship runner up, and fastest ever on the IRONMAN Swim Lucy Charles – Barclay both featuring as previous Women’s Winners. Belgium’s Bart Aeronauts, Kona Runner Up in 2018, and Frederik Van Lierde, who took the crown at Kona in 2013, are both recent winners of the men’s race. It is not uncommon to be rubbing shoulders with the biggest names in triathlon at Club La Santa IRONMAN Lanzarote, or indeed at Club la Santa itself.

What: DATEV Challenge Roth 2021

When: SUNDAY 4 JULY 2021

Why: World Record Course over 140.6 Distance and unrivaled crowd support

The world famous Challenge Roth Long Distance Triathlon, due to be held on 4^th July 2021, sold out in a matter of minutes, when it went on general sale on 20^th April 2020. The 40^th Long Distance triathlon race held in Roth, this long awaited milestone event (put on hold due to the global COVID – 19 pandemic), is set to be ‘the biggest triathlon party of all time’.  The event always plays host to an all star pro field, and features crowd support that is simply second to none. You are sure to feel like a celebrity, as you take on the famous solar hill climb, with cheering fans on all sides. Both the men’s and women’s Long Distance Triathlon World Records were set on this blisteringly fast German course.

Home crowd favourite (and current IM World Champ) Jan Frodeno set the unbelievable benchmark of 7:35:39 in 2016, while Great Britain’s triathlon queen (and 4 time World Champion) Chrissie Wellington posted a time of 8:18:13 in 2011, which has remained largely unchallenged ever since. But, a decade on, will someone come close to claiming her crown in 2021?

Roth has become the ultimate bucket list race for many long distance triathletes – but you don’t have to take our word for it… here’s the thoughts of Nathan, one of the many triathletes who completed Roth with us

“I love the friendly, electric chatter between the hundreds of highly charged competitors just before the start cannon booms!
Then that enormous wave of energy is released, as you head off on the days adventure. The immense buzz as you climb out of the water; hearing thousands of supporters cheering, and that cheering doesn’t stop!
Riding at warp speed through the beautiful rolling countryside, on smooth roads, running along the river ,through the town, and onto the red carpet! The tremendous roar of the crowds is so encouraging you can not help but have your best ever race!”

 

What: 2020/21 Vega IRONMAN World Championship Kona

When: 10 OCTOBER 2020/11 OCTOBER 2021

Why: The home of Long Distance Triathlon – ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE®

Back in 1978 John Collins, of the United States Navy proposed a race. This race was to determine the ultimate pinnacle of human endurance, and was to combine 3 of Hawaii’s toughest fitness tests; the Waikiki Rough Water Swim (2.4 miles), the Around Oahu Bike Race (112 miles), and the Honolulu Marathon (26.2 miles). These three tests were then combined into one punishing race. The victor would be known as the IRONMAN. Of the 15 athletes who turned up to take on the seemingly impossible challenge 12 finished. The winner was local taxi driver, and Navy Reserve Gordan Haller in a time of 11 hours 46 minutes.

The rest, as they say, is history. Due to its growing popularity, the race got a new home in 1981, on Hawaii’s ‘Big Island’, where the windswept and barren, black lava fields of the Kona coast have now come become part of the legend of IRONMAN. From the iconic swim in the wild waters of the Pacific Ocean, to the infamous run course on Ali’i Drive; this is course has seen hearts break and heroes made; it has made dreams come true, and helped people from all walks of life realize just how much they are capable of!

Race where it all began; where people first proved that ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE®.

Qualification to the Vega IRONMAN World Championship is by qualification only, however, to those athletes who do manage to secure a slot, we can offer the fan and athlete experience of a lifetime!

…But 2020 isn’t over yet ….

As much as the start of the year hasn’t gone to plan, with widespread event postponements and cancellations, brought about by the global COVID- 19 pandemic, the season isn’t over yet. At Sports Tours International, we’re committed to keeping you up to date on the latest developments from the world of triathlon, as and when we get them, and all of our tours are fully regulated, with the appropriate ATOL/ABTA  protections, so you can be sure you’re in a Safe Pair of Hands, when you book with Sports Tours International.

You Can Still Book Our Bike Bus Pro Service for the Following Events;

Italy Triathlon Weekend – September 19th/20th

This race gives you the chance to race on the beautiful, and historic Emilia- Romagna Coast. The weekend has long distance, middle distance and Olympic distance races on offer. So, there is something for everyone in Italy.

Barcelona Long Distance – October 4th

One of the world’s most popular and iconic cities; you can combine the ultimate test of endurance, with a trip to the ultimate city break destination at the Long Distance triathlon race in Barcelona.

You Can Still Enjoy a Full Race Tour Experience at the Following Events;

Club la Santa IRONMAN 70.3 Lanzarote – October 3rd  

A newly revamped course in the European home of triathlon – Club la Santa the Ironman 70.3 Lanzarote starts out from the beautiful coastal town of Playa Blanca, and will take you on a journey of some of the lesser known wonders of the island.

Vega IRONMAN World Championship Kona – October 10th 

Although qualification for the Vega IRONMAN World Championship may have been more complicated in 2020, than in previous years; the island home of triathlon never fails to amaze and excite, so we’re sure 2020 will be no exception.

 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship TAUPŌ – November 28th/29th 

Aroha ki tēnei wāhi. Arohaina Taupō. (Love this place. Love Taupō). Steeped in history and magical Maori culture, the beautiful New Zealand town of Taupō is situated on the shores of Lake Taupo, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world! This incredible location is bound to provide the perfect backdrop for the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship, held later than usual, in late November this year!

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