Challenge Family CEO Zibi Szlufcik has confirmed that five races in North America will lose their prize purses, describing it as a ‘necessary’ decision made after long consultation.
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The announcement comes just three months after the organisation set their 2015 prize purse for the Americas, pledging to pay out across all 15 races, with $50k on offer at full distance triathlons.
The races which will no longer offer prize money to the pros are:
– Challenge Atlantic City Full
– Challenge Quassy Half
– Challenge Pocono Mountains Half
– Challenge Maine Half
– Challenge Cedar Point Full
“While we have of course received messages from disappointed pro athletes, we have also been overwhelmed by messages of support and understanding, expressing frustration at the current state of the North American triathlon market that necessitated these changes,” says Szlufcik on Challenge Family’s Facebook page.
“What we hope will come out of this decision is a strong Challenge Family race series in North America that continues to provide an outstanding athlete experience to all athletes, all ages, ability and gender. Some races will focus on strong quality pro fields, celebrating the pinnacle of our sport. Others will deliver a world-class age group experience.”
Prize money will still be available at a number of Challenge races in the US however, including Challenge Penticton, Challenge St Andrews, Challenge Knoxville, Challenge Williamsburg and Challenge Florida.
All Central and South American races will also offer a pro purse, including Challenge San Gil, Challenge Maceio, Challenge Florianopolis and the newly announced Challenge Puerto Varas.
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