Media Release
The Freycinet Challenge is on again for 2022 and the event has some exciting new additions to celebrate its 21st anniversary.
The Freycinet Challenge is an iconic multi-sport event, running over two days through the stunning Freycinet Peninsula at Coles Bay, which is on the East Coast of Tasmania. 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 8 separate stages, with 4 stages running on each day of competition. The 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.
This year will see the largest number of solo competitors and a field of 88 teams participating, which will see 340 athletes taking on the Challenge.
A new Mountain Biking course is being introduced this year, which takes the competitors into the Freycinet National Park. "We've been working closely with the Parks & Wildlife Service and the mountain bikers are going to love the thrill of the downhill course we put together" said Race Director, Mark Howell.
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" Mark 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.
The Freycinet Challenge is supported by a team of volunteers from the State Emergency Service, the Bicheno Surf Life Saving Club and the Scamander Surf Life Saving Club, ensuring the safety of all the competitors and spectators.
"Some athletes do this to win the race, but many are taking it on as a personal challenge, or doing it for the adventure and we run the event to accommodate people with a wide range of abilities" Mark said.
The 21st edition of the Freycinet Challenge will be on at Coles Bay on the weekend of 8-9 October 2022.
Content for publication and broadcast
High resolution photos and video, as seen on this website, are available upon request. The Race Directors are also available for interviews and we are planning a media event with the previous winning athletes. Please contact us for more information.