16 of the Most Beautiful Races in the World
220 Triathlon|April 2022
As more countries open up following two years of disrupted travel, it's time to revisit that racing bucket list and start planning your dream event calendar. But where to start? Well, at 220, we don't half love a race with a view. So here, in no particular order, are our top 16 racing beauties...
By Rob Slade. Photographs by Lionel Cuveiller
16 of the Most Beautiful Races in the World

01. XTERRA TAHITI MOOREA, TAHITI 1.5KM SWIM | 34KM BIKE|1OKM RUN

Ahh, Tahiti. These islands in the South Pacific have to be as close to paradise as you can get. Crystal-clear waters. Worldclass beaches. Towering green peaks smothered in dense jungle. During Xterra Tahiti, competitors get to immerse themselves in this incredible landscape, starting with a leap into the warm waters of Opunohu Bay and a swim to shore. When you reach Terra Firma, it's straight into battle. Pristine jungle lies ahead, waiting for you to explore by bike and on foot. See also: Xterra Greece, Xterra Dominican Republic

02. ALPE D'HUEZ TRIATHLON

HUEZ, FRANCE

VARIOUS DISTANCES

The legendary Alpe d'Huez Triathlon attracts thousands of triathletes to this part of France every year thanks to its infamous 21 bends and a leg trembling 3,200m of elevation gain (in the longest version). But take your eyes away from that iconic pass and a scene of alpine bliss will leave you breathless... if that lung-busting climb hasn't already, of course. See also: Mont Blanc Triathlon, Madeleine Triathlon

03. CHALLENGE WANAKA WANAKA, NEW ZEALAND

1.9M SWIM90KM BIKE | 21.1KM RUN

Already known as 'the world's most scenic long-distance triathlon', Challenge Wanaka has a special place in the heart of all who've raced it. For those who haven't, this'll sit firmly in the bucket-list territory. A swim in the crystal clear waters (so clean you can even drink from it, apparently) of Lake Wanaka starts the race and is followed by a ride to Lake Hawea and back. A trail run follows on mountain bike tracks on the Bike Glendhu course. All the while, the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps watch over you. See also: Ironman 70.3 New Zealand, Ironman New Zealand

This story is from the April 2022 edition of 220 Triathlon.

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This story is from the April 2022 edition of 220 Triathlon.

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