Men’s and Women’s Sprint Races and Junior Duathlon
The weekend of Challenge Cesenatico 2026 gets off to an energetic and lively start, with the Sprint-distance races and events for younger participants.
From the early hours of the morning, the Race Village comes to life with the opening of the race office and the distribution of race packs to the athletes competing that day, while the Expo area welcomes participants, supporters and enthusiasts, immediately becoming the hub for the entire event.
Hundreds of athletes are taking part in the first day of racing, across both senior and youth categories, demonstrating that this is an event capable of engaging all age groups and every level of experience.
Sprint Triathlon
The women’s Sprint Race kicks off the competitive programme at 9.45 am, followed in the early afternoon, at 1.15 pm, by the men’s race.
The two races take place between the sea, the inland area and the seafront, offering a mix of spectacle and intensity that engages spectators and athletes alike along the entire route.
Conditions are ideal, with clear skies, sunshine and a light breeze accompanying the athletes. The water temperature recorded today is 17°C.
Women’s Race
The first athlete out of the water was Carlotta Bonacina, completing the swim in 10:06, just four seconds ahead of Isabella Leah Gar. Behind them, a group of six athletes immediately tried to close the gap, trailing by around 30 seconds.
Out of T1, Bonacina maintained the lead with an 11:15 split, although the gap to the chasers gradually began to shrink.
The bike leg proved highly competitive: at kilometer 15, Francesca Zenklusen moved into the lead, followed by Alice Alessandri and Bonacina herself.
The race remained wide open until T2, where Alessandri entered transition first after 44:10 of racing, with Bonacina only seconds behind. Ten seconds further back came
Ludovica Severi and Francesca Zenklusen, both still fully in contention for the podium.
During the run leg, however, Carlotta Bonacina increased the pace and overtook Alessandri after approximately 600 meters, progressively extending her advantage all the way to the finish line.
Bonacina claimed the victory in 1:02:50. Behind her, Isabella Leah Gar secured second place in 1:03:30, thanks to a decisive late-race overtake on Alice Alessandri, who completed the podium in 1:03:46.
Men’s Race
Shortly afterward, the men’s Sprint race got underway, contested in two separate heats.
The first athlete out of the water was Simone Ceddia in 9:25, followed closely by Giovanni Aruffo. From the very beginning, the race proved extremely competitive.
Out of T1, Aruffo moved into the lead with a seven-second advantage over Ceddia, followed by Francesco Peccerillo.
During the bike leg, the lead changed hands several times, keeping the race wide open. At the end of the 20 km bike course, Francesco Macrelli reached T2 first in 27:03, followed by Lukas Lanzinger in 27:28 and Francesco Peccerillo in 27:42.
In the final run leg, Lukas Lanzinger increased the pace after just 600 meters, breaking away from the group and steadily extending his lead until the finish line.
Lanzinger took the win in 55:03, ahead of Giovanni Aruffo, second in 55:45, and Simone Ceddia, third in 55:58.
Junior Duathlon
The afternoon was dedicated to the younger generations, with the Junior Duathlon races featuring Youth and Junior categories.
Starting from 4:00 p.m., the youngest athletes took to the course, followed at 5:30 p.m. by the older categories, bringing enthusiasm and competitive spirit to the heart of the event.
A particularly meaningful moment that highlights Challenge Cesenatico’s commitment to youth development and the promotion of sport among younger generations.
An Event For Everyone
The opening of the Pasta Party and the Expo Area helped create an atmosphere of sharing and celebration throughout the day, involving athletes, families, and spectators alike.
Challenge Cesenatico once again proved itself not only as a high-level sporting event, but also as a unique gathering capable of showcasing the local area and its welcoming spirit.
The first day concluded with growing anticipation for the weekend’s main event: Sunday’s Middle Distance race, which will see hundreds of Italian and international athletes competing across the three disciplines.
