Top Favourites Ready for Thrilling Battle at Challenge Mogán-Gran Canaria

April 17, 2026

‘When my mind is free, I’ll push harder’

April 17, 2026 /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – There is quite a lot at stake tomorrow – January 18 – when the starting gun fires at Challenge Mogán-Gran Canaria at 8am local time. This sold-out race, the European season opener for Challenge Family, features a deep and talented professional field. Many top athletes are eager to secure their first victory of 2026. During the press conference, the first psychological shots were fired, making it clear that there is only one goal: winning.

This certainly applies to Italian Michele Bortolamedi, who, with a world ranking of #42, is the highest-ranked athlete and the one everyone is watching. “I’m happy to be here and to be listed as the number one seed. I feel good; I want to enjoy the race, and when my mind is free, I’ll push harder.”

Bortolamedi is not visiting Gran Canaria for the first time; he enjoys the island and the facilities at ANFI Resorts. “I was here two years ago to train for a month, and in my eyes, it’s the best place in Europe to train. It’s always sunny and there are plenty of mountains – I love it. I expect to return here for training in the coming winters as well.”

But first comes the race, where he will face, among others, his compatriot Michele Sarzilla. Sarzilla took a first and a second place in Challenge Family races last year but finds it difficult to make a prediction now. “It’s going to be a big surprise for everyone after a winter of hard training. Everyone is going to play their cards, and I think we’ll see a lot of surprises. I hope I’m going to surprise myself as well.”

Regardless, a podium finish is the goal for Sarzilla. “Well, I would like to be on the podium like everyone else; that would be a great result. I don’t want to pressure myself too much, as it’s the first race of the season. I just want to race now and have fun; of course, a good result will help me remain focused for the hard training in the coming months.”

The Women’s Contenders

In the women’s race, the heavy favorite is Caroline Pohle, currently ranked #18 in the world. After what she described as a difficult past year, she is eager to race again. “I think the main goal is just to be happy on the starting line, but of course, being on the podium is always the goal for us as professionals. Last year was hard for me, so I’m happy to be at the start line again.”

Her toughest competition may come from Megan McDonald, who stood on the podium at Challenge Mogán-Gran Canaria in 2023 – beating Pohle at the time – but now acknowledges that the German athlete is the favorite. “It will be very hard to beat her this year; she is the one to beat. I’ll give it my all and we will see.”

The highly experienced Nikki Bartlett could also make a bid for the win. Last year, she finished a strong fourth at DATEV Challenge Roth, but a period of injury followed. “I’m going to say I feel stronger and stronger now. This is my first race in nine months, so I feel like I’ve had to relearn things. I’ve obviously heard a lot about this race from many friends who have done it. It’s iconic as one of the first European races, and the hilly course. I can’t wait to experience where all the buzz is about.”