With just over a month to go until the fourth edition of the international triathlon, the Challenge Sanremo has some exciting news for the 2025 edition. The race weekend, scheduled for 20-21 September in “La Città della Musica” (the City of Music), will be headquartered at Portosole, one of the largest and most prestigious marinas in the Mediterranean, boasting renowned businesses, bars, and restaurants, as well as specialized nautical shops.
“We are very happy that Portosole decided to host the Challenge Sanremo 2025,” says Daniele Moraglia, head of the Organizing Committee and race director. “The Sanremo triathlon has already been held at this location in the past, but this is the first time for the international triathlon and for the Challenge Family circuit. From the first dialogue, there has been a strong affinity, supported by a shared vision that will further grow the event. Thanks to Portosole, its CEO Giorgio Casareto, and all its staff who immediately got to work to tackle this long run-up to the race.”
“At Portosole, we’re working on several projects with the goal of rebranding the facility as a vibrant, open, and integrated space within the city. Hosting athletes, teams, and enthusiasts from around the world is both an honor and a great opportunity,” said Portosole Sanremo CEO Giorgio Casareto. “I firmly believe in the power of sport as a lever for promoting the region and in the ability of international events like this to generate positive energy, visibility, and participation. I hope this edition will be the first of a new partnership that will see us committed to successfully growing the event.”
THE COURSES
With the change of location, the Challenge Sanremo will maintain its characteristics intact. Regarding the middle distance race, the highlight of the weekend, the swimming portion will be held in the Portosole area, while the cycling leg will remain essentially unchanged.
The 80km route will follow the cycle path of the Western Ligurian Coastal Park (recently awarded the Cycling Tourism Oscar), heading east, through Riva Ligure and Santo Stefano al Mare, before beginning the climbs. The route ascends towards Terzorio, Pompeiana, and Castellaro. The gradients are not prohibitive, making this first climb very rideable: only the final section reaches a 10% gradient. The route then descends towards Taggia, before beginning to gain altitude again. The route follows a slight slope that follows the Argentina River towards Badalucco, before tackling a bend that marks the beginning of a long 17km climb to the Ghimbegna Pass (1,030 m), after passing through Argallo, Zerni, and Vignai. The elevation gain, nearly 1,500 meters, is over: now the route descends towards sea level from Bajardo, Ceriana, and Poggio di Sanremo, finishing with the famous descent of the Classicissima Milano-Sanremo, now known worldwide thanks to the stunning images released during the spring cycling race.
The 21km running leg will retain its charm. This year, two 10.5km laps are planned, covering a flat and flowing route along the cycle/pedestrian path in the municipality of Sanremo. In addition to passing through the central areas of “La Città dei Fiori” (the City of Flowers), the third leg offers a wonderful sea view and includes the passage through the Capo Nero tunnel, a thrilling tunnel-museum of the Milano-Sanremo.
The characteristics of the sprint distance triathlon courses remain essentially unchanged, with the cycling leg featuring the iconic climb and descent of the legendary Poggio di Sanremo.
NEW RACE
The first race session on Saturday, 20 September, will be dedicated, as usual, to Youth Races, with distances adjusted according to category, from the youngest Mini Cuccioli to the more advanced and competitive Youth. This will be followed in the afternoon by a new addition: the Swim & Run (Nuota & Corri), which will replace the Swimrun. The race includes a 400-meter swim and a 2-kilometer run, repeated three times, offering multi-discipline enthusiasts the opportunity to test themselves in this short and fun event, while also offering newcomers an opportunity to explore a multi-discipline activity. The Challenge Sanremo Swim & Run – Memorial Alessio Bianchi replaces the Swimrun on the race schedule, which is too often affected by sea conditions in this area of the Ligurian Sea and therefore subject to unexpected schedule and route changes. The new formula, which will take place in a smaller area than the Swimrun, will allow companions and the public to follow the entire progress of the race and the protagonists of this stimulating discipline to experience a real celebration of international sport.
