Frederic Funk Leads Elite International Lineup As Iconic Race Celebrates 20 Years

Monday, 22 December 2025, 6:47 pm
Press Release: Challenge Wanaka

WĀNAKA, NEW ZEALAND — With just two months to go, the Gallagher Insurance Challenge Wānaka Half has officially confirmed the return of professional racing for its 20 year celebrations in February 2026, announcing the first athletes signed to compete.

As the second-ever Challenge Family event, following the iconic Challenge Roth, Challenge Wānaka has long attracted athletes who value honest racing, demanding terrain and a deeply connected local community. Headlining the first signings for 2026 is Germany’s Frederic Funk, joined by Tom Bishop (Great Britain), Lucy Byram (Great Britain) and New Zealand’s Bec Clarke — the opening group of elite athletes set to race in Wānaka this February. Other professionals already confirmed include Bailey Tuddenham (Australia), Oliver Pritchard (Australia), Gabrielle Lumkes (Canada) and New Zealanders Megan Armitage, Danielle Donaldson, adding depth and excitement to the returning pro field.

One of the world’s leading middle-distance specialists, Frederic Funk arrives in Wānaka with a reputation built on exceptional bike power and consistent international results. Born into the sport — with both parents racing triathlon for more than four decades — Funk completed his first triathlon at just five years old.

After progressing through youth and junior short-course racing, Funk identified non-drafting formats as his true strength. Since committing fully to middle-distance racing in 2018, he has steadily established himself as a major contender on the global stage.

Frederic Funk (GER):
“Over the past few years, I’ve heard so many great things about Challenge Wanaka that it quickly became a bucket-list race for me. I’m incredibly excited to finally travel to New Zealand for the first time and race in Wanaka. I grew up and live in the Alps, and everything I’ve heard about New Zealand reminds me of home, so I’m sure I’ll love it there.

This race will be especially meaningful for me. In October, I suffered a serious bike crash and broke my elbow — a complicated injury that left me uncertain if I would ever make it back to a start line. The comeback has been far from easy, and standing on the start line at Challenge Wanaka will mean a great deal to me.”

Tom Bishop brings extensive international experience and Olympic-level pedigree to the 2026 start line. A long-time presence in the ITU World Triathlon Series and Olympic representative for Great Britain, Bishop has transitioned successfully into middle-distance racing, where his consistency and all-round strength continue to deliver podium contention.

Lucy Byram (GBR) continues to emerge as one of Britain’s most promising middle-distance professionals. After the tragic loss of her partner, Lucy has found strength in the support of her friends, family, and the triathlon community, helping her return to racing with renewed focus. Known for her composure and balanced racing style, Byram has also achieved a number of top-10 finishes in the prestigious T100 series this year. She adds further international depth to the women’s pro field and will be making her Challenge Wānaka debut in 2026.

Representing New Zealand, Bec Clarke brings local knowledge, experience and strong domestic support to the professional field. Clarke’s inclusion ensures the home crowd will have a local to rally behind as she takes on some of the world’s best on familiar terrain.

Bec Clarke (NZL):
“Racing in front of a home crowd is always special. Having a pro field in 2026 for the 20-year celebration is important for inspiring the next generation and bringing in international athletes. To be confirmed as part of the pro field as it returns — with race day just weeks away — is hugely motivating. I’m proud to line up alongside such a strong international group."

From its origins in 2007 to its place as a globally recognised Challenge Family event, Challenge Wānaka has built a legacy defined by authenticity, community and world-class competition. The return of elite professional racing in 2026 reflects both the race’s history and its future.

“We're delighted to be celebrating 20 years of Challenge Wānaka with a professional field of this calibre," said Event Director Jane Sharman. “This race has always attracted athletes who value racing on a challenging course, and the 2026 pro field embodies that spirit.”

With race day fast approaching, additional professional athlete announcements are expected in the lead-up to February, building toward one of the most competitive Challenge Wānaka Half fields in recent years.

“With only two months to go, the pro field is taking shape quickly, and we’re excited to continue confirming athletes as we count down to race week,” said Ms Sharman.

As Challenge Wānaka celebrates 20 years of racing history, the return of elite professional competition adds further significance to what promises to be a landmark edition of the Gallagher Insurance Challenge Wānaka Half.

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