After a 50-day hiatus, the ITU World Triathlon Series is finally back as it returns to Hamburg, Germany, this weekend. As arguably one of the most popular races of the season, it is also the biggest in the World Triathlon Series, and one of the largest triathlons in the world, as 11,000 age groupers are expected to compete, along with the Mixed Relay World Championships set on Sunday.
The one-lap swim, six-lap bike, two-lap run sprint distance course will be jam-packed with star-studded elites all eager to compete. Hamburg is the longest-standing venue on the ITU World Triathlon Series (WTS) calendar, having hosted events since 2002, including the 2007 World Championships, but has featured a twist the last three years.
In 2012, the event featured a fast and furious sprint race. After such a successful event, the sprint race format returned again in 2013. Not only is Hamburg the oldest event on the WTS schedule, it hosts ‘the world’s largest age-group triathlon with more than 11,000 athletes having raced last year.’
The entire city of Hamburg shuts down for the event, which is no easy feat considering it is the second largest city in Germany. This year, Hamburg will also again host the Mixed Team Relay World Championships for the third consecutive year.
Schedule:
Elite women
Saturday 18 July – 15:45 CET
Elite men
Saturday 18 July – 15:05 CET
The pros will be competing for US$150,000 in prize money.
- Swim (750m) – The start area is at ‘Jungfernstieg’. Athletes will start from the quay along Jungfernstieg and stand in a staring position approximately 75cm wide. There is just one lap to swim. There is a rather dark tunnel about 40m long, which has to be swum through.
- Bike (20K) – Generally flat profile with no noteworthy climbs. There are six circuits of 3.33K to ride. The route is technically demanding, due to the many changes of direction and tight turns. Although the organisers note a very good tarmac surface.
- Run (5K) – Generally flat course. There are two laps of 2.5K to run. Two 180° turns per lap. Very good tarmac surface.
