DATEV Challenge Roth powered by hep in Germany is implementing changes to ensure… ‘an even fairer race at the biggest long-distance triathlon in the world.’
Event organising firm Team Challenge noted that pro athletes in particular will benefit from more communication between all participants and the reduction of media motorbikes. This year’s event is set for June 25, 2023.
Race Director Felix Walchshöfer said “The breadth in this year’s top field is higher than ever before here in Roth. We as organisers see it as our duty to ensure the fairest and safest race possible.
“To make this possible, we will significantly reduce the number of bikes on the course. From 2023 onwards, no external media on motorbikes will be allowed on the bike course. In real numbers, we’re talking about 40 fewer motorbikes.”
The Challenge Roth team feels this is necessary…. ‘as recently at some long-distance races there have been frequent discussions about questionable time penalties and the influence of motorbikes on slipstream riding.’
To ensure spectators and triathlon fans don’t miss anything, other motorbike cameras and drones will be deployed. These will permanently accompany the race from a ‘non-impactful angle’. The camera operators will be briefed in advance by referees to fully understand the importance of the rules and instructed precisely about the permissible scope when filming.
More cooperation between officials and athletes
In addition, the number of officials on the bike course will increase from 35 to a minimum of 50, in order to be able to intervene at the beginning of a possible violation.
‘This will appeal to the referees to make decisions with tact and a sense of perspective, but also to intervene consistently in the case of clear violations. Clear and unambiguous communication between all participants and referees is crucial for a fair race.’
Pre-race meeting
Team Challenge organises a competition briefing for top athletes shortly before the race, where the responsible federation, the organiser, as well as all referees get to know each other personally. At this meeting, the referees will clearly communicate the applicable rules and expectations to the pros.
Possible lack of knowledge and misunderstandings between the international top field and the referees are therefore minimised from the outset.
Felix Walchshöfer added “The sport of triathlon has become more and more professional in the last 10 years at the top level. Improved communication, clear exchange and contact between athletes and referees are important measures that take this development into account.
“I am very grateful we can coordinate closely here with the federation and the professionals in both the men’s and women’s fields and move forward together for the good of the sport.”
One set of rules for all
One change that affects all 3,500 participants as well as relay teams is the abolition of the penalty kilometre. Until now, this penalty kilometre had to be run at the beginning of the marathon if an athlete broke the rules in the previous disciplines.
Team Challenge is now adapting all rules to the German federation’s guidelines. If an athlete breaks the rules, time penalties and micro time penalties will be consistently applied, details of which can be found in the German Triathlon Union rules and regulations.
Media bus
For media representatives, important points along the course, such as the Solarer Berg or the transition zones, can be reached via a media shuttle bus. In addition, many sections of the course, such as the Gredinger Kalvarienberg, have been made easier to reach.
Mario Hentzel, Bavarian Triathlon Federation technical delegate, said “We are all interested in a smooth running of the race. It is important for us that the professionals, as well as the age group athletes, can also understand our point of view and decisions. In order to also understand the athletes’ point of view we are very grateful for the regular exchange.”
“The influence of motorbikes on racing can no longer be denied,” said pro triathlete Patrick Lange. “In a sport that strives for a fair assessment of sporting performance, it should be the organisers’ responsibility to eliminate such external influencing factors as much as possible.
“So, I’m pleased the organisers of Challenge Roth have listened to the voices of the professional athletes and have taken care of the problem. By reducing the number of media motorbikes, Challenge Roth has once again taken on a pioneering role in this respect. No other race organiser has yet taken such a measure for the benefit of the pros.”
