Building on its ‘Back to Nature’ theme for next year, TriStar Salzkammergut, which takes place on 9 June 2013, is already making waves – according to the race organisers.
In 2013, the Upper Austria area will again witness TriStar’s popular triathlon distances of 111K and 55.5K. The event organisers expect TriStar Salzkammergut 2013 to draw numerous international athletes. Its attractive side events, including a charity run and the StarKid children’s event, are aimed at providing an experience for the entire family.
When the ever-growing TriStar community meets on 9 June 2013, for the second edition of the TriStar Salzkammergut at Attersee in Upper Austria, the starters will find two ‘important innovations’. These aim to make the sporting event even more attractive.
TriStar Salzkammergut Race Director Wolfgang Köck and his organising team have been working hard for many weeks. Based on the experiences from the first year and the athletes’ suggestions, the cycling course will be optimized. In addition, improvements in the organizational procedures, particularly at the swim start, are now firmly in the event’s plans.
“Of course we want the TriStar Salzkammergut to continue to develop and establish itself internationally,” explained Köck, who puts on the event together with the Tourist Office Attersee-Salzkammergut and the province of Upper Austria.
“Right now we are working on improving the cycling course, which is one of the most attractive courses in the Austrian triathlon scene. At the same time, we are integrating wave starts, which guarantee a smooth flow of action and which will improve the competitive conditions right from the start.”
The most important change will be on the cycling course around the Attersee. Wolfgang Köck and his team have incorporated a total of 1500 climbing metres into the 50K course, which will ease previous issues on drafting during the bike leg.
There will also be a major change at the start in the water. Wave starts instead of a mass start will be the key in 2013.
“Wave starts are seen very positively,” said Karl Holzer, Technical Director of the Upper Austria Triathlon Association. “We have been watching it the last few years. At competitions with large starter fields, you can from the very beginning battle against the problems of slipstreaming and the formation of large groups.”
Holzer added, “This step also has a positive effect on the road traffic [down the line], and can help to reduce conflicts between cyclists and drivers.”
The organizers are also understood to be considering a further separation of wave starts for female athletes.
TriStar111 Salzkammergut is organzed by Star Events Central Europe together with the UASC Attersee West Triathlon Club and with the support of the Tourist Office Attersee-Salzkammergut, the province of Upper Austria and the Upper Austria triathlon association.
So far, ‘numerous athletes’ are reported to have already registered for the Upper Austrian endurance event. In addition to the races under the main TriStar111 and 55.5 distance formats, the organizers are presenting an experience for the whole family. On Friday 7 June, there will be a charity run to support a local cause. The next day, Saturday, will see the popular children’s race StarKids.
The TriStar111 Salzkammergut 2013 starts with a swim in the ‘Spring of Life’, as Lake Attersee is locally known. Then the athletes will ride 100K through the charming, unspoiled and varied nature of the Lake Attersee-Salzkammergut vacation region, before finishing off with a 10K run. The TriStar55.5 Salzkammergut (500m swim, 50K bike and 5K run) is the shortest distance, and most suited for beginner triathletes.
The athletes will have views of the lovely scenery in both races. The Salzkammergut region offers crystal-clear lakes and wonderful roads, which are perfect for cycling and go up to 2000m. In addition to the natural beauty of the area, Salzkammergut also offers an ideal location near the cities of Salzburg and Linz.
Because of the closeness to Germany, the TriStar Salzkammergut event is also targeted at the large base of German triathletes.
