Challenge Roth – ‘the world’s largest iron distance triathlon’ – will celebrate its 10th anniversary on 10 July 2011 when 5,250 athletes from 61 nations take on the legendary Challenge Roth course in Germany.
This year, watching Challenge Roth has never been easier. As well as the 150,000 spectators on course, virtual spectators around the world can keep up with all the action online over three channels on Challenge TV. The first will capture all the drama as it unfolds with live coverage on the leaders from the start line to the finish line. The second channel will feature TV quality live cameras on key points around the course, such as the infamous Solar Hill and the finish chute. The third channel will feature a live ticker service in German and English plus web cams around the course.
In addition, friends and family can track their athlete’s progress around the course on Google Maps, with the athlete’s icon moving based on the average speed between timing mats, ensuring they can capture their finish live online. All coverage can be accessed through www.challenge-roth.com.
General entry for next year’s Challenge Roth will re-open on 18 July at 10.00am CET, with a sell-out expected within minutes.
The 10th anniversary race has also brought back some famous names from the early days of Roth. Dirk Aschmoneit (renowned for his Roth victory in 1986), Jürgen Zäck (champion in 1989, 1994, 1995, 1998, 1999) and Lother Leder (champion in 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003) are all returning to race.
In the 64-strong pro field, the hottest duel of the year between Andreas Raelert and Sebastian Kienle will dominate the men’s race – Raelert leads 1-0 following their first duel at the Challenge Kraichgau half distance race last month. They are joined by South Africa’s James Cunama and Benjamin Sanson (FRA) in contention for the podium.
In the women’s race Chrissie Wellington will be going for the hat trick while Australia’s Rebekah Keat and Belinda Granger, along with Catriona Morrison and Heather Gollnick are racing with their eyes on the big prize.
The Challenge Family currently features 13 races across three continents, including the world’s largest iron distance triathlon, Challenge Roth in Germany. Other races are Challenge Wanaka (New Zealand), Challenge Fuerteventura and Challenge Barcelona (Spain), Challenge Kraichgau (Germany), Challenge Cairns (Australia), Challenge Copenhagen and Challenge Aarhus (Denmark), Challenge Vichy (France), Challenge Walchsee (Austria), Challenge Henley-on-Thames (UK) and Challenge Cape Town (South Africa).
