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Solar Hill returns / Significantly fewer Covid measures / Spectators allowed again

Last year the Roth region showed without doubt it was possible to hold safe, high-quality sporting events during Covid times. In 2022, everything indicates some level of normality will return.

Solar Hill will again be part of the bike course

In order to ensure a safe and enjoyable event, TEAMCHALLENGE has been in constant contact with the authorities and local politicians for several months and it is already confirmed one of the icons of triathlon will return after a Covid-related break. The legendary Solar Hill will again be part of the bike course in 2022 and, as in the past, will be an absolute highlight of the two-lap course. The 2022 bike course was originally planned in 2020 and will now be used for the first time this year. Except for three places, it is the same as the 2019 course and returns to 180 km long.

"Due to the dynamic Covid situation, we cannot yet say for sure whether, for example, masks will be compulsory at the individual hotspots," says Felix Walchshöfer, race director at DATEV Challenge Roth powered by hep. "But we can hardly wait for this year because it is certain that finally spectators can come back to line the course.” The athletes can once again enjoy the unique atmosphere for which the triathlon region of Roth is globally renowned.

Side events possible again

For the 20th anniversary of Challenge in Roth, a diverse programme is currently planned for race week. In addition, Challenge-for-All and the “power ladies” from Challenge Women are also returning. Also back on the schedule are the Night Run, the Bambini Run, the Erdinger Evening and onsite post-race registration.

"We are particularly happy we can once again thank our volunteers at the Volunteer Party on Monday evening; this is very important to us,” says Walchshöfer. TEAMCHALLENGE will announce the final hygiene measures for the event in plenty of time before the race in cooperation with the local authorities.

Although there are no restrictions on the number of participants in sporting events, TEAMCHALLENGE has reduced the number of participants by almost 200 compared to 2019, so more distance during the race is still possible. This year, around 3,200 individuals and almost 650 relay teams will race.

Not a single positive Covid case in 2021

Last year’s DATEV Challenge Roth powered by hep in September had no impact on the infection rate. The district health office confirmed there was not a single positive case in 2021 that was attributable to the event. The vaccination rate among athletes is around 90%, according to a survey last year with over 1,500 responses.