Over 400 athletes celebrate Challenge season kick-off in Roth
Best-attended Challenge Kick-Off featuring pro athletes Patrick Lange and Andi Dreitz
ROTH. The traditional Challenge Kick-Off at the weekend was once again a complete success in perfect sunshine. There was something for every triathlete with the triathlon camp in Roth, the virtual bike ride on ROUVY as well as the big kick-off day on Whit Monday.
Training with a smile
At the highlight event on Whit Monday, a record 400 athletes met for a free course recce. Among them were top pros and ROTH winners, Patrick Lange and Andi Dreitz. The athletes rode a lap on the bike course in small groups accompanied by the Challenge motorcycle team. This was followed by the opportunity to run along the canal to the first turnaround point of the Challenge run course.
"It was a lot of fun"
For race director Felix Walchshöfer it was a successful start to the Challenge season: "For ROTH rookies as well as for all athletes the Kick-Off is a perfect opportunity to get to know the course, to soak up the Challenge feeling and simply to spend a great day with like-minded people. Many thanks to all participants, Matthias Fritsch, our guides, Andi and Patrick, Powerbar and Erdinger, our team and of course the motorcycle team who made the whole day possible."
Patrick Lange was also enthusiastic about the atmosphere: "Wow, it was my first time at the Kick-Off and certainly not the last. It was a lot of fun to get to talk with so many people who live the same passion for the sport. Thank you for the great moments and thank you to everyone who makes such a day possible. I'm insanely excited and can't wait to see everyone again on 25 June.
Powerbar and Erdinger take care of the catering
Challenge team volunteers provided food for participants on the course. Powerbar products, which will also be offered on race day, were handed out. As a reward, Erdinger provided free isotonic and chilled drinks for post-race recovery.
Great anticipation for 25 June
The Kick-Off started on Wednesday with the TEAMCHALLENGE triathlon camp in cooperation with PRO.Training.Tours and Matthias Fritsch. Over five days, participants tested the former and current courses, strengthened their bodies with stability training and got final tips for the big day on 25 June. A highlight was the look behind the scenes and the exclusive office tour to the epicentre of the organization.
Even those who could not travel to Roth could be there at least virtually. Together with Alex from INCYLENCE and Challenge partner ROUVY, the ride was also possible virtually on Sunday. From Greding to the Solarer Berg, participants from all over the world cycled a testing part of the Challenge course in their Racing Roth outfits. For all those who took part, it was a successful few days and the perfect way to get prepared for the big day on 25 June.