A former Challenge Roth champion will bow out of the sport on Sunday in what he says is the perfect setting.
In 2019 Andi Dreitz claimed an incredibly popular local victory, made all the sweeter by the fact that he had been beaten into second 12 months previously by triathlon legend and fellow German Sebastian Kienle.
Dreitz was the first Franconian to triumph in his home event, a race he had followed for years as a fan, hoping that one day he might be able to take part.
‘Taking part’ turned into dreaming about winning it and that happened in 2019 when he powered into the lead on the bike, seeing off the likes of pro cyclist Cam Wurf.
‘It’s just so much fun’
Chatting to Laura Siddall, on the ground for TRI247 in Roth this week, he explained what makes the event so special: “It’s a unique race – and in so many categories it’s the biggest triathlon race in the world.
“It’s just so much fun to race here – the morning spirit at the canal is epic, there’s riding up Solar Hill obviously, but there are just so many hotspots.
“The people who live here, the community, they are making a party of it. They like to volunteer and make it special for us.
“It’s such an incredible place for me to say goodbye to professional triathlon. I could not imagine for any better place – winning here in 2019 and coming back here with so many friends and family, including my little boy, will be so special.”
Signing off with a smile
Dreitz was 10th last time out at IRONMAN Brazil at the end of May but has no expectations for Sunday, other than enjoying the day to the full.
He told Laura: “I will be fully emotional. It will remind me of so many first times – from my first triathlon to my first full distance and my first victory.
“You know when it’s your first time but often you don’t know it’s going to be your last time but here I can fully appreciate it and enjoy the atmosphere.
“I look forward to running into this stadium with a big smile.”
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