A former Chelsea star and football/soccer World Cup winner is set to swap the pitch for the triathlon course this July as he takes on the legendary test which is iconic Challenge Roth.
Ex-Germany international André Schürrle, who assisted the winning goal for Mario Götze in the 2014 World Cup final in Rio, will be trying his hand at the 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile cycle and 26.2-mile run which makes up Challenge Roth, one of triathlon’s bucket-list events.
A Premier League champion with Chelsea, Schürrle also turned out for some of Germany’s top clubs such as Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund – but this debut over triathlon’s Ironman distance may be one of his toughest challenges yet.
Time to “empty the tank”
Now retired, the 34-year-old Schürrle says he wants to leave it all out on the Challenge Roth course in Bavaria, Germany.
“I’m taking part because I’m looking for challenges that will push me to the absolute limit; mentally, but also physically, to really get to know my limits, to get to know myself,” he explained.
“My goals are: To do my best, be there, go full throttle and ‘Empty the tank’ – to leave nothing in the tank on the day.”
Schürrle is no stranger to big challenges. Since his football retirement in 2020 at the age of just 29, he’s undertaken plenty of adventures and endurance sports (you can check them out on his Instagram page).
A mountain climbing enthusiast, he regularly takes trips to traverse some of Europe’s biggest summits and often treks up half-naked in the freezing cold, all in the name of pushing his mental and physical limits.
Last year Schürrle also took part in the Barcelona marathon, Berlin half-marathon and ran 44km of his team’s 100km total at Infinite Trails in Austria.
Challenge Roth is his latest adventure, and race director Felix Walchshöfer can’t wait to see how he gets on.
“I am sure the entire Roth triathlon district will give André a warm welcome,” Walchshöfer said. “We are delighted André Schürrle, a global football icon, has chosen Roth for his long-distance race.
“His participation will certainly inspire not only the triathlon world, but also many football fans. We look forward to seeing him on the start line.”
What is Challenge Roth?
Challenge Roth is one of the world’s most popular and best-known triathlons. The course is the same length as an IRONMAN, meaning a total 140.6 miles made up of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride and full 26.2 mile marathon.
The race celebrated its 40th anniversary last year, having become one of the most prestigious events on the triathlon calendar.
Usually a small, quaint town with a population of around 25,000, every July Roth transforms into the heart of triathlon, with thousands descending on it from around the world. It’s become famous for its huge side-line support, with racers flocked by several-person deep crowds.
