Challenge Roth have moved quickly to assure their participants that they will do everything in their power to prevent any issues on the bike course for their 5 July race in Bavaria.
The message comes 24 hours after what in some quarters has been described as a suspected sabotage of a section of the bike course at IRONMAN Hamburg on Sunday.
Reports suggested that over 100 age-group athletes suffered punctures during the 180km bike section, possibly due to metal shards and glass.
Some locals were reportedly upset about the lengthy road closures required for the event but police have so far said that it is “speculation” at this point to describe any such act as intentional.
‘Shattered dreams’
IRONMAN Hamburg featured a women’s only professional race which started before the age-group waves and was unaffected.
Another huge German full-distance race takes place in a month’s time in the shape of Challenge Roth and their race director Felix Walchshöfer has sought to allay any fears that the roads used for the bike course will be anything other than pristine.
In an Instagram post which you can watch below, he said: “We were horrified to see the images from Hamburg yesterday.
“First and foremost we are very sorry that so many athletes were affected and their dreams have been shattered.
“We already got the first emails and calls from athletes who are very concerned regarding the race here in four weeks.”
Optmised road sweeping plan
You can watch the video in full below as Walchshöfer sets out the steps his race will be taking ahead of their sold-out event.
Roth traditionally sees the whole community come together to support what is one of the world’s most iconic triathlons.
