This weekend’s Challenge Family race in Walchsee will go ahead as planned after organisers increased the number of aid stations and on-course showers to combat the soaring temperatures.
Much of central Europe has been baking in 40C heat this week, with the heatwave already seeing the IRONMAN and 70.3 at Nice postponed, IRONMAN Frankfurt shortened, and the Hamburg half-marathon also cancelled.
With warm temperatures expected in the Austrian Alps, race organisers last night emphasised that athlete wellbeing would be paramount while still ensuring that one of the season’s most hotly anticipated races can be celebrated in the usual way.
Extra measures have been put in place
Event representative and president of Challenge Family, Zibi Szlufcik, said: “Everyone has already had some heat preparation this year. We have put measures in place with cooling stations and showers throughout the event, but athletes should always consider their health first.
“This is a traditional event here in Walchsee, and we have a great international field. It has grown into a true festival weekend with the Junior Challenge, Aquathlon and Aquabike side events.”
Posting on Instagram, officials added: “💧 Take extra time to refuel. 🚿 Use the water and cooling opportunities available. ☀️ Monitor your body temperature. 🏃 Adjust your pace if needed and listen to your body. Your performance matters, but your well-being comes first! See you on the course and race smart. 🙌 “
Among the athletes, preparations and expectations are varied, but excitement for what is always a spectacular event was shared across the field.
Switzerland’s Nina Derron is ready for her first-ever race at Challenge Kaiserwinkl-Walchsee.
‘Strategy needs to adapt to the heat’
“It’s good to already know the course from previous sessions,” she said. “I didn’t specifically do heat training beforehand, although recent sessions have naturally been on the warmer side. Of course, strategy needs to adapt to the heat.”
French athlete Justine Guérard explained that her race plans changed unexpectedly.
“I was originally planning to race in Nice, but my boyfriend asked whether I’d rather come to this beautiful place,” she said. “He had planned to race himself, but unfortunately crashed, so now it’s just me racing. That makes me even happier to be here for both of us.”
Australia’s Milan Agnew expects the bike course to provide an additional challenge.
‘Hydration and cooling will be essential’
“I’ve been doing a lot of hill repetitions and managed to ride the course this morning,” she said. “The technical sections will definitely bring another element to the race. The heat in Europe feels different compared to back home, but my biggest takeaway is that hydration and cooling will be essential.”
Germany’s Frederic Funk feels an emotional connection as he prepares to compete so close to home, saying: “This feels like my home race. I grew up near the Austrian border and spent a lot of time in the area. It means a lot to be racing in Walchsee, especially after my recent titles here.
“At the same time, next week in Roth is my main goal for the season, so I need to manage the hot conditions carefully, although I do enjoy hot races.”
Fellow German Fabian Kraft arrives motivated and eager to return after setbacks of his own.
“I’m happy to be here, and I’ll definitely enjoy the race, but of course, there’s some pressure as well,” he said. “I’ll give my best and make sure Fred has to come out of his zone. More than anything.”
With elite racing, youth competition and community events all coming together, Walchsee is once again set for a weekend that combines world-class sport with a festival atmosphere in one of Europe’s most scenic triathlon destinations.
