TRI247
Search
shop

IRONMAN Hamburg tragedy: Amberger felt ‘dirty and disgusted’ that race went on

Understandably powerful and strong words from Aussie pro as he gives his reaction to the tragic events at IRONMAN Hamburg

News Director
Last updated -
SHOP
Watch Potter, Brownlee & Beaugrand LIVE

Australia’s Josh Amberger has said he “expected the race to be neutralised” and “felt dirty and disgusted” that IRONMAN Hamburg continued following a collision early on the bike section which resulted in a fatality.

A motorcycle operator, who was carrying an official race photographer, was killed while the photographer and an age-group athlete were both injured and taken to hospital following the tragic accident during Sunday’s race. The photographer has since been released from hospital.

‘The most horrific thing I have ever seen’

Amberger was part of a lead group of nine athletes in the professional race who witnessed the horrific incident at first hand.

In a powerful Instagram post he also called for changes in the amount of race traffic, saying the current level “is no longer acceptable”.

He said: “It was the most horrific thing I have ever seen, and I don’t wish to share any detail on what we saw, other it …seemed to me that the collision was not survivable.

“I expected the race to be neutralised, but it was not. I feel dirty and disgusted that we continued to race in these conditions.”

The Championship 2022 Josh Amberger
Josh Amberger in action at The Championship race in 2023 [Photo Credit: Jose Luis Hourcade]
Advertisement

Call for change

Amberger, in common with many other of his fellow pros, has called for urgent change.

He added: “From what I know, we were followed by a cavalcade of up to 18 motorbikes on a narrow road with two-way traffic. It shouldn’t take someone to lose their life to realise this level of race traffic is no longer acceptable.

“I spent a lot of the race in shock… My heart goes out to the family of those involved, as well as those in the triathlon and wider volunteer community that will [be] grieving.”

And writing on Monday and referencing the response to his initial post, Amberger added: “Lots to process today, thanks to everyone that has reached out.”

13th April 2024 - London
Watch Potter, Brownlee & Beaugrand as these triathlon superstars take on the world in the build up to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
LIMITED TICKETS - DON'T MISS OUT!
Jonathan Turner
Written by
Jonathan Turner
Jonathan Turner is News Director for both TRI247 and RUN247, and is accustomed to big-name interviews, breaking news stories and providing unrivalled coverage for endurance sports.  
Discover more
IRONMAN Tallinn finish line
Let’s race… IRONMAN Tallinn
Challenge Barcelona 2023 - Photo Credit: Jose Luis Hourcade
Brownlee brothers on the costly race day swim mistakes to avoid – plus their own mishaps
Cameron Brown signs off with seventh in his 25th and final appearance at IRONMAN New Zealand photo credit Graeme Murray
What is an average & good time for a triathlon?
Jonny Brownlee swim pool neom 2022 Photo Bartlomiej Zborowski Superleague Triathlon
Jonny Brownlee on the pool swimming drills to do now to get faster in open water
Pro triathlete Imogen Simmonds riding a Canyon Speedmax
Can your tri suit actually make you faster? The latest tech and how it could help your race day performance
latest News
Challenge Barcelona 2023 - Photo Credit: Jose Luis Hourcade
Alistair Brownlee chasing first PTO win as stars announced for Singapore T100 Triathlon World Tour
Ashleigh Gentle winning the PTO Asian Open in Singapore in 2023
Chelsea Sodaro returns as World Triathlon release Singapore T100 Triathlon World Tour start lists
Sarah Crowley wins IRONMAN Cairns photo Korupt Vision]
Australian long course legend and Kona podium finisher calls time on decorated triathlon career
Mixed Team Relay France podium WTCS Sunderland 2023 photo credit: World Triathlon / Petko Beier
World Triathlon announce field size expansions following WTCS Abu Dhabi cancellation
Lucy Charles Barclay Laura Philipp Ellie Salthouse IRONMAN 703 Kraichgau 2023 photo credit: IRONMAN Germany
IRONMAN Champion heralds the strength of female long course racing and picks her main contenders for Nice
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
Invalid email address
The SBRX Group

Proudly elevating endurance sports through content, products & services

SBRX
RUN247
Share to...