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 -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

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.

Advertisement

‘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]

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.”

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
tri-fit vortex tri suit review
TRI-FIT VORTEX tri suit review – race day approved performance
Maja Stage Nielsen Kat Matthews Jocelyn McCauley IRONMAN Texas 2023 podium photo credit IRONMAN
PremiumRacing to keep up: Is social media making us train harder?
Cadomotus chronos aero triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Wahoo ELEMNT RIVAL
PremiumTraining to heart rate vs power on the bike
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumHow to pace a triathlon to leave it all out there WITHOUT blowing up
latest News
Jeanne Lehair Georgia Taylor Brown Fanni Szalai Supertri Chicago
Supertri Chicago 2025 women’s results: Lehair holds off Olympic star Taylor-Brown
Alberto Gonzalez Garcia wins Supertri Chicago
Supertri Chicago 2025 men’s results: Speedy Gonzalez Garcia STUNS the big names
Jeanne Lehair Supertri Chicago 2025
WATCH AGAIN: Supertri Chicago 2025 as Lehair and Gonzalez Garcia take the wins
Tim Don Supertri Toronto 2025
Tim Don: Watch out for Jonny Brownlee bounce back and Fanni Szalai at Supertri Chicago
Morgan Pearson run T100 San Francisco 2025
Morgan Pearson born to run – ‘maybe I’m the T100 X Factor with a lot to prove’
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

100+ new articles/month

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

100+ new articles/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...