Search
shop

IRONMAN Hamburg tragedy: ‘We need a change, no discussion’ says Lisa Norden

Swedish duo in agreement that level of race traffic needs to be looked at urgently
News Director
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Lisa Norden and Robert Kallin have questioned the number of motorbikes used at high-profile triathlon events following Sunday’s tragic accident in Hamburg.

A motorcycle operator, who was carrying an official race photographer at the time, was killed while the photographer and an age-group athlete were both injured and taken to hospital following a horrific collision.

The age-group athletes were riding in the opposite direction to the pros on the other side of the same road, with the motorbikes in between them.

The race continued to its conclusion, though Josh Amberger – who was in that front group just behind race leader Kallin – has since said he expected it to be neutralised.

‘It’s bad for safety, it’s bad for racing’

Both Kallin and fellow Swede Norden, who won the silver medal at the London Olympics in 2012 but has since moved up to middle and long-distance racing, have added their voices to those wanting a fundamental shift in the level of race traffic.

Norden posted on Instagram: “I took a screenshot of this [the line of leaders and the accompanying motorbikes seconds before the collision] because @robertkallin was leading.

“And the amount of motorbikes was ridiculous. Shortly after I felt sick to my stomach and turned off the coverage.

“My condolences to the families affected by the tragic outcome.”

She then added the following sentence, which Kallin circled on his own post: “We need a change, no discussion. It’s bad for safety, it’s bad for racing, it’s just simply bad.”

And Kallin added his own thoughts as follows: “Take away from today. Couldn’t agree more.”

Challenge Salou 2022: Robert Kallin on the bike
Robert Kallin in action at Challenge Salou in 2022 [Photo Credit: Jose Luis Hourcade (www.joseluishourcade.com)]

‘The fairest and safest race possible’

Well before the Hamburg tragedy there had been concerns raised about the impact of motorbikes at many of the biggest races, albeit as much from a drafting point of view as a safety one.

In March this year, Challenge Roth announced a significant reduction of motos for their flagship event later this month.

Race director Felix Walchshöfer told us: “We as organisers see it as our duty to ensure the fairest and safest race possible.

“To make this possible, we will significantly reduce the number of bikes on the course. From 2023 onwards, no external media on motorbikes will be allowed on the bike course. In real numbers, we’re talking about 40 fewer motorbikes.”

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
Laura Siddall Challenge Roth 2025 finish line
PremiumLaura Siddall: 10 things I’ve learned from my professional triathlon career
Ruth Astle finishing IRONMAN Vitoria 2024
PremiumHow to cope with a DNF: Elite athletes share their stories
PremiumIs your evening workout routine wrecking your recovery? Expert physiologist on how to improve recovery and what NOT to do
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumTriathlon’s mid-season report card: Tim Don on who’s raising the bar this triathlon race season
03/07/2025 - Tour de France 2025 - Grand départ Jour 2 - Lille - Présentation des équipes -Jonas Vingegaard (Team Visma-Lease a Bike)
PremiumWhat triathletes can learn from the Tour de France pro peloton
latest News
Sam Long wins IRONMAN 703 Gulf Coast 2023 [Photo credit: Julio Aguilar / Getty Images for IRONMAN]
Sam Long opens up on US triathlon stars struggling in Europe after big move brought ‘complete mental breakdown’
lionel sanders wins oceanside 2024 [Photo credit: Donald Miralle / IRONMAN]
Lionel Sanders pinpoints the BIGGEST difference from Mark Allen era of triathlon
Sam Laidlow celebrates Challenge Roth win 2025
Triathlon superstar Sam Laidlow went from near DNS at Challenge Roth to epic glory
Alex Yee supertri Neom 2024 win Photo credit: Darren Wheeler | supertri
Supertri Toronto 2025: How to watch live as Alex Yee makes his triathlon return
Dan Lorang Head of Performance BORA - hansgrohe
Touching and heartfelt tribute from Anne Haug’s coach after she announces triathlon retirement
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.

£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

£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...