Challenge Roth race director Felix Walchshöfer has moved quickly to clarify what – if any – impact the PTO’s acquisition of Challenge Family will have on the legendary Bavarian race.

It was announced on Wednesday that the Professional Triathletes Organisation has taken a majority shareholding in Challenge Family from Y11 Sport & Media, to make it a key part of the newly-launched Triathlon World Tour.

But one race that was conspicuous by its absence in the official press release was Challenge Roth, often called the jewel in Challenge Family’s crown but owned by TEAMCHALLENGE GmbH, which is led by the Walchshöfer family who organise Roth.

The event now sells out inside a minute for age-groupers while it has also seen the fastest-ever full distance professional times in recent years for both women and men.

So no wonder there was huge interest in the possible implications of the Challenge Family takeover.

‘Nothing’s going to change’

And speaking in a short video on Challenge Roth’s social media channels, Felix Walchshöfer said: “As you might have heard, the PTO has acquired Challenge Family.

“A lot of questions came into the office and also via social media and everyone asked what does it mean for Roth.

“For Roth, it means nothing. Why? Because Challenge Family and Challenge Roth are completely independent organisations and independent units. And DATEV Challenge Roth and TEAMCHALLENGE GmbH will stay independent.

“However we are happy to hear that news as we have always co-operated really well with Sam [Renouf, the PTO’s CEO] and his team from PTO as we have with Challenge Family, all the federations but also with IRONMAN and Scott DeRue [their CEO].

“So nothing’s going to change for our athletes and for our volunteers and the whole community and we are very much looking forward to deliver the best ever DATEV Challenge Roth 2026.”

‘Not affected by current developments’

And just to make everything crystal clear, a statement was also issued. That read: “DATEV Challenge Roth is and will remain an independent race.

“Organized by Felix, Kathrin and Alice Walchshöfer together with a 16-strong team, rooted in Roth and open to triathlon fans from all over the world.

“For more than 40 years, triathlon in Roth has stood for a world-class sporting event. Since 2002, the race has been organized as Challenge Roth by the Walchshöfer family and their team, fully independent and autonomous from Roth.

“As a result, DATEV Challenge Roth is not affected by the current developments involving the Challenge Family.

“At the same time, we maintain respectful, positive and cooperative relationships with the Professional Triathletes Organization, Ironman, the Challenge Family, as well as many other race organizers and governing bodies; Roth is looking forward to continuing the collaboration.

“Even in a changing environment, we continue to see ourselves as an independent, stable and reliable anchor within the international triathlon community.

“Our commitment remains unchanged: year after year, together with our volunteers, we want to deliver the largest and highest-quality race possible for age-group athletes and professionals, for fans along the course, for our partners, for the wider triathlon industry, and for everyone who lives and loves triathlon.

“The next DATEV Challenge Roth will take place on July 5, 2026.”

Click here for TRI247’s take on the PTO / Challenge Family news.