Search
shop

Cycling legend Fabian Cancellara invests in triathlon

Two Olympic Gold medals and four time the World Time Trial Champion, cycling legend Fabian Cancellara has backed the return of the TriStar series...
Chief Correspondent
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Olympic Champion behind the return of the TriStar Triathlon Series

Yes, we were surprised too – we thought that the TriStar Triathlon Series was dead and buried, circa 2012.

On paper its ‘111’ (1km swim / 100km bike / 10km run) and ‘55.5’ (500m / 50km / 5km) formats looked quite attractive (or is that just because of my terrible swimming and running these days?), but despite the rapid growth of races and some excellent branding, the series came to abrupt end (remember TriStar Milton Keynes?).

Well, TriStar is starting again, “with new partners, a new concept and a somewhat more down-to-earth feel”, with TriStar Switzerland on the weekend of 2nd/3rd September 2017 in Rorschach – with the backing of a new partner for the series, Rio 2016 Olympic Time Trial Champion, Fabian Cancellara.

TriStar Switzerland

Here is the full announcement below. We look forward to seeing how this moves forward.


Fabian Cancellara becomes partner of the TriStar triathlon series

His heart belongs to cycling. But Fabian Cancellara sees great potential in triathlon. Following his retirement, the Swiss cycling icon is now becoming a partner of the TriStar triathlon series.

The two-time Olympic champion and four-time world champion Fabian Cancellara remains loyal to the bike. But not just to cycling. He has decided to become a partner of the TriStar triathlon series along with the founders of the brand Georg Hochegger and Armin Meier. “I was instantly fascinated by this triathlon format, as it is strongly oriented towards cycling,” explains Cancellara, adding: “I will put all my knowledge and energy into this project, to ensure that TriStar becomes a global brand.” Strong cyclists are actually at an advantage in TriStar and it particularly appeals to recreational athletes.

Fabian Cancellara and TriStar

TriStar is not a new thing. The series was founded by Georg Hochegger, member of the “IRONMAN Hall of Fame”, and experienced a meteoric rise between 2009 and 2012. 25 events were held in this short period of time, with over 30,000 athletes taking part. This rapid growth along with the exit of the main investor are however also the reasons that TriStar disappeared from the scene for four years. Now it is restarting with new partners, a new concept and a somewhat more down-to-earth feel. On the weekend of 2 and 3 September 2017, the relaunch event will take place in Rorschach in the border region where Switzerland, Germany and Austria meet.

Fabian Cancellara and TriStar

The owners have decided to rely on strong, local partners in the implementation of the event and to use a licence structure. The medium-term plan is to expand into different countries in Europe and to be internationally active from 2020. The format with the 55.5 and 111 km distance disciplines is recognised by the International Triathlon Union (ITU).

Fabian Cancellara and TriStar

John Levison
Written by
John Levison
TRI247's Chief Correspondent, John has been involved in triathlon for well over 30 years, 15 of those writing on these pages, whilst he can also be found commentating for events across the UK.
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 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
Sam Long - T100 San Francisco 2024 bike
‘No No No’ – culture shock and bike crash for American star Sam Long in Italy
Georgia Taylor Brown wins supertri Chicago 2024 photo credit supertri
Georgia Taylor-Brown on enjoying her busy “year off” and wanting “to go out on a bit of a high”
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...