Hamburg's Ironman Competition - Female athletes vie for European Championship gold and launch into the World Championship.
In about a year's time, the European Championship title for the long-distance triathlon will be up for grabs again as the next Ironman takes place in Hamburg. After the men's race last year, the spotlight is now on the professional women. This year's race (starting at 6:15 am), besides awarding the Championship title, includes six qualifying spots for the World Championship in Nice, $87,500 in prize money, and Pro Series points, according to the organizers' announcement on Friday.
Britain's Katrina Matthews is the favorite in the race this time. It's planned for 3.8 kilometers of swimming, 42.195 kilometers of running, and 178 kilometers of cycling instead of the regular 180 kilometers. Last year, the competition made news due to a deadly accident on the cycling course. A support motorcycle carrying a photographer collided with an oncoming cyclist during a lane change. The motorcycle rider succumbed to his injuries on the spot, while the cyclist was seriously injured and transported to the hospital. The event faced heavy criticism over the course management after the incident.
Although the route has been changed, it's caused fresh frustration as there's also an international DRV Junior Regatta happening in Hamburg over the weekend. The rerouting of the cycling course has now impacted the access and exit to the regatta venue. "This could easily be resolved by putting everyone's interests into consideration," said Sports and Interior Senator Andy Grote of Hamburg on Friday.
