Triathlon - Challenge Roth: European Championship public viewing and queer atmosphere nest
The Triathlon classic in Roth is known for its goosebumps atmosphere. Tens of thousands of spectators will once again line the course from early morning hours onwards. Whether at the Main-Danube Canal during swimming, especially at the legendary Solar Berg with a Tour de France feeling during cycling, and at the finishing run. There will be around 30 so-called mood nests, which could also be called organized party zones to ignite the spirits of the female and male athletes.
The announcement of a new queer mood nest for the LGBTQ community has surprised and to some extent shocked the race director of the world's largest triathlon in Roth. "Our goal in Roth is for all people to peacefully come together and celebrate a few days of triathlon festival," Felix Walchshofer told the German Press Agency.
The triathlon magazine "Triathlon" reported on the new queer mood nest and an LGBTQ community stand at the fair for the race. The English abbreviation LGBTQ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer. The article caused a stir on social media, including rejecting comments.
"I think the triathlon community is quite open-minded in general," Walchshofer told the dpa and explained how it all came about. "When a request came from a queer participant, we discussed it and supported the initiative with the provision of a space for a fair stand."
Thousands of participants make Roth a triathlon hotspot again
The preparations for the Challenge Roth on Sunday are running at full speed. The city with around 25,000 inhabitants will once again be the hotspot for triathletes. 3,500 individual starters and over 3,800 meters of swimming, 180 kilometers of cycling, and 42.2 kilometers of running with the goal in the long-standing legendary arena, which is built specifically for the race on the festival grounds in Roth.
In addition, there will be 650 teams - 7,500 volunteer helpers will be in action. A public viewing for the European Football Championship games, including the quarterfinals between the host country Germany and Spain, as well as Portugal and France, will also take place. Athletes from these countries will also be participating. In total, participants come from 96 nations.
Equal prize money in triathlon racing series for women and men
The 41-year-old Anne Haug, along with last year's third-place finisher Laura Philipp and two-time Ironman champion Patrick Lange, are among the German top stars in a strong field. Haug only confirmed her start this week and cannot understand the negative reactions to the LGBTQ debate, along with much affirmative and positive feedback.
"That surprises me a lot in today's time," said the former Ironman World Champion, local resident, and two-time Roth winner. She would very much wish "that we just meet each other with respect, no matter what origin, religion, or sexual orientation."
In Roth, for example, participants are not started separately according to gender. In other triathlon series like Ironman or T100, the prize money for women and men is equal. In Roth, which is famous for its roughly 30 mood hotspots along the course, organizations like UNICEF, the White Ring, the Association for Cancer Patients, and the Wildlife Help are also represented at the fair this week.
- The queer mood nest for the LGBTQ community at the Challenge Roth festival has been discussed and supported by the race director, Felix Walchshofer.
- With the legendary Solar Berg during cycling and the finishing run, the Main-Danube Canal is a popular spot for spectators during the Triathlon in Roth.
- The German Press Agency reported on the new queer mood nest and an LGBTQ community stand at the Fair for the Challenge Roth race.
- The preparations for the International Triathlon event, Challenge Roth, are ongoing, with around 3,500 individual starters and 3,800 meters of swimming.
- The announcement of a queer mood nest at the Challenge Roth triathlon has sparked both positive and negative reactions on social media.
- The trip from Germany to Bavaria along the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal is not only popular for triathletes but also for cyclists participating in the Tour de France Challenge.
- Anne Haug, a German triathlon star, has expressed her support for equal treatment in triathlon racing, including equal prize money for women and men.
