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.
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- Despite the disappointment caused by the rerouting of the cycling route, many women athletes are still focused on winning the $87,500 in prize money during Hamburg's Ironman competition, aiming to secure their spot at the World Championship in Nice.
- Despite the criticisms from last year's deadly accident on the cycling course, the upcoming Ironman competition in Hamburg is expected to attract a significant number of participants, with professional women vying for the European Championship title and the opportunity to represent their country in the US dollar-funded World Championship.
- The organizers of Hamburg's Ironman competition have announced that the 2023 edition will feature six qualifying spots for the World Championship in Nice, alongside a Women's European Championship title, $87,500 in prize money, and Pro Series points.
- The long-distance triathlon competition, Ironman, will take place in Hamburg next year, with the women's race promising an exciting showdown as they set their sights on winning the European Championship title and aim to collect valuable points towards the World Championship.
- The Ironman competition in Hamburg is set to return this year, offering participants from around the globe the chance to compete for the European Championship title, with six spots available for the World Championship in Nice, a substantial prize fund, and a focus on the women’s division.
