Ironman Germany 70.3 confirmed as European Championship event

Posted by By Gary Roethenbaugh at 7 May, at 00 : 00 AM Print

The Lord Mayor and Sports Councillor of Wiesbaden, Dr Helmet Mueller, along with the Managing Director of race organiser Xdream Sports & Events, Kai Walter, have confirmed that Ironman 70.3 Germany is now the official Ironman 70.3 European Championship event. The title sponsor of the event, which started in 2007, is the Sparkassen Finanzgruppe.

The race course stays the same this year. It includes a 1.9K out-and-back swim in the idyllic Schiersteiner Hafen, a challenging bike course through the hilly Rheingau-Taunus-Kreis that includes steep ascents (two climbs, the Kiedrich and ’The Hammer’ are particularly challenging), winding serpentine roads and fast downhills. The race finishes with a four-lap run course through the city and picturesque park.

"There are thousands of enthusiastic spectators who do not want to miss this extraordinary sports event in Wiesbaden and cheer on the first and the last athlete equally," said Dr. Mueller.

"Last year approximately 3,300 athletes from 42 nations competed in the race and 90,000 spectators watched them," he added.

The event is part of the global Ironman 70.3 series which now comprises 44 races worldwide. The status as the official European Championship will draw an even stronger field, especially among pro triathletes. In addition to fighting for the title of the European Champion, both pro and age group athletes will compete for 75 qualifying slots for the Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3 in Clearwater, Florida.

Media coverage will also increase this year: ‘Sport 1’ will provide 60 minutes of coverage, while the Hessische Rundfunk will report in its sports programmes.

“We are excited about the new challenge and see it as an incentive to further improve the event and, also, to establish it in the city of Wiesbaden, the Rheingau-Taunus-Kreis and the whole region,” added race organiser Kai Walter.

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