A 2013 Inferno Tri gallery
We call a few selected races bucket list events and the Inferno Triathlon is certainly worthy to be among them. Enjoy these impressions from the 2013 event – a race that offers an amazing 18,800 feet of climbing and was won by Felix Schumann and Sonja Gerster.
The swim: Thun – Oberhofen, 3.1 km (1.9 mile) distance
Bike segment 1 (road bike): Oberhofen – Grindelwald, 97 km (60 mile) distance and 2,145 meter (7,037 feet) of elevation gain
Bike segment 2 (mountain bike): Grindelwald – Stechelberg, 30 km (18.6 mile) distance and 1,180 meter (3,871 feet) of elevation gain
The run: Stechelberg – Schilthorn, 25 km (15.5 mile) distance and 2,175 meter (7,137 feet) of elevation gain
All images © swiss-images.ch
The last few kilometers offer a stunning and scary view.
Early in the morning the field assambled in Thun to swim the 3.1km to swim over to Oberhofen.
The relatively small field meant not too much congestion.
Some of the action in the first of three transitions.
Early on the ride is reasonably flat but there is plenty of climbing ahead.
Tunnel vision means a very different thing at the Inferno Triathlon.
The views are absolutely magnificent but when in absolute oxygen depth it may not be really appreciated.
Going up, up and up.
There are faster ways to get to the top apparently.
On some sections athletes were forced to walk.
Walking was indeed not uncommon as the slopes got steeper.
We mentioned the stunning views before, but it is indeed worth repeating.
Athletes are typically quite spread out but sometimes athletes cross paths or find company.
There are a few aid stations on the course.
If it was easy it would be called ….
Mountaineering experience is not required but certainly not helpful.
At the end of the run section and likely at the end of the strength.
Felix Schumann is best known for his XTERRA exploits, but took the win here at Inferno.
Samuel Hürzeler finished second in the men's race.
The 2013 Inferno champion and new course record holder Sonja Gerster.
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