2014 Challenge Roth – day 1
This year marks the 30th edition of Challenge Roth and we arrived a day earlier this time to check out the action leading up to this popular event.
Kathrin Walchshöfer will be in charge of the race this year, as her brother Felix will be otherwise engaged during the event.
The expo does not start until tomorrow, and the race is not until Sunday, but workers were putting on final touches today.
This also included setting up tables and benches for the spectators near the finish area. And there will be plenty to eat and drink.
This year Felix Walchshöfer will race Challenge Roth with the bib number 2105 – the number that represents the birth day of his father.
2012 Challenge Roth champion James Cunnama checks out the new clock at the Freizeitbad in Roth.
The 2013 champion Caroline Steffen is also getting ready for a morning swim, and she was joined by Macca.
Brit Jodie Swallow gliding along here Aussie style with 3 other Pros in that lane.
2012 Ironman World Champion will also race here this year.
Pete Jacobs is ready to dive into that 50 meter pool at the Freizeitbad in Roth.
A kickbuoy session is coming up for Jodie Swallow.
2-time Ironman World Champion Mirinda Carfrae during her Breakfast with Bob interview.
Florida resident Carl Knutsson has done 8 Ironman events, but this will be his first Challenge experience. His very first Ironman race was a lottery slot in Kona.
No matter where Felix Walchshöfer and no matter how busy he is, the man always finds time to shake hands, give hugs and chat with his customers and business associates.
The Metzgerei Zipf downtown in Roth can be your spot to explore the German sausage and meat culture.
May I have one of these, two of those and surely at least one more item.
Here is where the Challenge Roth headquarters are. Just a hope and a skip from the expo and the finish of the race.
The streets are still reasonably quiet, but according to the Challenge Team folks have arrived earlier than usual.
Cillian, Mark and David from Ship My Tri Bike in Ireland brought 120 bikes from the UK. But now they are enjoying a Mexican meal at El Bandito in Roth.
This beef quesadilla with a side salad on the plate nourished this editor tonight at El Bandito.
All images © Herbert Krabel / slowtwitch.com