The Passion of Roth

Triathlon aficionados will debate forever just how meaningful Roth’s world best Iron-distance times are, whether the course was a kilometer short or not, or whether swimmers get a positive wave effect in the Main-Donau Canal. But there is no debate that this 21-year-old classic offers one of the most transcendent emotional experiences in the sport. Once the first and only Ironman event in Europe, now the Quelle Roth Challenge stands on its own as the sport’s closest equivalent to a Tour de France mountain stage for sheer stagecraft and drama. Somehow, ambitious pros who want a piece of history are drawn to Roth to see how they measure up to the greats like Paula Newby-Fraser, Luc Van Lierde, Jurgen Zack and now Yvonne Van Vlerken and Chrissie Wellington. Fans of endurance sport can stake out a spot on the Solarerberg climb and virtually touch the greats and near-greats, creating a synergy energizing the triathletic warriors’ hearts.

Somehow, this historic town of 25,000 and all its castles and churches bestows its rich sense of history and reverence to this sporting event that is embraced by a loyal set of fans who can’t think of a better way to spend the second Sunday in July.

All pics © Timothy Carlson

Chrissie Wellington of Great Britain and Catriona Morrison of Scotland finished seven hours earlier. But they were there with a Union Jack at the 16th hour to welcome a fellow Brit when he finished.

The centuries-old splendors of Roth’s town plaza were made available for a bier and braut feast in the days before the race.

While it is draped in festive flags of race sponsors, Roth’s elegant churches, castles and shops regain their ancient magic as the sun sets.

Roth’s 15th century Gothic church is undergoing renovation. But its spirit and beauty transcends the workmen’s scaffolding.

The whole town dances to the music of the festival’s rock band playing a lot of US soft rock classics. But no one danced with more grace than this mother and her child.

Some of Roth’s beauties cast an amused eye at the photographer.

Catriona Morrison, a three time duathlon World Championship medalist, thinks her husband’s sled is subpar and lets the world know it.

Belinda Granger looks like an Olympic fencer in her gleaming white track suit. Behind her is a voluptuous oil painting of a softer sort of beauty in Roth’s Castle Ratibor.

Two amigos greet Roth’s dawn with gusto, ready to race.

An age grouper rides to the front of this group with a look of ecstatic involvement with the task.

Roth’s passion stems from the Walchshofer family. Here race director Felix and his sister Katherine, a fellow Challenge race executive, whoop and holler encouragement to record-breaking Chrissie Wellington on Solarerberg.

A father offers his daughter the best seat in the house to observe the exuberant madness on Solarerberg.

Inspired by the tumult and shouting on Solarerberg, a couple share a kiss.

An age grouper salutes the happy crowd in an otherwise quiet village along the bike course.

Chrissie Wellington is a joy magnet, never too busy to share the moment – even on a world record smashing quest.

Some duels, like this hammerfest between Rebekah Keat and Catriona Morrison, demand all the energy, all the passion.

The sincerest form of appreciation – a foaming bath of Erdinger alkoholfrei beer.

While Chrissie Wellington and men’s winner Michael Goehner were bathed in applause, the cheers for the final finishers were likely louder and equally resonant.

Team Challenge staff, including sister Katherine, hold up race director Felix Walchshofer when the fireworks signaled the end of the magic.

One night later, after the awards ceremony, a few die hard gathered to celebrate at Flames – formerly known as Wunderbar – to close out another Quelle Challenge Roth.