Challenge Roth Announces Pro Field

The Challenge Roth organizers have announced an all-star field of competitors for the 2011 edition. Andreas Raelert and Chrissie Wellington are the marquee athletes in a line up that promises for some great racing.

Ultimate showdown at Challenge Roth’s 10th anniversary race

ROTH, Germany (21 April, 2011) – Challenge Roth has confirmed some of the biggest names in triathlon for the start line at the 10th anniversary race on July 10. With athletes such as Raelert, Kienle, Wellington, Keat, Morrison and Granger competing, it promises to be one of the most exciting line-ups of the season.

Andreas Raelert (GER) and Sebastian Kienle (GER) are both strong enough to break the long-standing world record held by Belgian Luc van Lierde (7:50:27). 26-year-old Kienle finished second in Roth last year in his first iron distance race, coming under the magic eight-hour mark in 7:59:06. Raelert took out IM Frankfurt and a second place spot in Hawaii last year. The duel between Germany’s two leading athletes will be the ultimate showdown this summer but they will have strong competition. Other athletes confirmed include James Cunnama of South Africa (6th in Roth 2010, winner of IM Florida 2010 and third in IM South Africa 2011), Cristophe Bastie (FRA) and upcoming New Zealander Keegan Williams, 2nd in Challenge Wanaka 2009 and 3rd in Challenge Wanaka 2010.

The question for the women’s race is “can she do it again?” Chrissie Wellington has confirmed she wants the hat trick at Roth following her record-breaking victories in 2009 and 2010. She recorded the fastest women’s time on the planet at Challenge Roth 2010 in 8:19:13 and finished seventh overall, entering the realm of her male contemporaries. With 11 long distance victories in a row, the best female triathlete in the world seems unbeatable, except by herself.

As well as the powerful Wellington, the women’s field is world-class. Rebekah Keat (AUS), winner of Challenge Copenhagen, France and Kraichgau and Catriona Morrison (SCO) both have Wellington in their sights. Keat was second to her in 2010 and also broke the world record while Morrison recorded the fastest long distance debut time at Challenge Roth 2009. They are joined by Belinda Granger (AUS), Heather Gollnick (USA) last year’s age group world champion, Belinda Harper (NZE).

The 10th anniversary Challenge Roth will also see some triathlon legends return to the race including Lothar Leder and Jügen Zäck who have won the race five and four times respectively.

Challenge Roth is the world’s largest iron distance triathlon with 5,000 athletes and is part of the global Challenge Family series that features 13 races on three continents. For further information, visit www.challenge-roth.com