Latest News

Samantha Warriner joins Challenge Wanaka team

2009-11-26T12:17:00.002+13:00

LAKE WANAKA, New Zealand (November 26, 2009) - Triathletes crossing the finish line at Challenge Wanaka in January will receive their medals and a congratulations from one of New Zealand's sporting superstars, Samantha Warriner.

The Commonwealth Games silver medallist, ITU World Cup Champion and World Aquathon Champion will also commentate at the event providing spectators with an informed insight in the sport of triathlon.

Having raced in over 60 World Cup or World Championship events plus multiple iron distances, she will let the crowds know exactly how the athletes are feeling during their gruelling 226km race, as well as the tactics involved and also the preparation required to succeed at triathlon's ultimate distance.

"I love all aspects of triathlon, and can't wait to be part of so many people's big day down in Wanaka," she said. "The effort, sacrifice, and ultimately the sense of personal achievement when competing in an event such as Challenge is just the same whether you're racing yourself for a personal best or you're racing the best in the world for a podium place, I just can't wait to be in Wanaka and share all the athletes' day, it'll be a real honour to be involved!"

Challenge Wanaka race director, Victoria Murray-Orr, said it will be a privilege to work with a sportsperson of Sam's calibre.

"We’re thrilled to have Sam as part of the team and are very much looking forward to working with her as we continue to grow the Challenge experience here in New Zealand."

Sam will also race in the national Contact Tri Series in Wanaka on Friday January 15.

NZ's best to race at Challenge Wanaka

2009-11-03T13:34:00.002+13:00

New Zealand's top long distance triathletes, Gina Crawford (nee Ferguson) and Richard Ussher will both race Challenge Wanaka on 16 January 2010, taking on triathlon's ultimate distance in the spectacular alpine setting of New Zealand's South Island.

Crawford and Ussher hold the New Zealand women's and men's iron distance records respectively, both earned at Challenge Wanaka's sister event and the world's largest long distance triathlon, Challenge Roth in Germany. Crawford's time of 8:57:18 earned her third place in 2008 while Ussher also took third place with 8:02:15 in 2009.

The women's field sees a number of new faces taking on the tough 226km Wanaka course and challenging Crawford's title. Former ITU world champion, European champion and multiple Ironman winner Lisbeth Kristensen (DEN) has confirmed her start spot, as has Dutch national long distance champion Irene Kinnegim.

The men's field sees the return of reigning champion, Chris McDonald (AUS) as well as 2008 champion and eight times Inferno winner, Marc Pschebizin (GER). Possibly the world's most prolific iron distance athlete, Petr Vabrousek (CZE) is also returning for another crack at the title. They are joined by Justin Daerr (USA), rising Kiwi star, Keegan Williams who took out second in 2009 and Brian Fuller (AUS) who won the 18-24 age group at the World Championships in 2006 before becoming a professional athlete.

Challenge Wanaka is New Zealand's fastest growing iron distance triathlon and part of the global series of Challenge long distance races that includes Germany, France, Spain, Denmark, Austria as well as New Zealand. The race is the flagship event of the Challenge Wanaka Triathlon Festival that runs from 10-16 January 2010 and also includes Puzzling World Junior Challenge Wanaka, the Radio Wanaka 5km Fun Run, Swim the Course, Contact Cup Sprint Triathlon and the Lake Wanaka Half.

And Austria makes eight

2009-06-27T10:47:00.002+12:00

The world-wide Challenge family welcomes a new member: On September 5, 2010 the premiere of the Kaufhaus Tyrol Challenge Walchsee-Kaiserwinkl will take place at the foot of the Kaisergebirge mountains in Austria. The beautiful Kaiserwinkl region, only a stone's throw from the German border, will be the location of the first Challenge triathlon in Austria and it will certainly be a dreamlike place for this extraordinary event.

Race course with breathtaking views
The swim course will be in the Walchsee lake at the foot of the Kaisergebirge mountains. The lake is 25 metres deep, has a temperature of between 20 and 24°C and drinking water quality – the best prerequisites for fast swim results. The bike course leads through the picturesque Pillerseetal valley via Kössen to Hochfilzen, which is well-known among athletes for its biathlon competitions. Then the course takes the athletes down to St. Johann on a smooth road and through an interesting landscape. The next town along the course is Schwendt, from where the athletes will return to the starting point at the Walchsee lake. Altogether the athletes will have to deal with an altitude difference of 800 metres on the bike course. The run course with some slight hills consists of three laps along the lake promenade, where the athletes will pass farms, fields and meadows around the lake, and will be able to enjoy beautiful views of the Kaisergebirge mountains and the Walchsee lake. The finish-line will be located at the big event area by the lake.

Without a doubt, this 8th location of the world-wide Challenge series in the "Kaiserwinkl" region at the foot of the Wilder Kaiser mountain in Tyrol will add another attraction to the series. Apart from the Challenge competitions in Roth/Germany, Wanaka/New Zealand, Niederbronn-Les-Bains/France, Barcelona/Spain (two events), Kraichgau/Germany and Copenhagen/Denmark (as of 2010), athletes from around the world will now also be able to fight for records in Tyrol.

Perfect location and date
But it is not only the race course in the middle of a beautiful mountain scenery that will be a guarantee for a successful premiere of the Kaufhaus Tyrol Challenge Walchsee Kaiserwinkl. Felix Walchshöfer, organizer of the world-wide Challenge series, says: "I am very much looking forward to the race in Tyrol. Austria is an important market for us. The location is conveniently situated just across the German-Austrian border near the city of Kufstein, which will be a big advantage for German athletes. And the airports of Munich, Salzburg and Innsbruck are only an hour's drive away. The date at the beginning of September has also been well chosen, since the new Challenge half-distance triathlon will certainly be a special highlight at the end of the European triathlon season."

The organizers of the competition are glad to co-operate with the Walchsee community authorities, since they are experienced in organizing big sports events. Mayor Andreas Mayr says: "The community of Walchsee can draw upon many years of experience in organizing sports events. In the last few decades we have held many big sports competitions in summer and in winter on a national and international basis. As the mayor of our community I can assure that the organizers of the triathlon have chosen their location well – not only because of our beautiful scenery."

Signa Holding as title sponsor
Fortunately local race organizer Andreas Klingler and his team have found a title sponsor for the competition straightaway: Signa Holding, one of the leading Austrian real estate companies, which is currently involved in building the "Kaufhaus Tyrol" in Innsbruck, one of Europe’s most modern urban stores (opening in spring 2010). Signa managing director René Benko says: "For me triathlon is a fascinating sport. The professional organizing team, fantastic surrounding conditions and the popularity of triathlon will turn the Kaufhaus Tyrol Challenge Walchsee Kaiserwinkl into a real highlight in Tyrol." And organizer Andreas Klingler adds: "The fair and exciting competitions of the Challenge series and the emotional family atmosphere are well-known across all borders. We think that the philosophy of the Challenge family is a perfect match for us. Strength and heart-felt friendliness are characteristics that are typical for the people here in Tyrol as well."

Homepage online – Applications possible as of July 12
The last few details of the race course are still being worked out, but the application lists will be launched on July 12, 2009 – the day the "mother event", Quelle Challenge Roth, takes place. The new homepage www.challenge-walchsee.at is now online with more information.

Challenge Copenhagen

2009-05-09T19:15:00.003+12:00

YWC Sports and TeamChallenge are proud to present Challenge Copenhagen. On August 15th 2010 the Danish capital will host a truly unique triathlon experience for the first time. The location will be unparalleled to any iron-distance triathlon in the world and the first time in history a capital host a triathlon of this distance.

"We are extremely proud to include Copenhagen in our race calendar. This race will be truly amazing and we are not afraid to call it the most spectacular race course in the world," says Felix Walchshofer, CEO TeamChallenge. Pia Allerslev, Mayor of Culture and Leisure in Copenhagen adds: "We believe that Copenhagen with its historic attractions, the green and international profile, easy access via Copenhagen Airport and strong infrastructure is perfect for a full scale international triathlon event. The door to Copenhagen is open and we look forward to embrace and welcome athletes from all over the world!"

The beautiful scenery in and around Copenhagen will be setting for a stunning and fast race course. The artificial laguna of Amager Beach Park will host the 3,8 km swim. With bridges crossing the water and a shallow seaboard the location is perfect for both athletes and spectators. A flat bike course, closed for cars and all other traffic, runs through the center of Copenhagen to the scenic countryside of Sealand. When finishing the 180 km bike part the athletes will reenter central Copenhagen to do the final run.

The marathon will be a three-looped course on the Copenhagen waterfront. The athletes will be taken past Copenhagen's most amazing attractions such as the Little Mermaid, Amalienborg, home of the Queen of Denmark, the new stunning Opera and the old harbor of Nyhavn. The finish line in front of the Danish Parliament will be a stunning and unique finish for athletes, spectators and sponsors.

Challenge Copenhagen will attract professional and age group athletes from all over the world. With the Challenge signature on the event athletes and their supporters can be sure to experience a race of highest quality. Thomas Veje Olsen, Partner YWC Sports states: "Challenge is more than a race series - it is a feeling! Everybody in triathlon knows the fantastic spirit of the Quelle Challenge Roth. We believe its time to bring this amazing atmosphere and feeling to Copenhagen!"

Challenge Copenhagen has come to life because of a strong commitment from a variety of Danish organizations. Lars Lundov CEO at Sport Event Denmark, the Danish national sport events organisation, says: "It is our goal that Denmark becomes one of the significant sport event nations in the future and known for its high professional standards within all aspects of sports event management for the benefit of athletes, leaders and spectators. Challenge Copenhagen is one of the stepping stones."

15 months prior to Challenge Copenhagen the organizers can already present a field of strong international and Danish athletes. Challenge is one of the fastest growing triathlon concepts in the world and the race series attracts top professional athletes. The Danish triathlon superstar Torbjorn Sindballe and international world class athletes Belinda Granger and Chris McDonald, both from Australia have already announced their participation in the premier race in 2010.

Torbjorn Sindballe, 3rd in Hawaii Ironman 2007 and legendary brake away king on the bike says: "It has been a dream of mine to race in Copenhagen for a long time. It is a fantastic city and a fantastic venue for large triathlon events. We are going to race on some of my favourite training routes and I look forward to show this to the triathletes from all over the world as well as bringing the positive spirit and energy of triathlon in to the hearts of the people in Copenhagen."

The 2 times Challenge, 9 times Ironman winner and one of the strongest female triathletes in the world, Belinda Granger, is eager to take up this new race: "I am extremely excited and thrilled to be part of the new Challenge race in the heart of Copenhagen. I have never had the opportunity to visit Denmark and Copenhagen, but I have heard so many amazing stories about the city, its beauty and charm - it is going to be a surreal experience to actually race there. The course will basically be a sightseeing tour through Copenhagen."

Grounded in the history of the world famous Quelle Challenge Roth, Challenge are now offering high quality triathlon events in Germany, Spain, France and New Zealand. Challenge Roth has always had a special feeling for athletes around the world. Belinda Granger look forward to experience this in Copenhagen as well: "I am confident that the race will more than live up to the 'Challenge' name. Challenge races are special. They have a real family-feel to them, and I can already feel this when I speak to the organizers of Challenge Copenhagen. There is such passion and commitment for the sport and that is exactly what makes Challenge so special - what sets it apart from other races."

Challenge Copenhagen will be held for the first time on August 15th 2010 and will be an annual triathlon event in Copenhagen.

Top field signs for Quelle Challenge Roth

2009-05-09T19:09:00.005+12:00

Two of triathlon's brightest stars will top the professional field for the eighth running of the Quelle Challenge Roth on July 12 in the triathlon-mad hamlet of Roth, Germany. Headlining top-flight fields in the men's and women's races will be Great Britain's Chrissie Wellington, the defending Ironman world champion and recent winner of Ironman Australia, and Germany's Normann Stadler, a two-time winner of the Ironman world title.

Stadler, who has also won an Ironman title at home at Ironman Germany in Frankfurt, will find himself up against a deep field that includes the Quelle Challenge Roth's top three from last year: defending champion Patrick Vernay of New Caledonia, second-place finisher Pete Jacobs of Australia and third-place finisher Torbjorn Sindballe of Denmark. Also toeing the line will be Belgium's Rutger Beke, third at the Ironman World Championships last year; Challenge Wanaka winner Chris McDonald of Australia; multiple Ironman winner Raynard Tissink of South Africa; Ironman Western Australia winner Tim Berkel and Estonia's Ain-Alar Juhanson, winner of Ironman Lanzarote.

The field also includes Australia's Justin Granger, Petr Vabrousek of the Czech Republic, Canada's Luke Dragstra and speedy firefighter Margus Tamm along with a strong German contingent including Michael Gohner, Steffen Liebetrau, Alexander Taubert, Kai Hundertmark, Olaf Sabatschus, Clemens Coenen, Bernd Eichhorn, Michi Hofmann, Dorian Wagner and the legendary Thomas Hellriegel.

The women's field is shaping up to be the strongest outside of the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii. Wellington, whose relatively new Ironman career has gone from strength to strength, said she also will try to take a tilt at the world-best time, lowered to 8:45:48 in Roth last year by Yvonne van Vlerken of the Netherlands. But to stand atop the podium she'll first have to contend with a start list that includes last year's second-place finisher, Hungary's Erika Csomor, whose 8:47:05 also dipped under the old record set by Paula Newby-Fraser in Roth in 1994.

The field also includes two-time Challenge Wanaka winner Gina Ferguson, who recently also took out Ironman New Zealand; former Quelle Challenge Roth champion and multiple Ironman winner Belinda Granger; multiple Ironman New Zealand winner (and former Roth champion) Joanna Lawn of New Zealand; American Hillary Biscay; the UK's Leanda Cave; Australia's Charlotte Paul and Germany's Dagmar Matthes und Christine Waitz.

In all, some 2,500 individual competitors and 500 teams from 50 nations will start the classic event.

For more information, please visit the Quelle Challenge Roth website at www.challenge-roth.de.

New era for worldwide Challenge Series

2009-03-19T21:53:00.003+13:00

A new logo and an additional new online portal will herald a new era for the well-known Challenge Triathlon series, which will for the first time include six races world-wide this year.

New portal will be put online
"We are Triathlon" is the new, self-confident claim which the Challenge Family is going to use to promote the Challenge events all over the world as of March 12. On this date the new Internet portal www.challenge-family.com will be put online. This will also be the date when the new "family logo", the symbol of community of all Challenge events, will for the first time be used on the new common website, but also on the individual websites of the competitions in Wanaka/New Zealand, Niederbronn-Les-Bains/France, Barcelona/Spain (two races), Kraichgau/Germany and of course the "parent" event, the Quelle Challenge Roth.

Big opening surprise: Another 100 start places!
At the opening of the new online portal and the presentation of the new family logo there will be a special gift on March 12: TEAMChallenge will again open the registration lists for the QCR for a short time and will provide another 100 start places at regular prices! This will be the very last chance for all athletes who would still like to take part in the "best old race" and who have not managed to get hold of a ticket for the race so far (since the race has actually been booked up for a long time).

Logo combines harmony and strength
The new catchy red logo, which has been developed by the designer Timo Reichhart (designlowen, Nuremberg), combines four graphic elements: a circle, dynamic verve, the shape of a heart and a "V" for "victory". Although the elements exhibit a certain contrast, in their combination they imply at the same time harmony and strength. If this is translated to the world-wide Challenge Family, there is a contrast between the tough sport of triathlon and the image of the series - cordiality, enthusiasm and real emotions.

For the individual licensees of the series, which still continues to grow, Reichhart has designed variations of the family logo, which will enable the organizers of each event to include their title sponsor, the place and the date of the race into the figurative mark.

A new and consistent design concept, including the individual country variations, had to be found when the Challenge Family kept on growing. So this year two new races in Barcelona (half-distance on May 24, long-distance on October 4) as well as the new German half-distance race in Kraichgau (on June 14) will celebrate their premiere, and additional events are going to follow. The use of the new logo by all partners and licensees on all types of printed matter and advertising media will result in an optimum widespread effect of the "Challenge" trademark. It will also help to enhance the public's awareness of the triathlon series as an international event.

Challenge Wanaka Triathlon Festival announces new half distance for 2010

2009-02-20T09:17:00.003+13:00

Challenge Wanaka has announced entries are open for the new half iron distance event at the 2010 Challenge Wanaka Triathlon Festival in New Zealand's South Island.
The Lake Wanaka Half will run concurrently with the full iron distance on Saturday 16 January 2010 with the race timed to end before the first Challenge Wanaka professional athletes arrive in the finish chute.

The course will follow the same spectacular route that has quickly earned Challenge Wanaka the title of the world's most scenic iron distance triathlon. The 1.9km swim will be one lap of the swim course in the crystal waters of Lake Wanaka, the 90km cycle will travel out towards Treble Cone before heading back through Lake Wanaka and out to Lake Hawea. The 21.1km run will be one lap of the current run course, half of which is off road alongside the lake and banks of the Clutha River.

Challenge Wanaka race director, Victoria Murray-Orr, said the addition of a half iron distance was a natural progression for the Challenge Wanaka Triathlon Festival that now includes a full spectrum of races, from the Tri NZ Contact Series sprint distance to the flagship iron distance event.

"This year's introduction of the Puzzling World Junior Challenge and other smaller events were so popular and so enthusiastically embraced by the community we wanted to open up the Challenge Festival experience even further," she said. "The Lake Wanaka Half will appeal to both the newcomer to long distance racing as well as experienced athletes looking for an exciting new addition to their race calendar. It also enhances the spectator experience as there'll be non-stop action in transition and at the finish line area throughout race day."

The Lake Wanaka Half is open to both teams and individuals with entries at a special launch price of $185 for individuals and $245 for teams. The price will rise to $230 for individuals and $295 for teams on 1 April 2009. Entries close on 11 December 2009 unless capacity is reached prior.

-ends-

Two new records at Challenge Wanaka 09

2009-01-21T20:22:00.001+13:00

LAKE WANAKA, New Zealand (January 17, 2009 ) — Blitzing the course record, Australia's Chris McDonald powered home to win the third Challenge Wanaka long distance triathlon in 8.37.41, nearly seven minutes clear of plucky Kiwi Keegan Williams. Czech Petr Vabrousek rounded out the podium just 30sec in arrears in what turned out to be a close-fought battle on the run.

The race covers 3.8km of swimming, 180km of cycling and a marathon run on a scenic course through the Southern Lakes region and along the Clutha River.

McDonald, 30, placed second here last year and said frustration with a slow swim sped him through the first 80km on the bike and a final time that slashed 10min off the course record of 8.47.49, set here by last year's winner Marc Pschebizin of Germany.
McDonald exited Lake Wanaka two and a half minutes down on the race leaders but by 30km into the cycle had moved to the front. "I got on the bike and hammered the bejeezus out of the first 80km," he said, noting he'd clocked 1.55 over the distance. "I thought I better slow down."

McDonald came into the transition area with four minutes on training partner Justin Daerr, a young American triathlete who finished fourth on the day. He went through the first 21km of the run in 1.23 and at 32km learned he had seven minutes in hand and settled into a steady pace. Behind him, though, it was all change as Daerr dropped back under the withering pace of the veteran Czech campaigner and the young Williams, who was off the bike third more than six minutes adrift of McDonald.

The win makes a great start to McDonald's 2009 campaign, one that follows on a win at Ironman Wisconsin one week after a second at Ironman Kentucky and a fourth place in the Quelle Challenge Roth. "I couldn’t be happier. What a way to start the year," he said.

Defending champion Gina Ferguson exited the water first and was never headed to break her own course record by some five minutes and finish in 9.28.27. "The swim was hard," she said at the finish. "I had a great ride."

She exited the lake with the top male swimmers in 54.34, then set a new bike course record of 5.14, breaking the 2007 mark set by Aussie Belinda Granger.

Ferguson said she struggled from 20km to 30km on the run then came right. "You just have to keep pushing," said the Christchurch-based athlete, who was a winner at December's Ironman Western Australia after an eighth at the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii. She arrived in Wanaka with only three weeks of training after a bit of a break after the Australian event.

"It was tough to do it yourself all day long—mentally tough," she said. "I hope that will stand me in good stead when I go to race in Hawaii."

Wanaka’s own Merryn Johnston, fourth here last year in her professional debut, improved to second in 10.03.56. Third spot went to American Hillary Biscay, who was second here last year, in 10.16.39.

Countdown has begun

2009-01-16T17:49:00.002+13:00

With less than 24 hours to go until New Zealand's fastest growing iron distance triathlon, Challenge Wanaka, takes place, the top seeds of the race are finishing their final preparations with their eye on the $70,000 prize pool.

Defending women's champion, Gina Ferguson, said that despite her recent success in the world championships and Western Australia, she did not feel any different than this time last year.

"My one goal is to do the best I can and cope with the circumstances that come my way during the race. I had a good two-week rest after WA and have been building up for the last four weeks with a lot of volume on the bike. I'm feeling fit and strong and will just do the best I can."

Defending men's champion, Marc Pschebizin (GER) said he was hoping for a repeat of last year’s performance. "I want to do the same good race as last year but it's hard as coming out of European winter. I have had some really mentally hard rides in mid-winter at home in minus 15C so am prepared to suffer on course which will be a good mental advantage. If it’s hard conditions, that'll be good for me but if it's a hard race, it's also a fair race as everyone has to fight with the same conditions. I had a phenomenal run last year (2hrs 48min) and it'd be great to do it again."

Petr Vabrousek (CZE) has, in his words, "some unfinished business" on Saturday. At the inaugural Challenge Wanaka, he was disqualified, something that took him six months to get over. Then last year his flights were cancelled and when he finally arrived in New Zealand his luggage and bike were nowhere to be seen. He raced on borrowed equipment and despite his bad luck continuing with a puncture, still managed to finish sixth.

"This year when my first flight was cancelled I though the bad luck was continuing. This race has made me very mentally strong after my bad luck in the past. This year, everything is perfect so far – I can’t wait for a great race on Saturday with a good result."

Hillary Biscay's (USA) goal is to be the fastest swimmer "but I definitely have some competition, it'd be great for Gina and I to lead all the guys out of the water!! I enjoy any kind of extreme conditions – pouring rain, extreme heat, the more extreme the better, we didn’t come here to do something easy so why not just go all the way?"

Biscay has competed at every Challenge Wanaka event, along with Justin Granger (AUS) and Vabrousek. "I've raced all over the world – this might be my very favourite, definitely top two that I have ever done," she said. "The venue is unlike any other – it's unusual to run on trails let alone the wonderful setting. The small town getting behind the race makes a huge difference, no matter how much you're struggling in the race, it feels like the whole town is behind you. Coming back year after year is like being at a family reunion – that's why you'll see the same faces every year as once people have experienced Challenge Wanaka, they'll want to come back again and again."

Huge turnout for inaugural Puzzling World Junior Challenge

2009-01-12T21:06:00.000+13:00

Over 180 children aged between six and 15 turned out for the first ever Puzzling World Junior Challenge Wanaka. The event kicked off the week long Challenge Wanaka Triathlon Festival in style with children and their families traveling from all over the region to take part.

Challenge Wanaka pro athlete and inaugural Challenge Wanaka winner, Luke Dragstra (CAN) was on hand to sign T-shirts, Radio Wanaka was pumping the tunes and everyone got a finishers shirt and prizes from Puzzling World. Many of the volunteers were athletes taking part in next weekend's iron distance race, supporting the next generation of triathletes. Challenge Wanaka race director, Victoria Murray-Orr, said she was hugely impressed, not only with how may children were taking part but also the great displays of good sportsmanship.

"All the kids were so amazing and everyone had a wonderful time – there are some really keen triathletes out there which is great to see," she said. "The best moments of the day were when we saw kids helping their friends finish the race, crossing the line hand in hand and supporting each other. Our event manager, Mike Johnston, did an amazing job on the course that was achievable for all age groups and it was a brilliant start to Challenge Wanaka 09."

Seven-year-old Liam Shepherd from Invercargill made short work of the first swim-bike-run of the day crossing the line first and taking out the boys’ race in 6-7 age group. Fastest girl was Queenstown's Jacque Lattimore (7). Both Liam and Jacque, together with the other age group winners from today, will run down the finish line chute carrying balloons behind next week’s winners of Challenge Wanaka. The fastest team was the Crusty Demons from Wanaka featuring Mitchell Evans (6), Ethan Kerr (7) and Fergus Reid (6).

Attention then turned to the 8-9 year olds who also did a 50m swim, 1km bike and 500m run. Tegan Buchanan (9) of Cromwell had an easy victory in first place while the fastest boy was Gregor Findlay (8) of Wanaka who came across the finish line just ahead of fastest team, The Cartoon Characters Rocks from Queenstown featuring Robyn Blackstock (8) and Amelia Hide (8).

The course lengthened for the largest age group, the 10-12 year olds, with the swim now 100m, the bike 3km and the run 1km. Casey Strachan (11) of Wanaka took out the race and the boys' title, followed by the fastest team, Wanaka's Three Amigos with Ellie Russell (11), Libby Tones (12) and Alex Thomas (11). Twelve-year-old Georgia Vessey from Alexandra won the girls’ race.

The final race of the day was for the 13-15 year olds with a 200m swim, 5km bike and 2km run. Queenstown's Jaime Kruijer (14) was streaks ahead of the rest of the field and, winning the race and the girls' title. Behind her was Team Jam with Amelia Pasco (11) from Wanaka, Jessie Taylor (13) and Margie Anderson (13) both from Dunedin, followed by the fastest boy, Lochy Brown (13) from Cromwell.

Challenge Wanaka numbers up over 50%

2009-01-04T17:01:00.000+13:00

With entries now closed for the 2009 event on January 17, Challenge Wanaka organisers today announced an overall increase in entries of 52.5%, totaling 474 athletes. The 2009 field of New Zealand's fastest growing iron distance triathlon will include 19 nationalities, 140 individuals and 117 relay teams.

New Zealand's fastest female iron distance athlete, Gina Ferguson is back to defend her title while multisport world champion, Richard Ussher is lining up for the first time fresh from his victory at the Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge. Other big names include inaugural winner, Luke Dragstra (CAN), Hillary Biscay (USA) and Petr Vabrousek (CZE) as well as defending men's champion Marc Pschebizin (GER).

The eldest individual competitor is 72-year-old Garth Barfoot while the eldest relay team is the Septuagenarians with a combined age of 230 featuring the event’s eldest competitor, 79-year-old runner, Stan Gawler. The youngest competitor is the 13-year-old swimmer for Team McTryHards, Cameron McMahon, who is currently ranked fifth in New Zealand for his age group.

$1,000 reward for best Challenge supporters

2009-01-02T19:45:00.002+13:00

When over 450 iron distance athletes take to the region's roads and running tracks for Challenge Wanaka on 17 January 2009, there's added incentive for spectators to line the course and support them with the introduction of the Mitre 10 Supporters' Prize.

The best group of supporters, whether the loudest, most colourful or most energetic will win $1,000 from Mitre 10, so long as their signs show both the Mitre 10 and Challenge Wanaka logos, as judged by Challenge Wanaka course directors.

"Thanks to the generousity of Mitre 10 this is a great opportunity for community groups, schools and other organizations to get out on course, support the athletes and raise significant funds," said Challenge Wanaka race director, Victoria Murray-Orr. "Even if they’re not lucky enough to win, it'll be good fun day out and will provide a huge boost for these amazing athletes."

Mark Watson, store manager of Wanaka Mitre 10, said, "Challenge Wanaka has brought a lot to the community and at Mitre 10 we'd like to see the community to give back their support! The $1,000 Mitre 10 is offering is great encouragement and will come in handy for a community group."

Challenge Wanaka announces performance bonus

2008-12-11T13:06:00.001+13:00

Challenge Wanaka today announced the Western Pacific Bonus for exceptional performance on the testing iron distance triathlon course that has quickly become renowned as one of the most scenic in the world.

The NZ$5,000 Western Pacific Bonus will be paid to the first male athlete who finishes in under 8:10 and the first female who comes in under 9:00, both achievable times with the right conditions on the day.

"Challenge Wanaka is a spectacular and honest course with the smaller field demanding as much mentally as it does physically," said race director, Victoria Murray-Orr. "It's going to take a stunning performance to earn the bonus but we believe it is attainable. The times set are significantly faster than the current course records but are also significantly slower than the world records, which would be unrealistic on a course of this nature. Western Pacific Insurance wanted to promote the pursuit of excellence here in New Zealand and we’re delighted to work them to help achieve this through Challenge Wanaka."

Western Pacific Insurance is already supporting the recreational field of Challenge Wanaka with the Western Pacific Champion Club Trophy that is awarded to the highest placed club team. The trophy encourages healthy competition between club teams with a view to getting more people involved in iron distance racing as team members progress to the individual discipline. All athletes will also benefit from insurance cover during the race from Western Pacific.

Local teams get added incentive

2008-12-02T21:32:00.001+13:00

Athletes from the Southern Lakes region competing in iron distance triathlon, Challenge Wanaka have even more to race for following the announcement of the WHK Teams Prize today which will see the highest placed male, female and mixed teams from the Southern Lakes take home $900 for their achievements.

Local accountancy firm, WHK Cook Adam Ward Wilson promotes a healthy work-life balance and have a team and an individual racing in Challenge Wanaka in January. WHK spokesperson, Kim Forsythe said as WHK has a strong presence in the Southern Lakes region, they wanted to support the local teams and help encourage other locals to become involved in the event.

"We believe it is our social responsibilty to encourage a healthy and active lifestyle, both amongst our staff and further afield. As WHK has a strong presence in the local Wanaka region and Southern Lakes district as a whole we feel this is a great opportunity to sponsor local teams and get behind one of the major sporting events in the region. We commend Challenge Wanaka for bringing an event of this size to the town and acknowledge the support and effort that comes with over 500 athletes, 4,000 spectators and not to mention the many volunteer, officials and marshalls."

Beneficiaries of Challenge Wanaka Volunteer Programme announced

2008-12-02T21:23:00.001+13:00

Challenge Wanaka today announced the beneficiaries of its volunteer programme. The iron distance triathlon needs up to 400 volunteers to run the event and in return makes a donation to a selected local cause or charity to say thank you to the community for its support.

For 2009, two recipients, both Wanaka based, have been selected from a total of six who registered their interest. Sustainable Wanaka will receive funding for its Water Quality Community Education Programme that will not only raise awareness in the community on water quality issues but also develop resources to assist with educational activities and run workshops with local business to develop actions and ideas. The project will also work closely with the Otago Regional Council on the state of health of our waterways.

"Our waterways, the most obvious of which is the lake, are such valuable assets for Wanaka and it's vital we maintain their pristine condition," said Sophie Ward of Sustainable Wanaka. "This programme will help educate adults, children and businesses and suggest ways in which we can all help to do this, whether its through stormwater management, grey water recycling or landscaping for reduced water use."

Kahu Youth Trust is raising funds for a venue that will provide Wanaka youth with their own space for the first time. The Trust provides organised activities on a regular basis for all youth in the region aged 11- 24. It also provides positive channels through which young people may achieve success and gain recognition as well as advocating and encouraging a voice for local youth. Funding from Challenge Wanaka will go towards altering the new venue to suit the needs of youth, as decided by the youth themselves under guidance from the Trust.

"As the Wanaka area population grows, Kahu Youth Trust recognises the need to provide a safe and fun space where young people can drop in for a catch-up with mates or youth workers, a space where they feel at home and wanted," said Kahu Youth Trust chairperson Kate Bariletti. "It is essential that youth create the internal space that represents themselves and provides the environment suitable to their needs."

Challenge Wanaka race director, Victoria Murray-Orr, said the volunteers were the heart and soul of the event and it would be impossible to run a race of this magnitude without their support, or that of the volunteer sponsor, Racers Edge.

"Volunteers really are the lifeblood of any sporting event and we hope our donation to Sustainable Wanaka and Kahu Youth Trust will go some way to repaying their generosity in helping make Challenge Wanaka an event for the region to be proud of," she said. "We had a number of highly deserving causes apply for the donation making the final decision very difficult. We decided on Sustainable Wanaka and Kahu Youth Trust as between them they reach a broad cross-section of the community and their projects will provide huge benefit to the community."

All volunteers receive a free T-shirt from Racers Edge and can celebrate their achievements at the Racers Edge Volunteers' Party at Oakridge Resort on Sunday January 18 where the winning athletes will be on hand to tell volunteers about their race, hand out spot prizes and leave them in no doubt what a valued part of the event volunteers are. To sign up as a volunteer, forms are available at Racers Edge or via the Challenge website.

Newton Running joins Challenge Wanaka

2008-11-10T23:00:00.003+13:00

Challenge Wanaka today announced Newton Running as official footwear supplier to the iron distance triathlon that takes place in Lake Wanaka on January 17, 2009.

Since their launch in March 2007, Newton Running has revolutionized the running shoe market with its line of lightweight, technical running shoes designed to help runners run more efficiently with less muscle fatigue. Founded by a group of elite runners, coaches and inventors in Boulder, Colorado, Newton Running uses patented technology inspired by Sir Isaac Newton's elemental laws of motion. Newton's third law of motion states that there is an equal and opposite reaction for every action. Newton Running applies the Science of Motion with a design that absorbs the energy of a runner's impact on the ground and then releases it to propel the runner forward.

Worn by triathletes around the globe, including world champions Craig Alexander and Paula Newby-Fraser, Newton's propulsion technology, combined with a running technique that focuses on a midfoot-forefoot strike rather than heel striking, helps runners achieve maximum efficient performance.

Challenge Wanaka race director, Victoria Murray-Orr said the synergy between Newton Running and Challenge Wanaka was excellent with both working towards improving athletes' experience at elite and recreational levels.

"Challenge Wanaka is renowned as the world's most scenic iron distance triathlon and our focus is on ensuring the athletes enjoy a race experience that is as memorable as the scenery, whatever their ability," she said. "We expect the same level of commitment from our sponsors, hence why we have chosen to work with Newton with their cutting edge technology and understanding of athlete requirements."

Newton Running will also take on the run leg sponsorship of Challenge Wanaka. Challenge Wanaka is part of the global series of TEAMChallenge events with six half and full iron distance races in Germany, France and Spain as well as New Zealand. For further information visit www.newtonrunning.com.

Western Pacific Insurance supports Champion Club Trophy

2008-10-29T15:52:00.002+13:00

Western Pacific Insurance are delighted to be the sponsor of the Champion Club Trophy and the Official Insurance Supplier for Challenge Wanaka 2009. "The inspirational nature and toughness of this event together with the back drop of Central Otago, Western Pacific's home, and the event's growing profile, both at home in New Zealand and internationally, made the decision to partner this event easy," said CEO Jeffrey McNally.

"The Western Pacific profile and brand is firmly linked with Otago and the Challenge Wanaka event reinforces the toughness, competitiveness and pioneering spirit that is Otago.

"This relationship continues our strategy to build relationships with unique Kiwi events that show the world that even a small country like our has the expertise, knowledge and wherewithal to not only stage events such as this but to grow them to match any event worldwide.

"Western Pacific, is New Zealand's only locally owned Commercial/Business Insurer and the only insurer of its type with their Head Office in the South Island. Being born in Otago we are as tough and competitive as Challenge Wanaka itself!"

2XU announced as official apparel sponsor

2008-10-29T15:48:00.002+13:00

MELBOURNE, October 2008 - 2XU, Australasia's fastest growing high performance athletic apparel brand, has been announced the official apparel supplier of Challenge Wanaka 2009.

As official compression apparel supplier to the New Zealand Academy of Sport, 2XU's sponsorship of Challenge Wanaka further articulates the global brand's rapid New Zealand ascent. Last month, 2XU also opened the doors of its first New Zealand store in Newmarket, Auckland.

2XU's highly acclaimed apparel will be worn by event staff, while all event finishers will be awarded an official 2XU Challenge Wanaka 2009 shirt in recognition of their achievement.

2XU is now one of the most revered brands on the international triathlon market. Every element of the three discipline sport has been dissected and considered by the 2XU product development team. Rigorous testing has been carried out to produce fabrics with superior denier and gauge construction to allow speed without compromising heat and moisture transfer.

Merchandise from 2XU's Triathlon, Cycle and Run ranges will also be available for purchase by competitors and spectators throughout the 2009 Challenge Wanaka festival.

For further information on 2XU, visit www.2xu.com

Unfair assistance at Roth. An account of Challenge Roth 2008, contributed by Garth Barfoot

2008-09-24T12:56:00.001+12:00

Who left the frig door open? I was in a stream of triathletes scurrying towards their bikes. The drop in temperature between the change tent and the outside air was dramatic. I could accept that the damp mist at body marking time had turned into rain during the swim but this coldness gave me the frights. I thought of the cycling jersey that I had not taken out of my transition bag. Why oh why had I not put it on? In truth I had been seduced by the “when in Rome do what the Romans do” syndrome. Most of those in the change tent were exiting in just tri suits or cycle tops. At least I had donned a jacket but that seemed within seconds to be paper-thin. I wondered about returning to the tent to retrieve my jersey but assessed the chance of finding my bag in a reasonable time frame as very poor. Another possibility was the waterproof parka that my elder brother was wearing. I could swap my jacket for that parka even though it would not be a very nice way of treating a 79 year old who had flown half way round the world to support me. Then the remembrance of Erin Baker being disqualified at Hawaii for accepting a drink of water from a bystander crossed my mind. Such a swap would put me in breach of the unfair assistance rule. No one would notice as both jacket and parka were yellow. But I would still have to live with myself.
I rejoined the stream of athletes. It was July, the height of the European summer, so the odds were that things would improve. But they did not, worse still it seemed the bike course was designed to direct competitors to the blackest part of the thickening cloud cover. The first long up hill on the course is through a village where the spectator barriers are only metres apart. As is usual for me in such situations I went to put on a spurt. If I was younger it would be called showing off. But nothing happened. I glanced back to see if some prankster was holding on to my bike. No one was there. It had to be that the cold was infiltrating my bare legs.
On the open high ground beyond that village a competitor was being wrapped in an aluminum blanket by an ambulance crew. My need now was to get down to the valley below where it should be warmer. The descent proved worse than the ascent; the cold in my arms and fingers meant any descent at racing pace through the bends would be too risky to contemplate. Afterwards I learnt that Kieran Doe, the race leader at the time, had been taken out of the race by one of those bends. Safely on the valley floor I looked for a warm place to stop. A café would be ideal. Once again the memory of Erin Baker came back. The problem was how to explain to the proprietor in my virtually non-existent German that I could be disqualified if I ate or drank anything from his premises.

A motorway underpass provided cover from the rain but was otherwise damp and draughty, no point in stopping there. An oasis appeared in the form of a vacant garage; an ideal place to stop and do some skipping on the spot to warm up. I had time for such a diversion, as finishing was now all I wished for. But as I slowed I could make out the words “penalty box” on a temporary sign. If I was recognized there how could I convince anyone that I was a voluntary prisoner? You cannot be in real estate for fifty years and not worry about your image. I envied the storm gear of the draft busters on guard duty there and cycled on.

Shortly after that on a gentle downhill the aerobars tried to jump out of my hands. I stopped to see if a tyre was flat or if the front wheel had come loose. As I leant over to check I knew it would be neither, it had to be a speed wobble. But the roughness in the preceding patch of road was minimal; the problem had to be with me. The cold was slowing down the responsiveness of my arms. My wife Judy might consider me obsessed with doing ironmans but I am not foolish; it was time to pull out. And I made that decision notwithstanding that almost all of those going past had less clothing on than me. For example arm warmers were the only concession made to the weather by kiwi Gina Ferguson who was third elite in a personal best time though the droplet on the end of her nose evidences the miserable conditions. Such conditions resulted in 2008 having the highest proportion of non-finishers (9%) in the 20 year history of the race.

Now all that was left for me to do was to cycle about 15 km back to the swim bike transition at the end of the first lap and hand in my transponder to the officials. With such a short distance to contemplate my spirits lifted and more importantly so did my cadence. The clouds changed colour from black to grey and the precipitation changed from downpour to drizzle. To borrow a phrase from the spin-doctors I did not reach the end of the first lap, I reached the beginning of the second. A mere 90 km left to cycle, my tank had been refilled with energy, why had I ever been thinking of pulling out. During the second lap the weather continued to improve. By the time I entered transition I was the only one around wearing a jacket. “Do you want to take it on the run” asked the helper in the tent. “Too right” I responded, “I have been cold once today, I do not want to take the risk of being cold again”.

A mere two hours later the heavens opened again. At first it was not of great concern though I felt sorry for the people at the aid stations with their token shelter and for the spectators who had no shelter at all. Subsequently when there was no sign of a let up I thought I would request a plastic poncho at the next aid station. I had no doubt they would be available there, particularly as covers for the bikes had been supplied at the check in the previous day. But the aid stations had nothing to offer. Wondering how to conserve body heat I sighted a sheet of plastic on the grass beside the gravel path, presumably left behind by supporters who had retreated to their cars when the rain got too much. If I wrapped it around myself it would keep the cold at bay. But then that unfair assistance thing came back. How could I prove I had not come along the day before and hidden it in the grass? I would just have to suffer it out.

After what seemed like hours and probably was an official appeared out of the gathering darkness and asked me to have my number showing as I was near the finish. My eyes began to water as I recalled the other overseas ironman (China, Japan and Kona) that I had failed to finish. I took off my jacket and tied it around my waist. The moment I entered the bright lights of the stadium the crowd started to cheer. My body responded and I started to run. The crowd cheered more and I started to sprint. That assistance to my speed was unquestionably unfair. Why should a guy who was virtually the slowest of all the thousands of people who finished that day get seemingly the most support? Such quibbles were not on the race director’s mind when he hugged me at the finish; on the contrary he offered me the chance to do a lap of honour around the stadium. No one handed me a New Zealand flag to wave so I held my jacket high in the air, its lightness was now an advantage as it wafted in the air. It deserved such reverence for without its protection the oldest competitor in the race would never have finished.

Record Numbers for Challenge Wanaka 2009

2008-09-06T15:07:00.001+12:00

Challenge Wanaka today announced a significant increase in competitor numbers for the internationally renowned iron distance triathlon, due to take place on January 17, 2009.

Compared to the same time last year, team entries have increased by 62% while individual entries are up 33% with the total number of 2009 athletes now exceeding 2008 race day numbers.

"We are thrilled to see such a huge increase in numbers and we've still got over four months until race day," said race director, Victoria Murray-Orr. "Entries are coming in from all four corners of the world as well as a strong representation from throughout New Zealand. These figures show that Challenge Wanaka is well on its way to becoming a significant sporting event, not just for the South Island, but New Zealand as a whole. We will continue to work hard, together with our sponsors and other stakeholders, to keep growing the event, attracting even more visitors to the world's most scenic iron distance triathlon here in Lake Wanaka."

For 2009, Challenge Wanaka has grown into a week-long triathlon festival with the inclusion of the Puzzling World Junior Challenge Wanaka and the Tri NZ Contact Cup sprint series, as well as other smaller events. The flagship iron distance event on Saturday January 17 will see athletes line up to take on the 226km course, either as individuals or as part of a team. They will complete the 3.8km swim, 180km bike and 42.2km run in anything between 8.5 and 15 hours with the final competitors crossing the line to a welcome of fireworks and thousands of cheering spectators.

Kia Motors announced as official Challenge Wanaka vehicle supplier

2008-08-23T13:31:00.001+12:00

Challenge Wanaka today announced Kia Motors as the event's official vehicle supplier, providing the iron distance triathlon with a fleet of vehicles and building on Kia's support of New Zealand's world-class multisport events.

Todd McDonald, general manager of Kia Motors New Zealand Ltd, said, "This partnership is about supporting a sport and lifestyle that is embraced by New Zealanders while reinforcing the passion and competition that makes up the DNA of Kia Motors. This relationship continues our international strategy to focus on extreme performance and with our support of New Zealanders participating locally at world-class levels.

"One of New Zealand's top performers in this field is Richard Ussher, who has already confirmed his entry and we feel his involvement reinforces our participation in this event."

Challenge Wanaka race director, Victoria Murray-Orr, said getting the support of major international brand Kia Motors reinforced Challenge Wanaka's continued growth on the international triathlon scene.

"Challenge Wanaka may be the latest addition to the circuit but when a respected company such as Kia Motors believes in it as much as we do, then you know the event is making its mark. Kia vehicles fit well into the mindset of Challenge Wanaka, particularly the 4x4 Sorento that can take on anything, just like the athletes."

Richard Ussher to start at Challenge Wanaka

2008-08-05T12:14:00.002+12:00

Challenge Wanaka today announced world champion adventure racer, Richard Ussher will compete at Challenge Wanaka taking on New Zealand's toughest iron distance course on January 17, 2009.

Ussher has amassed an impressive resume of achievements, both as part of the former New Zealand team, Seagate/Balance Vector, and on an individual basis including World Adventure Racing Champion in 2005 and 2006. He has also won the Speights Coast to Coast Word Multisport Championships in 2005, 2006 and in 2008 and has dominated the national scene in New Zealand.

Further highlighting his ability as an athlete, Ussher also represented New Zealand at the Olympics, competing in the men's ski moguls event at the 1998 Winter Games and a decade later he has added the most grueling form of triathlon to his repertoire.

"I like to try new events and continually challenge myself on different courses against different people. Having raced in Taupo this year the obvious goal for me was to try the other iron distance event in the country," he said. "Wanaka and the Southern Lakes area is also a pretty special place for me, it is where I lived for a number of years while ski training. The main attraction though is to race on such a stunning course in an area I love, and to experience Challenge Wanaka for the first time with many others passionate about endurance sport."

Ussher joins a strong line up of top international and New Zealand professional athletes that will include defending champions, Marc Pschebizin (GER) and New Zealand's fastest female iron distance athlete, Gina Ferguson who recently won third at the world's largest iron distance race, Quelle Challenge Roth in Germany.

Challenge Wanaka announces week long triathlon festival

2008-07-16T18:19:00.003+12:00

Challenge Wanaka today announced a week long festival of triathlon from January 11-17, 2009 with the addition of a junior event and a criterium-style sprint event to the already established iron distance race.

Challenge Wanaka is working with Triathlon New Zealand to bring a race in the Contact Cup Series on Friday January 16. The late afternoon race will see athletes racing at high speed through the streets of central Wanaka's providing a thrilling evening's entertainment for spectators. It is expected to attract all levels of triathletes, from those just starting out to some of New Zealand's most well-known elite competitors.

Tri NZ CEO Dave Beeche said he is very excited to be bringing another Contact Cup race series down to the South Island

"Wanaka is a stunning location and with the holidaymakers at that time of year, we are hoping to get a broader participation base involved in the event and are looking forward to working with Challenge Wanaka to bring together the complete triathlon package, one that will appeal to the first time and 'social' competitors, as well as the elites."

The Challenge Wanaka Triathlon Festival kicks off with the new Puzzling World Junior Challenge on Sunday, January 11. Aimed at introducing children from 8-15 to triathlon and getting them involved in sport, the race will feature three distances depending on age and is guaranteed to be a lot of fun for both children and parents.

"We're thrilled to announce these two new events as part of the Challenge Wanaka experience and to be working with Tri NZ to help promote and grow the sport," said race director, Victoria Murray-Orr. "Spectators and athletes can now enjoy both ends of the triathlon spectrum during the week, from the high speed sprint to the inspiring ironman distance plus it's wonderful to be able to get the kids involved."

New world record in Roth

2008-07-14T21:06:00.003+12:00

On a record-setting day in Roth, defending champion Yvonne Van Vlerken of the Netherlands took out a dramatic win that smashed triathlon legend Paula Newby-Fraser's world record of 8:50:53 set here in 1994 with a scintillating 8:45:48.

And proving that the bar has been lifted to new heights in women's triathlon, the second place woman - Hungary's Erika Csomor - also came in under Newby-Fraser's time, in 8:47:05. Third went to New Zealand's Gina Ferguson, in only her second year of ironman racing, in 8:57:18. Australia's Belinda Granger, the 2005 champion, took fourth less than a minute behind Ferguson with fellow Aussie Rebekah Keat fifth in 9:02:34.

All this on a day that started out with steady rain that continued until the start of the marathon.

"I am so happy. I trained so hard and dreamed of a world record every night, but today with the weather it was so hard," an ecstatic Van Vlerken said at the finish. "It was raining all the time and there was a lot of wind - but bye, bye, world record. I felt great."

Van Vlerken and Csomor are rivals from their years racing duathlons and they marked each another all day. It started in the swim and they stayed within hailing distance on the bike and together pursued bike leader Granger, who started the run with more than eight minutes over the pair. After they made their way to the front the battle continued into the last 10km of the run, when Van Vlerken was finally able to open up a gap on Csomor, a frequent top five finisher here in Roth and winner earlier this year of Ironman Arizona.

"I really had a hard fight with Erika and I could hear her breathing, and I said 'Yvonne, stay cool, stay cool, take it easy and run your own rhythm and if she overtakes then she's just better.' I really pushed hard," the 29-year-old Van Vlerken said of the run. "I don't know if I would have broken the world record if she wasn't there, because she really pushed me."

"The world record belongs to Roth and I hope it will last until next year when I can break it again if there are good conditions," Van Vlerken said.

Csomor, for her part, said that Van Vlerken was never far from her mind in training - proof that the women are driving themselves to new heights in triathlon. "In the training camp for the last six weeks, Yvonne was the favourite topic," Csomor said. "We kind of motivated each other. We knew she was training hard. And we are training hard in another place. We are pulling each other, not just in the race but during training."

On a morning that dawned with rain that kept coming until the marathon started for the leaders, many observers predicted slow times - but they were wrong.

First out of the water was legendary German long-distance star and superfish Ute Mückel, trailed by Keat and Granger, with American Hillary Biscay next out onto the bike course. Granger, known for her bike prowess here, then started opening up a gap on the rest of the women - by 70km she had 2:30, more than 6min at 120km, and 8min by T2.

Granger set out on the run with determination but the pursuit was relentless and by 9km Van Vlerken and Csomor had closed her lead down to one minute, then overtook her at about 15km. From there they drove one another to a pair of sub-three-hour marathons - 2:54:22 for Van Vlerken and 2:55:54 for Csomor, a frequent top-five finisher in Roth and the winner of this year's Ironman Arizona."

"It's just amazing to come to a race and get pushed to your absolute limits," said Granger. "At 37 years of age I don't really expect to do PBs, and that's a PB by 9 minutes so I'm really happy.

"Erika is a training partner of mine. It was really good to see her do so well. One world record's pretty insane but two is out of this world."

Ferguson, for her part, was just going as fast as she could with the goal of catching Granger, which she did with just 4km to go. "I was just giving everything to the end. I never race with a watch so I had no idea what the time was. I thought maybe I would do 9.10 today; 8.57 for me was really, really special."

"I've been in ironman for one year," she said. "To be under 9 hours - I never thought I'd be able to do this so I'm really happy."

Vernay shines at Roth

2008-07-14T20:56:00.004+12:00

Heat-loving New Caledonian Patrick Vernay wasn't sure he’d be able to go well in the rain at the seventh Quelle Challenge Roth on Sunday, but when he got to the run he did what he does best - fly. His 2:47 marathon carried him to the finish first in 8:09:34, three minutes clear of Aussie Pete Jacobs in second and Denmark's Torbjørn Sindballe in third.

"It's amazing. In the morning I didn't want to start because I hate the rain," said Vernay, a two-time Ironman Australia champion who's fast earning a reputation in triathlon for his quick closing run. "I only knew I would win when I was 2km from the finish line."

Rounding out the top five were Australia's Chris McDonald and France's Francois Chabaud, whose 2:48 marathon, second only to Vernay's, hauled him up from more than 20 minutes down off of the bike.

Defying the rainy skies, Roth's triathlon-mad fans turned out by the thousands with umbrellas accompanying their traditional banners and noisemakers.

The swim saw a breakaway in the Main-Donau Kanal early as super swimmers Jacobs and Kieran Doe of New Zealand opened up a gap of more than 100m on McCormack and Sindballe. Another 50m behind them a group of 20-plus athletes had gathered, including Vernay, 2000 Olympic silver medalist Stephan Vuckovic and Chabaud.

But once out of the water it wasn't long until Sindballe - riding in conditions that suited him down to the ground-surged to the front on the bike, passing McCormack at about 20km and picking up Doe and Jacobs another 5-10km later. He was the first up the famed Solarer Berg climb at 70km with nearly 1:30 on McCormack and German super-biker Thomas Hellriegel, whose fourth place finish here last year earned him the German long-distance title.

"I like the rain, so that was a plus. I'm positive about it and that's what makes the difference," Sindballe said. "Going up the Solarer Berg was absolutely amazing. It's awesome - it's one of a kind in triathlon."

McCormack, who'd scored a dramatic win at Ironman Germany just one week ago, dropped out about 75km into the bike after staying with the leaders through the first summit of the Solarer Berg - a climb he'd earlier in the week called the best in triathlon. The four-time Roth winner said he was feeling the effects of a virus that struck him this week and opted to call it a day to preserve his health. Also failing to finish was early swim and bike leader Doe.

Meantime, Sindballe was getting into a rhythm and consolidated his lead throughout the rest of the ride, building it to more than 7:30 over Hellriegel by the time the men reached T2.

"It took me 10km to get into the running, then it started getting better," Sindballe said of his marathon. Jacobs and Vernay came past at about 28km and that was when the tall Dane started to feel the effects of a recent return to full run training. "I'm at 80 per cent on running and I can't expect more in a big race like this. It should be won by a guy who puts on a 100 per cent performance and they did a really good job today."

Jacobs moved into the lead briefly but he too found himself fading as Vernay's tempo grew stronger behind him.

"I'm very happy to have improved on last year. There weren't many places to go above third - it's not first but I had a go at it," Jacobs said. "I tried to run fast when I felt good but in the end I didn't have the strength in my muscles and I just started to feel weak with 10km to go. I just had to struggle home and watch Patrick pass me and run away."

Vernay, for his part, found himself enjoying the day despite the weather.

"It was marvelous," Vernay said of his Roth experience. "I've never done a race with so many people on the road. Even with the rain, the people were there."