Challenge Roth to host European Championships in 2021
After being forced to cancel the 2020 event, Challenge Roth will return in 2021 as both the European and German championships.
For the first time both the German and European national championships will happen during the same race.
The cancellation of Challenge Roth earlier this year saw race organizers reach out to athletes for support to ensure the race’s survival. Things are looking up for the world’s largest full-distance race, though, as it has been awarded both the European and German championship for next year.
According to a release sent out today, “For the first time in history, German and European title fights will take place during the same race in Roth.”
“It is a huge sign of respect for the triathlon district of Roth that the governing bodies have approached us to host both championships here,” explained Felix Walchshöfer, managing director of Challenge Roth, in the release. “The region will do everything possible to be a great host for the double championship.”
As the European championship, 200 of the 3,400 individual entries for the race will be “given to the national associations.”
“All athletes who have already registered for DATEV Challenge Roth 2021 from Germany and Europe and who hold a valid membership of their national associations can take part in the European Championships,” the release continues. “Athletes should contact their national body for further information on eligibility.”
“It is with great pleasure and excitement we announce the 2021 Long Distance European Championships will take place on the iconic long distance course in Roth,” Renato Bertrani, ETU president said. “Still in my mind are the memories, back in 2012, when for the first time we held our European LD Champs in collaboration with Challenge in Roth. In the extremely difficult period we are currently living in, such positive news is greatly welcomed.”
Roth also hosted the European championships in 1987.