New Ironman races in Germany, Challenge responds

Ironman announced the acquisitions of Kraichgau Sports Promotion UG and Challenge Rügen Sports Promotion UG which means two new races are now part of the Ironman schedule.

Ironman 70.3 Kraichgau, which formerly operated as Challenge Kraichgau, is scheduled for June 15, 2014. Ironman 70.3 Ruegen triathlon will take place on September 14, 2014 with registration opening on November 15, 2013.

At the same time, Ironman announced the addition of Björn Steinmetz as its new Managing Director, Germany. Steinmetz was part of Kraichgau Sports Promotion UG and was the co-founder and race director of the race in Kraichgau. He will now oversee all German-based races including the Ironman European Championship in Frankfurt am Main, the Ironman 70.3 European Championship in Wiesbaden and the newly announced races.

“My approach was always to organize a race for triathletes by triathletes. Ironman is a great opportunity to lift our Kraichgau races to the next level,” says Steinmetz.

In response to this announcement the Challenge Family made this statement.

“We want to change the world of triathlon in the spirit of our values” – this is the credo of the growing Challenge Family, which currently organizes 21 premium competitions on four continents. These specific values also include an athlete-focused attitude, high-quality competition, friendship and a common passion for triathlon.

It is disappointing for us the organizer of Challenge Kraichgau is no longer in a position to share these values and make them come alive.

The Challenge Family remains determined to continue its success, with integrity, passion and enthusiasm. It will continue to grow and develop the new spirit in triathlon and help pave the way for the sport’s future, in co-operation with athletes, communities and partners around the world.