Team Parcours Athlete James Oswald Talks Challenge Roth
Challenge Roth, arguably the biggest triathlon race on the planet. Whilst it may not have the World Championship title that we associate with Kona, and now Nice and IRONMAN, Roth is the greatest show and race. I could write a whole article on why, why it’s so good, and why if you race longer distance in triathlon, this race should be on your bucket list – but today isn’t about me, and for those of you who know me (Sid), you’ll know how much I love the race anyway.
But today we catch up with one of our Parcours Ambassador Team members – James Oswald. James raced Roth for the third time this year, and had a great day of personal bests. Below he gives you the low down on everything that is Roth, and some really good tips and valuable advice, as well as his own race.
Emma Cockcroft another Parcours Ambassador also raced, finishing 3rd in her age group, after a hampered build up due to injury – Congrats Emma and we can’t wait to see what you do when fully fit and trained to fly!
Is Challenge Roth really worth all the hype and build up???
The simple answer is “Yes, absolutely” and let me tell you why it’s my favourite race, has 260,000 course spectators, and has rightfully been on many triathlete’s bucket lists for the last 40 years.
I’m one of the lucky ones who has managed to compete at Challenge Roth a number of times, and yet it still drags me back for more. There are many reasons for this but I’ll try and cover a few off below.
Roth is renowned for its fast times, great support, and amazing atmosphere. But it’s not an easy race from start to finish. Take entering for example Challenge Roth sells out fast, and I mean fast. For the 2024 entry registration opened on 3rd July 2023 at 10am European time and sold out in 40 seconds!!! 12 months later 3,500 triathletes and 650 relay teams were ready to race.
Once you’ve secured your place for the following year, it’s time to start planning. Accommodation is highly sort after and gets booked up quickly. The center of Roth is fully booked before registration is even open so it’s worth looking in the surrounding villages and towns. Many people either head towards Nuremberg or near to the swim start at Hilpoltstein. Once you’ve booked your accommodation it’s time to think about logistics and how you’re going to get there. From personal experience and from speaking to others a certain German airline doesn’t make this an easy exercise with cancelled flights, replacement flights and bus services, bike boxes left in departing airports. My recommendation is to seriously consider driving if you can, as it will also give you the freedom once you’re in Roth without having to hire a car or van. Alternatively, consider getting your bike transported via road and flying yourselves with only your cases. Trust me the alternative is not worth the hassle.
The week leading up to race day is filled with activities and excitement. Try and arrive early to take full advantage and enjoy what’s to offer. On arrival to Roth you’ll soon notice that all the locals really embrace the race and welcome the participants and their supporters.
In addition to the Nightrun, Children’s Run, Triathlon for All, Yoga, Welcome Party in the town square, Pasta Party, LARGEST expo ever, swimming on the course, HOKA community run, there were a number of special additions including Festival Market area with food stalls and activities, a museum of triathlon over the past 40 years, and don’t forget the European Cup Football matches shown in multiple sites on giant TV’s across Roth from the Market, the 8000 seat stadium and Roth’s central square, a true party atmosphere celebrated by people from all over the world.
Saturday arrives before you know it and it’s time to rack your bikes down by the swim start (don’t forget your helmet and run bag). This year it was 34.5 degrees when I racked, and within 10 minutes a storm had developed, the rain came down and the temperature dropped to 19. Fortunately, this resulted in better racing conditions the following day.
Traffic to the race start is challenging to say the least so leave loads of spare time. This year I opted to catch the shuttle bus from the Roth town centre to the swim start. This was a great move and something I’ll definitely be doing again. Not only can you eat as you travel, but everything you need post race is back in Roth and not parked up near T1. (Note: Challenge Roth is a split transition, start and finish.)
The start of Challenge Roth makes the hairs stand up on your arms. Thousands of cheering and expectant spectators are crammed on both sides of the canal and along the banner draped bridge. 3,500 both nervous and excited athletes finish their final bike checks and don their wetsuits and caps and the Challenge Roth tune plays from the PA system. Then the cannon goes and the pro-triathletes start their swim past the field full of hot air balloons and roaring spectators. Each swim wave is started with the same booming cannon that seems to still catch people out and make them jump after multiple waves have started.
The swim is 3.8k sets off in waves and is pretty much down river with the flow, up river against the flow, before going back down river. For those after times it’s best to head to the center of the river going down and the edges going up. However, it does leave you open to congestion as swimmers jostle for the best position towards the centre.
Transition is close to the swim exit and one of the 7,500 event volunteers supports you with removing your wetsuit, packing your suit and goggles, and storing your bag which is a fantastic help and one less thing to think about.
The two-lap 180k bike leg consists of flat, undulating roads, descending switchbacks and some tasty climbs including the world famous Solarer Berg. Emotions run high and goose bumps appear in response to the electric atmosphere from the supporters; over ten deep in places who get so close that they part in front of you as athletes make their way past the thousands of screaming and encouraging crowds, banners and inflatable arches. It’s as close to the crowds of the Tour de France mountain stages as many mortals will ever get to cycle through. For the first lap we also had to contend with what another German competitor described to me as British weather with rain making road surfaces a little slippy and unpredictable.
People who hear of the bike times assume the course is flat, but with just under five thousand feet of elevation this isn’t the case. What makes it work is a mixture of good road surfaces, descents where speed can be gained and maintained, some undulating roads offering micro rests, and amazing volunteers offering the nutrition and hydration required to keep you adequately fuelled.
Entering T2 the volunteers once again come into their own, collecting and racking your bike, reminding you to turn your number around as someone else spots it and your run bag is ready to be handed to you as you pass. Another volunteer then supports you packing your bike kit and preparing you for the run.
Just like the bike, the 42k run course never fails to test with a mixture of 25k towards and along a canal path where you can be exposed to the sun and heat, before heading towards a mixture of woodland paths, roads, town centre cobbles and the climb up to and down from Büchenbach. One constant along the run course are the sponsors and supporters once more who line the route throughout offering endless encouragement and their ecliptic music from boom boxes. This can be anything from German oompa to Dance with a lot of UK cheese and pop sandwiched in the middle.
The grand finale of the course is the breath taking finish line within the purpose built stadium where friends, family and an 8,000 capacity crowd cheer you home and celebrate your achievement. For the hardy competitors and supporters still standing after a long day the final hour of the race ramps up another level with the infamous Finish Line Party. Music, pro-interviews, dancing and crowd participation accompany the countdown in anticipation of the final finisher entering the stadium carrying a lit torch that signals the start of the Greatest Show on Earth. The magnitude of collective achievement is matched only by the crescendo of music, lazers, bubble cannons, spotlights, flame throwers and fireworks as the racing and weeks leading up to it are brought to a jubilant end.
So, reflecting on my personal race experience. The changes made in logistics with driving to Roth (not flying) and the race morning shuttle bus took stresses away and allowed me to concentrate on the task at hand. My swim wave was brutal for the first 1,500m with athletes jostling for space and the clashing of limbs. But I achieved a personal PB for a long course swim so it was a great start to the day.
Transitions are nearly always a dream due to the volunteers and this year was no different. Off out onto the bike with my race set up of a Parcours Disc rear paired with a ChronoMax front and I was feeling good, even the rain on the first loop couldn't dampen my spirits. Solarer Berg was the best I'd ever experienced with the crowds, noise and contagious atmosphere that left me climbing with a smile on my face, definitely a highlight of my race. My second lap was going well and I was on for another PB. That was until just after the switchback descents when my tri-bars worked their way loose at 137k. I spent the next 8k out of aero, unable to take hydration and contemplating if I could finish on the basebar alone. I made the decision to stop and fix them, costing just over 5 minutes. Moving again I had some time to make up and pushed on to complete the course and still managed another personal long course PB by 2 minutes.
Onto the run and my legs felt surprisingly good having pushed the last 35k of the bike to make up time. The pre-race plan was in motion and my target pace was being held. Although not as hot as previous years the canal path did get warm, with a slight head wind for parts and I took full advantage of the ice on offer at some of the stops, along with the nutrition. The crowds again keep you going, and no more so than when you head back into the town centre and head out towards the hill to Büchenbach. This has always been my nemesis on this course, and it was once again as it zapped the remaining energy from already weary legs. My pace began to slow, but the reception at the HOKA party around the lake always boosts morale and gifts a little energy for the descent back towards town and the finish line.
As previously mentioned Roth's stadium finish line is the best of any triathlon and I love the feeling you get entering and making your way round and under the arch. It's an addiction that I didn't truly appreciate the first time I raced there, but I now make an effort to soak it all in. Once again, I PB'd my long course marathon by 10 minutes, hitting one of my pre-season targets. With PBs across all disciplines it meant a personal overall long course PB by 15 minutes 26 seconds and a finishing time of 10hrs 10 mins 15 secs. All the off season hardwork, time and effort had paid off, but it was bitter sweet going so close to sub10 with a mechanical. One thing is for sure; I'm already looking forwards to my next Challenge Roth.
So I ask again…
Is Challenge Roth really worth all the hype and build up???
You bet it is !!!
