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Triathlon aficionados will debate forever just how meaningful Roth’s world best Iron-distance times are, whether the course was a kilometer short or not, or whether swimmers get a positive wave effect in the Main-Donau Canal. But there is no debate that this 21-year-old classic offers one of the most transcendent emotional experiences in the sport. Once the first and only Ironman event in Europe, now the Quelle Roth Challenge stands on its own as the sport’s closest equivalent to a Tour de France mountain stage for sheer stagecraft and drama. Somehow, ambitious pros who want a piece of history are drawn to Roth to see how they measure up to the greats like Paula Newby-Fraser, Luc Van Lierde, Jurgen Zack and now Yvonne Van Vlerken and Chrissie Wellington. Fans of endurance sport can stake out a spot on the Solarerberg climb and virtually touch the greats and near-greats, creating a synergy energizing the triathletic warriors’ hearts.

Somehow, this historic town of 25,000 and all its castles and churches bestows its rich sense of history and reverence to this sporting event that is embraced by a loyal set of fans who can’t think of a better way to spend the second Sunday in July.

All pics © Timothy Carlson