Hot on the heels of the October 31st news that World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) added the Challenge Kraichgau race to its portfolio, the 8 mayors of the communities touched by this popular Germany triathlon have now decided to partner with Challenge Family moving forward and issued a press release today.
According to that release, some time in November Challenge CEOs Felix and Kathrin Walchshöfer had presented their vision for the future of the classic Kraichgau event to the mayors, and on December 20th in a follow-up meeting of the mayors* in Bad Schönborn with Team Challenge GmbH - all parties involved decided to hold on to the Challenge idea and continue the race in the future with the Franconia, Germany based family enterprise.
"The mayors of the 8 triathlon communities in the Kraichgau region are glad to see the great interest from various triathlon event organizers regarding this unique event. After constructive conversations with possible new partners we decided based on the regional connection and the broader sport orientation for a long term partnership with the Challenge Family starting in 2015. We are convinced that this decision is in the interest of the athletes, and also in the interest of the many volunteers without whom this massive event would not be possible," said Klaus Detlev Huge the mayor of Bad Schönborn in a press release.
Felix Walchshöfer responded, "I am very happy that now all uncertainties and irritations are now out of the way regarding the organization and future handling of the Sparkasse Challenge Kraichgau presented by Kraichgau Energie starting in 2015. I am especially happy for the partially uncertain, and partially rightfully angered athletes, who will starting in 2015 have a new perspective and planning security. I am sure that the Sparkasse Challenge Kraichgau presented by Kraichgau Energie will sail in calmer waters again under our leadership and with loyal and competent partners, and we now can shape the future of the race with all communities and especially the very involved volunteers from the region."
* The mayors
Bürgermeister Klaus Detlev Huge, Bad Schönborn
Bürgermeister Tony Löffler, Ubstadt-Weiher
Bürgermeister Jürgen Heß, Kronau
Oberbürgermeister Martin Wolff, Bretten
Bürgermeister Thomas Nowitzki, Oberderdingen
Bürgermeister Wolfgang Bratzel, Zaisenhausen
Bürgermeister Felix Geider, Östringen
Bürgermeister Ulrich Hintermayer, Kraichtal
