Posted: January 21, 2005

Triathlon: Mavic to provide 'neutral support' at Quelle Challenge Roth

In a first for long-course triathlon, athletes at the Quelle Challenge Roth will be able to avail themselves of Mavic's legendary "neutral support" during the cycle portion of the race.

Mavic, the French wheel and component manufacturer, has for years been providing mechanical help for major bike races around the world, including the Tour de France, via mechanics riding their instantly recognizable yellow motorcycles and cars. Now it's linking up with the Quelle Challenge Roth, the world's largest iron-distance triathlon, to extend its unique service to the more than 2,000 athletes expected to take part in the race.

"We hope that this service will give our athletes some peace of mind that their race will not come undone because of an untimely mechanical problem," said Felix Walchshoefer of TEAMChallenge GmbH. "We want our athletes to be able to focus on their race and enjoying the journey to our unforgettable finish line. By introducing our sport to this unique partnership with the aces at Mavic, we're proud to continue our tradition of innovation in Roth."

Mavic mechanics will also be on hand before the race to help with any last-minute mechanical issues that crop up during race week.

Neutral service will be available at three fixed points along the two-lap bike course, with two more mechanics circulating through the course on motorcycles.

German Triathlon Union rules do not prohibit outside assistance as long as it is available to all, and the experience of the Mavic team ensures that all athletes, from the sharp end of the field to the back of the pack, will be able to get help if it's needed.

Athletes also can enter a drawing to win a pair of Mavic Ksyrium wheels via the race homepage at www.challenge-roth.de.. The winner will be drawn February 28.

Race day for the 2005 Quelle Challenge Roth will be Sunday, July 3 and will include, as it did last year, the German Long-Distance Championship and the second Ultra-Distance World Championship for Firefighters. Entries are being accepted now.

There's more information about the race and online registration here: www.challenge-roth.com. For results, news and photos from the 2004 edition, including Chris McCormack's thrilling sub-eight-hour finish, visit www.ChallengeLive.com.

Quelle Challenge Roth's sponsors include: Quelle AG, Deutsche Post AG, N-ERGIE, DB Regio, Opel AG, Newline, Nürnberger Nachrichten (Nürnberg Newspapers), Bayrische Versicherungskammer, Maxim, Phillips, Erdinger Alkoholfrei, Sparkasse Mittelfranken-Süd, ADAC, Arndt, Recaro, PowerBar, County of Roth, City of Roth, City of Hilpoltstein, Coca-Cola, Frankenbrunnen, Zeus Copy, Paladin, Hofmann, Jura Kaelte, Lorenz & Partner, INKO Energy, Flor & Sohn, Spedition Heinloth, and BIESTMILCH.