The 1989 Roth Triathlon
A few contributors to the Slowtwitch Triathlon Forum were asking about this. I’ve already looked at the 1987 and 1988 Roth races. Note that Danilo Prozor is back as author. IYKYK.
The 1989 edition of Roth, the 6th, was a half-ironman. The organisers had an agreement with the ETU to do this so as not to draw athletes away from the ETU LD champs which were being over the ironman distance in Rodekro, Denmark on 13th August.
Valerie Silk didn’t appreciate this idea. And said it wouldn’t happen again. From 1990 Roth went back to ironman distance forever.
Here’s my takes from the race report below:
Despite the shorter race, the event is still a Hawaii qualifier. The only one in Europe. Tri-Athlete (FR) didn’t like this. Saying the demands of the distance were totally different.
Even back then Roth was a big deal. The article says the race was Germany’s most important event. And the second most important triathlon in Europe. After Nice.
It seems the water temperature was 23°C. But race officials could only measure 21°C. So wetsuits were allowed.
It would be tough for Axel Koenders to defend his title over the shorter distance. And plenty of French athletes were there.
Dittrich and Cordier lead the swim. Prozilo remarks that even the amateur athletes have the latest bike-tech from the USA now.
Cordier breaks away. Behind they’re kinda-drafting. Jurgen Zack rides through the field and catches Cordier at 55km.
The roads are not completely closed to traffic. Despite the efforts of marshalls, riders are getting caught between cars. They enjoy the draft though.
Plenty of red cards should have been given. But only Henry Kiens gets one. He doesn’t stop though. He crosses the line first. celebrates the win. Then gets DQed.
Third placer Roy Hinnen is suspected of finishing that high because of rampant drafting. Who knows?
Four TV channels and 20 journalists cover the post-race press conference. Aschmoneit and Zack have beef.
Images:
Tri-Athlete (FR) Aout 1989
