Some people seem to be content to race the same races over and over again, but others are constantly looking for new challenges and unique events. Our new series "the slowtwitch list" will introduce you to unique multi sport events from around the world. Hopefully this will inspire you to think outside the box, and your spouses may appreciate it also if they can experience different cultures and places.
We start our series with a closer look at the Inferno Triathlon in Switzerland.
Located in a very spectacular area of Switzerland called the Bernese Oberland, this event is considered one of the toughest triathlons in the world. It features about 5,500 meters (18,800 feet) of elevation gain on a 155.1km (96.3 mile) run-bike-swim course, and the 2008 champion Olaf Sabatschus recently admitted something most people thought they would never hear from Olaf. "It was so steep in the final climb (of the mountain bike section) that I had to walk – first time ever in a race!" That certainly says something about the toughness of the course. Unlike most other triathlons, the Inferno Triathlon actually has 3 transition areas:
- swim to road bike
- road bike to mountain bike
- mountain bike to run
The final run is also very challenging and finishes at the Piz Gloria station, a cable car station made famous in the James Bond movie "On Her Majesty's Secret Service."
What's not to love?
Location:
Thun, Switzerland (swim start)
Date:
August 21-22, 2008
Start time:
6:30am
Field limit:
250
Entry fee:
Euro 285 / 420 Swiss Franks
The event:
The swim:
Thun – Oberhofen, 3.1 km (1.9 mile) distance
Bike segment 1 (road bike):
Oberhofen – Grindelwald, 97 km (60 mile) distance and 2,145 meter (7,037 feet) of elevation gain
Bike segment 2 (mountain bike):
Grindelwald – Stechelberg, 30 km (18.6 mile) distance and 1,180 meter (3,871 feet) of elevation gain
The run:
Stechelberg – Schilthorn, 25 km (15.5 mile) distance and 2,175 meter (7,137 feet) of elevation gain
Schedule:
Friday, August 21, 2009
Noon – 5pm: check-in at the various transition areas
6pm: Athlete briefing in Mürren
Saturday, August 22, 2009
6.30am: swim start
8:30pm: course closes
Event website:
inferno.ch
