Austria Triathlon draws record field in Podersdorf

The Austria Triathlon in Podersdorf will attract a record field this weekend, ORF reported. The event is one of Austria’s longest-running triathlon competitions.

All starting places have been filled for three months, both for the Ironman-distance triathlon and the middle-distance event. Organiser Daniel Döller said there would be 800 individual competitors and 50 relay teams, around 20 per cent more than last year.

The middle-distance race consists of a 1.9-kilometre swim, a 90-kilometre cycle ride and a 21-kilometre run. It will also determine the Austrian national champion, resulting in a particularly strong field, Döller said. The swimming course will again be held at the St. Martins Therme thermal spa in Frauenkirchen.

The finish area in Podersdorf will feature new LED screens showing the event live for spectators. Competitors will be visible during the transition 20 metres away, Döller said, adding that it was unusual for triathlon spectators to have almost everything in one place.

The programme begins on Friday with a children’s aquathlon. The Ironman-distance and middle-distance races will follow on Saturday, while the Olympic-distance and sprint events are scheduled for Sunday.