Competitors agree: It's Time for the Bonn Triathlon to Return After a Five-Year Absence - Masters Edition
Bustling excitement washed over participants and spectators alike in October when it was announced that the Bonn Triathlon would make its grand return after a five-year hiatus. This breathtaking event, with swimmers diving into the turbulent Rhine and cyclists traversing the striking Siebengebirge, is renowned as one of the country's most thrilling triathlons.
The highly anticipated middle-distance race (4 kilometers of swimming downstream, 62 kilometers of cycling, and 15 kilometers of running) marked the inauguration of the Masters league in the 2025 season. Unfortunately, the event's date during Pentecost and some injury-related withdrawals left TTR08's teams, I and II, with reduced squads (TTR08 I: Thorsten Spicker, Stefan Ortjohann, Klaus Findt; TTR08 II: Ditmar Drenker, Burkhard Schieferstein, Burkhard Schmidt), lacking the chance for a drop result.
As the Rhine ferry barrier opened at 09:20, competitors plunged into the strong current, grappling not only with its rapid flow but also the significant wave action driven by the wind. After four kilometers, exhausted swimmers scrambled to reach the exit in time to tackle the demanding cycling course, which boasted approximately 800 meters of elevation. The enthusiastic support of the spectators in the picturesque towns made the struggle worthwhile, as they had been deprived of this major event due to Corona and organizational hurdles. The daunting 5-kilometer out-and-back running course along the Rhine proved to be challenging, with the strong wind adding to the difficulty for runners after the turn.
TTR08 I team's impressive performances (e.g., Thorsten Spicker placing 6th in swimming, Stefan Ortjohann placing 7th in running, and Klaus Findt placing 4th in cycling) propelled them to a fantastic 5th place out of 21 teams. TTR08 II managed to finish in 20th position, but Burkhard Schmidt's planned withdrawal due to orthopedic issues was anticipated. Ditmar Drenker (51st), Burkhard Schieferstein (44th), and Burkhard Schmidt still had reason to be satisfied with their individual results.
For the upcoming season, our teams are eager to see improvements in their personnel situation. We extend our best wishes to the Bonn Triathlon as it embarks on its continued success next year. According to rumors, two Olympic gold medalists, Lasse Luhrs and Mieke Kroeger, had planned to participate - though their actual involvement remains unclear. Both athletes were reportedly seen participating within the relay competitions on the cycling course alongside friends and family.
In the midst of the excitement, sports enthusiasts could not help but anticipate the upcoming hockey matches, scheduled to take place during the offseason, offering a delightful change of pace for the triumphant TTR08 teams. After the challenging Bonn Triathlon, Thorsten Spicker, Stefan Ortjohann, Klaus Findt, Ditmar Drenker, Burkhard Schieferstein, and Burkhard Schmidt might welcome a less grueling competition, with their skills on the ice potentially shining just as brightly.
