Duathlon, Powerman Germany in Alsdorf:

Daan de Groot and Laura Zimmermann win

Daan de Groot from the Netherlands and the German Laura Zimmermann, have on the classic race (10 km/60 km/ 10 km) of the Powerman Germany in Alsdorf. More than 750 athletes and multi-sport enthusiasts from all over the world took part in this second edition of one of Europe’s m

ost important duathlons, to compete for the title. The race had perfect weather conditions.

The Belgium Jan Petralia, member of the Domo elctro Scott Team and the German Champion Sascha Huppert achieved to finish second and third, while Katharina Grohmann from Germany and Alice Hector from Great Britian, in second and third place respectively. Whereas in the women’s race no Swiss girl had started, in the men’s race the Swiss Fabian Zehnder and Jens-Michael Gossauer finished in fourth and fifth place.

The competition, held in Alsdorf, Germany, has been organized by Marathon-Club Eschweiler 1983 e.V

. Powerman is the premier label for long-distance duathlons. Powerman unites the biggest and most well-known long distance duathlons in the world under the International Powerman Association (IPA). The Powerman Alsdorf in Germany is official Candidate for 2020 ETU Powerman European Championships Duathlon. The main event will take place on 8th of September at the 2019 Zofingen ITU Po

werman Long Distance Duathlon World Championships. rga

Results Powerman Germany Alsdorf Classic Category (10 km Run – 60 km Bike – 10 km Run).

Men:

1. Daan de Groot (NL) 2:30:21, 2. Jan Petralia (BEL) 2:31:38, 3. Sascha Hubbert (GER) 2:32:53.

Women:

1. Laura Zimmermann (GER)

2:50:05, 2. Katharia Grohmann (GER) 2:52:05, 3. Alice Hector (GBR) 2:53:56.

More information: www.powerman-alsdorf.de and http://triathlon-timing.com/results/#results%2F2019%2F2019_04_14_Powerman_Alsdorf_-_Together_we_boost_Duathlon

Duathlon, outlook with OC President Stefan Ruf on 31st Powerman Zofingen:

Powerman Zofingen benefits from the Federer effect

In about five months the 31st Powerman Zofingen will take place. After last year’s complete renewal of the cycle track and the celebration of the anniversary, this year is a year of consolidation. But stagnation would also mean a setback for the Powerman Zofingen, which is why they want to invest in the quality of the world’s best duathlon. To ensure that ITU Powerman Long Distance Duathlon World Championships can still be held in Zofingen after 2020, the organizers need additional professional reinforcements in the personnel area, but also additional sponsoring money. In the following interview, Stefan Ruf, who is starting his 17th year as OC president, explains how this is to be achieved.

Stefan Ruf, on 7th/8th September 2019, in about five months, the 31st Powerman Zofingen will take place. Are you a little nervous already?

Stefan Ruf, OK President Powerman Zofingen: I’m a little nervous already, after all it’s about the first Powerman Zofingen after the 30-year anniversary. The past has shown that we are never immune to surprises. In addition, we have reassigned personnel to some of the departments and the new managers must first familiarise themselves with their tasks.

Last year there was a new bike route. Are there any new adjustments for this year?

We invested a lot of time and energy in 2018 to find a cycle track that will last for the next few years. Therefore, there should be no changes, but only minor optimizations.

How did the new cycle route, the majority of which runs through the canton of Aargau, reach athletes, sponsors and the general public?

I can really say that the new bike course has met with a positive response everywhere. Our expectations were exceeded. In retrospect, one even has to ask oneself whether a new route might have been advantageous even earlier.

“12 transit villages – one race” is the slogan used in connection with the new cycle track that was introduced last year. How do you want to involve the transit communities in this?

In fact, we drive through many new communities and through the existing ones on a different route or in the opposite direction. The bike course is the heart of our event. We want to use the new starting position to significantly strengthen the relationship with the transit churches. We don’t just want to use the streets, we want to build a mutually fruitful partnership. Not every village has the opportunity to be a partner in a world championship and to present itself in a very exclusive garment. Our goal for 2019 is for a special activity to take place in each individual church, sometime a year, on the occasion itself, or even throughout the year.

In Reitnau there will be a special all-year-event where everyone can take part on the bike. What are the details like?

The idea is to set up a permanent timing track at one of the most attractive places on our cycle route, in the ascent of Reitnau. Cyclists of all ages and abilities can thus compete throughout the year, be it in terms of the fastest time or the total metres of altitude they have climbed. We would be very happy if we could find suitable partners to realize this project.

What changes can you expect for the 31st Powerman Zofingen?

2019 is a year of consolidation. This year and also in 2020 we are allowed to host ITU World Championships. This gives us a certain planning security. We want to use this time to further improve the quality of our organization.

What needs to be even better in the future?

We need further partners who can support us professionally with their services. Only in this way will it be possible to remain the world number 1 in duathlon in the future. Of course, we will also need sponsorship money in cash in the future, but increasingly also sponsorships in the form of the provision of highly qualified personnel.

The contract with the ITU (International Triathlon Union) was newly signed. So there will be also 2019 and 2020 in Zofingen ITU Powerman Long Distance Duathlon World Championships. Are you honoured that the ITU (International Triathlon Union) and the IPA (International Powerman Association) will be making their twelfth and 13th appearances in Zofingen after 1997, 1998, 1999, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018, not to mention their ninth and tenth in a row?

It is indeed something of which I am personally very proud. The fact that the ITU places this trust in us is due to our transparency and our dealings with the international association. But we have to be aware at all times that this World Cup history can be over at any time. In this respect, it is precisely for this reason that we have to invest in organisational quality and in athlete advertising. Our claim must be that exactly the same number of athletes come, whether or not a World Cup takes place in Zofingen.

In 2019 you will personally tackle your 17th year as OC President of Powerman Zofingen. Is the momentum still as great as in the first year of office?

I’ve never counted the years and that’s a good sign for me personally. Powerman is for me a balance to my professional activity and must therefore be fun. This requires two things: success and a
positive, optimistic environment. We have both at the moment, which was not the case 17 years ago, for example.

On an international level, it is above all the female figureheads of the Powerman Zofingen who are the top. The current Zofingen ITU Powerman Long Distance Duathlon World Championship Petra Eggenschwiler won this year the Powerman Mallorca and the Vice Champion Melanie Maurer just won the Powerman Greece. Such advertising ambassadors are certainly good for the Powerman Zofingen?

Petra Eggenschwiler and Melanie Maurer are currently giving Duathlon sport a powerful tailwind. Last year’s Swiss double victory in Zofingen led, among other things, to the Powerman Zofingen appearing both in the sports panorama and in the main edition of the Swiss television news. This is an impressive demonstration of how important national flagships are in a sport. I could also say that we are currently benefiting from the so-called Federer effect. The encouraging prospect is that both Swiss women are in their prime and will be able to continue to shape this sport for several years to come.

The 2018 renewed cycle route will again pass through the old town of Zofingen in 2019. Here world champion Petra Eggenschwiler, who drives past the Niklaus Thut fountain.

At the national level, the Powerman Zofingen wants to work more closely with the Powerman Tramelan and Swiss Duathlon. What are your goals?

The Swiss market is relatively small. It therefore makes no sense for different organizations and events to work on the same customer segment. Together you can use the available budget much more efficiently and purposefully and thus ultimately inspire significantly more people to take part in duathlon.

The OK has now grown to about 50 people. Where are there still vacancies that can/must be filled?

For the Powerman Zofingen as the world’s most important duathlon event and world championship, the focus must be primarily on the foreign participants. There is no doubt that we can and must do much more. Domestically we are now working more closely with Swiss Duathlon and this year we are official supporter and partner of the Swiss Duathlon racing series, which has grown to 12 events in 2019.

Also with the Powerman CHARITY and the PowerKids you stir the advertising drum more intensively. Do the participants benefit from this as well?

The undisputed highlight of our event is undoubtedly the long distance race. All activities must be geared primarily to this. The CHARITY run and the Powerkids are, however, two further pillars with which we also want to offer something locally and regionally. The support of charitable organisations and the promotion of young sportsmen and women are therefore also close to our hearts in the future.

Nowadays, social media take an increasingly important place at sports events. Did the Powerman Zofingen recognize this?

The social media are particularly important insport. Athletes from all over the world can talk about it. The organizers must also use these media to communicate with their participants, which will certainly become even more important in the future. Because the very best advertising is and remains the recommendation and a positive assessment is spread very quickly and very widely via the social media. This is why we will also continue to expand our presence in the social media.

Interview: Raphael Galliker

More information at www.powerman.swiss

Captions:
1.) Stefan Ruf, OC President of the Powerman Zofingen, wants to bundle forces and resources in the future and work even more closely with Swiss Duathlon and the Powerman Tramelan.

2.) The 2018 renewed cycle route will again pass through the old town of Zofingen in 2019. Here world champion Petra Eggenschwiler, who drives past the Niklaus Thut fountain.
Photos: Powerman Zofingen/Blende 8.5 Zofingen

As mum or dad, grandmother or grandfather, aunt or uncle, godfather or godmother, are you looking for a great activity to spend an unforgettable day with your child? Then the PowerFamily in Zofingen is the right place for you! This fun duathlon is aimed at all curious beginners, but also ambitious sports professionals are of course welcome!

This year we are giving away a free starting place in the PowerFamily category for the first time. Participation in the competition is very easy:

1. 1. Follow the accounts @powerkids4800 and @powermanzofingen on Instagram.
   2. Mark 3 people who might be interested in PowerFamily.

Already you are in the raffle! By the way, if you want to double your chance of winning, you can post our post in your story or on your account.

In addition to the PowerFamily starting place for the winner, three sets with sponsor sports nutrition, sunglasses, a Victorinox shower gel, a Swiss cap, a Powerman bag and a Skross adapter plug will be raffled off!

So, on your marks, ready, go! Mark your friends and try your luck!

The contest starts on Saturday, 6 April 2019 and ends on Monday, 22 April 2019 at 20:00. The 3 winners will be announced on 23 April.

Prices will not be shipped abroad. People living in foreign countries need to pick up their set in Zofingen.

31st General Assembly Association Powerman Zofingen

“Twelve villages – one race”

This year, the Powerman Zofingen is dedicated to the motto “Twelve villages – one race”. Stefan Ruf, who was confirmed as president of the association Powerman Zofingen with great applause, was able to announce at the 31st Annual General Meeting in the Hotel Zofingen that the Duathlon Long Distance World Championships will now be held for the ninth time in a row and for the twelfth time in general at the same venue. Athletes from over 35 different nations are expected at the 31st Powerman Zofingen from 6th to 8th September 2019.

In the presence of about 30 OC members, who had found their way to the Hotel Zofingen for the general assembly, Stefan Ruf, president of the association Powerman Zofingen, reviewed the last event during his annual report. “In sporting terms, the anniversary event was marked by the first Swiss success since 2002, and thanks to Petra Eggenschwiler and Melanie Maurer it even became a Swiss double victory. “On 8 September 2019 there will again be ITU Powerman Long Distance Duathlon World Championships in Zofingen. The fact that the ITU (International Triathlon Union) and the IPA (International Powerman Association) are now doing this in Zofingen for the twelfth time, after 1997, 1998, 1999, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 for the twelfth time in a row, and for the ninth time in a row, is unique across the globe for triathlon and especially for duathlon. “And next year the ITU Powerman Long Distance Duathlon World Championships will again be held in Thutstadt”, Ruf already looked joyfully into the future. Since an ITU Multisport Festival will be held in Holland on the traditional first weekend of September, the 32nd Powerman Zofingen will not take place until 19/20 September 2020.

Proven new bike route

In 2017, the storm of the century in the Zofingen region was a challenge for the running route, Ruf said. “But the search for a new cycle track proved to be much more challenging last year.” After long negotiations, we decided in spring 2018 to leave the cantonal territory of Lucerne as far as possible and to implement a new, already planned variant through the Aargau region”. In order to meet all the requirements, secure the permits and personnel and implement feasible solutions for the numerous construction sites, a lot more money than planned had to be invested. “But it was worth it, as we were able to present a demanding and worthy course in the tradition of the Powerman Zofingen, which proved its safety and appealed to the athletes.” This year there will be, according to Ruf, only minor optimizations on the track.

“Twelve villages – one race”

Ruf was positively surprised when obtaining the permits in the individual transit villages. “In the individual discussions I noted with great satisfaction that the village representatives are really pleased that the Powerman will lead Zofingen through their village. “Try to build on that now. “It is important to us that this race, which leads through ten Aargau and two Lucerne municipalities, becomes a joint event and that the contacted representatives of the municipalities spread their enthusiasm among the people. You can feel that the Powerman Zofingen has a very good name. “Besides, some villages in the Mittelland can claim that there’s a world championship going through their territory and we’re even helping to make this a great thing.” It is a good opportunity for the affected villages to market their location even better, to mobilize the inhabitants for sports and to create a good atmosphere with their clubs along the bike course.

Sporty top quality

The calculation for 2018 had to be closed with a minus. “However, we had expected this to be the case because of the new cycle route, the activities for the 30th anniversary such as the anniversary magazine or the successful world record attempt by Freddy Nock,” said Ruf, who is looking forward to positive financial results again in the coming years thanks to clean and serious work. “We want to invest now above all again into the sporty quality of our event, so that we remain the best Duathlon of the world. If we continue to succeed, then the International Federation will have the greatest interest in holding the World Championships in Zofingen”.

Cooperation with Swiss Duathlon

In order to regularly have 1’500 or more participants at the Powerman Zofingen in the future, the Zofingen team will work even closer together with Swiss Duathlon and the Powerman Tramelan. “We have a common interest here, namely that in the future we will be able to get even more people interested in cycling and running. In the relatively small Swiss market, it makes sense for these organisations to pool their resources in order to jointly generate even more participants”. At the same time, the Powerman Zofingen wants to invest even more in foreign athlete marketing, especially in the surrounding countries, with first priority Germany.

The distribution of departments

At Powerman Zofingen, the structure of the three departments introduced in the course of 2016 will be continued. Markus Bindschädler will continue to head the competition department and Stefan Ruf will head the marketing department. The Services Department is transferred from Sonja Peter and Priska Zinniker to Oliver Imfeld, who remains General Secretary. The trio, consisting of Bindschädler, Imfeld and Ruf, will then also form, together with Walter Bloch (Head of Sponsoring), the management of Powerman Zofingen. “I would like to thank the whole OC and the 700 helpers for their great voluntary work and the well over 300 companies that support us with their active sponsoring. “Even more positive could be looked into the future, if the Powerman Zofingen would find a title sponsor. “The platform that would offer itself to an interested party would certainly be very promising,” said Ruf, who this year presides over the Powerman Zofingen for the 17th time as OC President.

New OC members welcome

The OC of the Powerman Zofingen now has over 50 members. Ruf said it was interesting to look back at the 30-year organisational structure. “The first ten years were all about just running a race. Then you realized that this alone was no longer enough and that you had to have a supporting programme around the race. “That’s why a services team was set up to make it as pleasant as possible for the athletes and spectators at Powerman Zofingen. “And in the last ten years we have had to concentrate more on marketing the event. We must continue to expand this thanks to additional specialists in the fields of new media, marketing and communication who must be brought on board.” Anyone who is interested in volunteering can contact info@powerman.ch by e-mail.

The board of the association Powerman Zofingen belongs to: Priska Zinniker, Heinz Müller, Markus Bindschädler, Walter Bloch, Oliver Imfeld and OC President Stefan Ruf. Sonja Peter and Stephan Aregger were farewells on the Management Board.

The earlier you register for the 31st Powerman Zofingen from 6th to 8th September 2019, the cheaper it is. The best way to register is via the homepage www.powerman.ch .

The board members of the association Powerman Zofingen, in front, from left: Priska
Zinniker (previously), Stefan Ruf (President, previously), behind: Walter Bloch (previously, new GL),
Markus Bindschädler (previously) and Heinz Müller (previously). Missing: Oliver Imfeld (new). Photo:
Raphael Galliker

Text and photo: Raphael Galliker
More information at www.powerman.swiss