Media conference on the 31st Powerman Zofingen, latest news
Petra Eggenschwiler biting her teeth
On September 8th the 2019 Zofingen ITU Powerman Long Distance Duathlon World Championships will take place in Zofingen. At the Monday media conference in Reitnau, Petra Eggenschwiler made it clear that she was doing everything she could to defend her title. For a few weeks now, the 31-year-old from Solothurn has been carrying a foot injury around with her. The vice world champion Melanie Maurer still sees Eggenschwiler in pole position for the world championship title. Sami Götz, head of competitive sport duathlon at Swiss Duathlon, hopes for two World Championship medals for women and very good placings for men, especially for Matthias Ott and Rolf Wermelinger.
On 8 September 2019 ITU Powerman Long Distance Duathlon World Championships will take place again in Zofingen. The fact that the ITU (International Triathlon Union) and the IPA (International Powerman Association) have now awarded these for the 12th time after 1997, 1998, 1999, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018, nota bene for the ninth time in a row, after Zofingen, is unique for triathlon and duathlon sport. At the media conference in Reitnau, OC President Stefan Ruf confirmed that everything is set for the upcoming Powerman Zofingen weekend. “It takes almost a three-year lead to make sure everything is ready for day X at such ITU Powerman Long Distance Duathlon World Championships.” On Saturday, September 7th, the PowerKids and Family races plus the Powerman CHARITY (5 km running for a good cause) will take place. You can still register here via www.powerman.swiss or on the day of the competition. Those who are determined at short notice can also register for the short distance on Sunday, 8 September or for the long distance in the age categories. “I am very grateful that the Zofingen region has a great deal of understanding for such a sporting event,” said Ruf. In particular, he thanked the local residents along the 50 kilometre cycle route, which is very well secured. “Nevertheless, mutual caution is required, especially in villages and neighbourhoods, and athletes can reach speeds of around 70 km/h on certain descents.”
Optimal for spectators
Asked about the ideal Sunday programme for spectators, Ruf says: “I would come to Zofingen on Sunday morning and follow the women’s World Cup start at 8 o’clock and the men’s start an hour later. Afterwards it is best to move to Reitnau, where the new heart of the cycle route is, especially thanks to the many hairpin bends up the mountain. I would then move back to Zofingen to see the athletes at the finish in time.”
Confident Nati trainer
Sami Götz, head of competitive sports duathlon at Swiss Duathlon, is optimistic about the Powerman Zofingen Sunday. “The Swiss athletes are very well prepared and this week it’s all about sleeping well and eating well, respectively enough. Götz hopes for a lot with the women: “With the women we have chances for two World Cup medals.” By this he primarily means Petra Eggenschwiler and Melanie Maurer, who celebrated a double victory last year. Eggenschwiler: “I’m sure I’ll bite all my teeth so that I can start on Sunday and get through the race”. The 31-year-old from Solothurn suffered a foot injury (fluid under the bursa) at the Glacier 3000 Run in the Bernese Oberland almost two weeks ago. Despite this injury Eggenschwiler won the Inferno Triathlon, which she called one of the highlights of the season. “Because the Powerman Zofingen is another such highlight and every step still hurts me, I decided to give up my home race, the Weissenstein mountain run.” The 31-year-old Wikon Melanie Maurer, who lives in Liebefeld and came second last year, feels in top form. “Petra Eggenschwiler is the favourite, but I have to look after myself and give my best on Sunday.” Among the men, Götz is most likely to expect an exploit from Matthias Ott or Rolf Wermelinger. “Both are in excellent shape, so they’re already for a top result on Sunday.”
Text: Raphael Galliker
