Swiss women’s double victory, French men’s double victory at the 2018 Zofingen ITU Powerman Long Distance Duathlon World Championships. At her comeback after a two-year absence, Petra Eggenschwiler from Solothurn wins in front of Melanie Maurer from Wikon, who lives in Bern. Place 3 goes to the Israeli Antonia Reznikov. The Frenchman Gaël Le Bellec will triumph for the third time in the men’s competition after 2014 and 2015. This time in front of his compatriot Yannick Cadalen and the German Felix Köhler, who lives in Basel. The Swiss men started very well, but then had to give up or fall behind. Freddy Nock from Uerkheim set his announced world record attempt of 25 hours in the wheel of death and earned great applause in the Powerman Arena. Seen over the entire Powerman Zofingen weekend, around 1,200 athletes took part in the 30th Powerman Zofingen, around 100 fewer than last year.

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Text: Raphael Galliker

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“I didn’t expect that in any way,” Petra Eggenschwiler could not even really claim her title at the 2018 Zofingen ITU Powerman Long Distance Duathlon World Championships. “I didn’t believe in winning until I started on the last 10 kilometre run. “The longer the race lasted, the more pain I had and I just hoped that I could hold out. For health reasons, the 30-year-old Langendörferin, who grew up in Laupersdorf, has not started at Powerman Zofingen in the last two years. “Somehow I regret this, but I have returned all the more successfully now.” Eggenschwiler attacked decisively on the last of the three 50 kilometre cycle laps and left her last tough rival, Melanie Maurer. The latter, who grew up in Wikon and now lives in Bern, was more than satisfied with the silver medal. “That’s mega and nobody expected a Swiss double victory. As I had problems running because of my stomach, I only hoped that the lead over the third placed athlete would still reach the finish line”. It worked out for Maurer. Finally, Antonia Reznikov from Israel took third place. Thanks to 4th place for Nina Zoller and 5th place for Daniela Schwarz, the Swiss team finished in four of the top five places – sensational. Among others, Miriam Van Reijen (NED), 2017 World Vice Champion and Nina Brenn, 2016 World Vice Champion (Achilles tendon problems) had to give up. Due to injury, Emma Pooley, a Briton living in Canton Zurich, who had become World Champion in Zofingen in the last four years, was not at the start.

Le Bellec in third place

Le Bellec, who had already become world champion in Zofingen in 2015 and 2014, divided his race and the forces very intelligently, let his two remaining rivals Yannick Cadalen and the German Felix Köhler, who lives in Basel, do the leading work, sometimes also attack. “I was able to keep up the rhythm I had set once, no matter what was going on around me.” The 30- year-old Frenchman only praised the new route:”I love it when it’s not just straight ahead, but up and down. By the way, the same double victory Le Bellac in front of his compatriot Cadalen already existed in 2014, and Köhler was very satisfied with third place: “I tried to stay on the bike and probably needed too much strength. In the starting phase, a number of Swiss players were in the lead. After that, one by one, or a lot behind. After a brilliant start Ronnie Schildknecht, Fabian Zehnder and finally Rolf Wermelinger gave in the course of the race. In the end, the Zurich hopeful Jens-Michael Gossauer was the best-ranked Swiss in 8th place. With Andreas Kälin, a second Swiss made it into the top ten.

Successful 23rd world record

Freddy Nock has contributed a lot to a great 30th Powerman Zofingen. The 53-year-old Uerkheimer set his 23rd world record. “Pain, feelings of tears, happiness and I’m proud to have done it and to have kept my promise to my son Leo.” The great father-son harmony was seen several times during the successful 25-hour world record on the death wheel. “A very big compliment to my colleagues at the IWTOA-WingTsun-King-Fu-D.B.-School Aarau for the great support during the world record attempt and in the weeks before the training”. This will have been Nock’s last world record attempt on the death wheel after setting the record at the RTL donations marathon twelve years ago, together with Joey Kelly, to 24 hours. “That was definitely the last record on the death wheel, but other world records are planned,” said Nock, who had toyed with the idea three times. No wonder, as Nock completed a total of more than 140 kilometres, i.e. more than three marathons. Twice during the world record attempt Natascha Badmann, ambassador of Powerman Zofingen, brought him bananas.

Satisfied OC President

OC President Stefan Ruf drew a positive conclusion on Sunday evening. “I am highly satisfied. This was a sensational one from a Swiss point of view with the double victory with the women.” In fact, this happened for the last time in 2002 thanks to Karin Thürig and Ariane Schumacher or also in 2000 thanks to Natascha Badmann and Susanne Rufer. “I would like to treat Petra Eggenschwiler to the superior victory from my heart, as she has had a great season so far with various successes in mountain runs and long-distance races. Ruf was satisfied with the 1,200 participants. “We expected about 400 participants each over the short and long distance, at the CHARITY there were mainly fewer participants because the jumbo people were no longer present and we no longer bet on the celebrities”. The result was 100 fewer participants than last year and 200 fewer each than in 2016 and 2015.

30th Powerman Zofingen, 2018 Zofingen ITU Powerman Long Distance Duathlon World Championships (10 km Run/150 km Cycling / 30 km Running)

Men/men:

1 Gaël Le Bellec (FRA) 6:07.50. 2 Yannick Cadalen (FRA) 6:10.29. 3 Felix Köhler (GER) 6:12.42. 4 Maxim Kuzmin (RUS) 6:16.12. 5 Denis Sketako (SLO) 6:23.06 June Albert Harrison (USA) 6:25.52. 7 Allister Caird (AUS) 6:26.38. 8 Jens-Michael Gossauer (SUI) 6:27.51. 9 Jarmo Rissanen (FIN) 6:30.22.,8 10. Andreas Kälin (SUI) 6:33.59. 11. Marc Widmer (SUI) 6:37.48. 12. Ramon Krebs (SUI) 6:40.34. 13. Roberto Delorenzi (SUI) 6:43.29.,5 14. Rubén Andrés Garcia (ESP) 6:44.32. 15. Kasper Laumann Hartlev (DEN) 6:52.19. 16. Soren Bystrup (DEN) 6:54.51. 17. Thomas Bruins (AUS) 7:06.09. 18. Matt Baker (AUS) 7:53.11. Not classified: Michele Paonne (LIE), Ronnie Schildknecht (SUI), Fabian Zehnder (SUI), Peter Lohrmann (USA), Rui Narigueta (PRT), Julian Lings (SUI), Rolf Wermelinger (SUI), Seppe Odeyn (BEL)

Women/women:

1.Petra Eggenschwiler (SUI) 7:00.39. 2. Melanie Maurer (SUI) 7:22.42. 3. Antonia Reznikov (ISR) 7:24.20. 4. Nina Zoller (SUI) 7:35.25. 5. Daniela Schwarz (SUI) 7:36.52. 6. Flora Colledge (SUI) 7:39.39. 7. Katrin Esefeld (GER) 7:46.09. 8. Marie Brandt Schultz (DEN) 7:47.20. 9. Katrin Saly Graf (SUI) 7:47.24. 10. Virginie Soenen (BEL) 7:53.47. 11. Maja Jacober (SUI) 8:03.50. 12. Jennifer Santoyo (USA) 8:41.20. Not classified: Miriam Van Reijen (NED), Martina Krähenbühl (SUI), Nina Brenn (SUI).

More results on: https://www.datasport.com/de/

Short Distance, (10 km running, 50 km cycling, 5 km running) Men/men:

1 Daan De Groot (NED) 2:08.20. 2 Daan Schouten (NED) 2:11.40 3 Luuk Vermunt (NED) 2:13.16

Women/women:

1.Irina Raschle (SUI) 2:36.54. 2. Jacqueline Uebelhart (SUI) 2:37.27. 3. Giovanna Costa Martins (BRA) 2:38.47

More results on: https://www.datasport.com/de/

Picture captions:

1.) The Swiss Petra Eggenschwiler (Langendorf/SO) and the Frenchman Gaël Le Bellec win the 2018 ITU Powerman Long Distance Duathlon World Championships at the 30th Powerman Zofingen.

2.) Freddy Nock and his team after the successful 25-hour world record attempt on the death wheel.

3.) OC President Stefan Ruf congratulates Melanie Maurer on the Vice World Champion title.

4.) Natascha Badmann, the ambassador of Powerman Zofingen, cut a very good figure on the short distance, had a lot of fun,  also made the fellow competitors and the fans at the roadside a great pleasure.

Photos: Raphael Galliker

More pictures from the 1st day of competition can be found on: https://www.flickr.com/photos/powerman- zofingen/albums/72157695028395570/with/29470970727/

More pictures of the 2nd day of competition can be found at:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/powerman-zofingen/sets/72157700582960844/

Like last year, it rained on the first day of the Powerman Zofingen weekend. In the faces of the participants, however, there was a radiance everywhere. This started with the Family Contest in the Expo Zone, with the exhibitors themselves, but above all also with the 220 or so PowerKids and the 150 or so participants in the

Powerman CHARITY, which took place for the first time on Saturday. With a smile on his face, Freddy Nock also completed the first hours of his 25-hour world record attempt on the death wheel. In the early evening the anniversary celebration 30 years Powerman Zofongen, in the evening then the Powerman party in the city hall Zofingen rose.

On the first day of the 30th Powerman Zofingen the children, the families, the CHARITY participants, Freddy Nock and the anniversary celebration were the centre of attention. At the 4th Family Contest various positions were on the program. The PowerKids races were attended by 220 children between the ages of 1 and 13, divided into five different categories. For the third time, the PowerFamily category (one parent and at least one child) was added, in which over 50 people took part. “Thanks to this category, among other things, we had a marked increase in the number of participants compared to last year,” said Fanny and Chiara Schaffner, who are responsible for the PowerKids races. “The great joy, the exemplary commitment and enthusiasm of the children are the reward for our work. There was stagnation in the category Youth and Beginners, which was implemented for the 3rd time, where only a handful of people took part.

CHARITY new on Saturday

This year’s Powerman CHARITY took place for the first time not on Powerman Sunday, but already on Saturday. This year, the proceeds of the Powerman CHARITY will go to the Spittelhof Zofingen, the “Think of me” foundation and the Swiss Muscle Society. While in the last two years there were about 200 people taking part, this year only about 130 people took part in the 5 km long fun run. Among them was Markus Bindschädler from Zofingen, who took part in the CHARITY for the first time. “I’ll run with my dog Borka and enjoy the 5 kilometers from A to Z.” With Oliver Imfeld, Secretary General of Powerman Zofingen, another very committed OK member took part in CHARITY: “I have to hurry, because the next tasks are waiting for me. “This is like my lunch break, so I can’t have much more than 20 minutes. Rothrister Kickbox-Crack, director and actor Kazim Carman also had to be quick on the CHARITY track, as he had to look after his Expo stand before and after. “I can handle the strain easily. I’ve already eaten three standard Kazim bars today.”

Freddy Nock on the Wheel of Death

At noon on Saturday Freddy Nock started his world record attempt in the north of the Powerman Zofingen Arena. A few minutes earlier, the world-famous Uerkheim high- wire artist ran to the toilet. “The nervousness is beginning to take effect.” The 22 world record holder was calmed down by his seven-year-old son Leo. “You can do Daddy. Besides, I’ll run the wheel of death with you once in a while.” As soon as Freddy Nock and his companions of the IWTOA-WingTsun-Kung-Fu-D.B-Schule Aarau were on the road again, he started with little tricks, mostly above the death wheel. “I take this liberty because 12 years ago I had much less freedom than here at the RTL donation marathon with the successful world record attempt over 24 hours.” Nock will have completed no less than three marathons by Sunday afternoon at 1 pm, not on a straight track, but on a bike that is constantly going up and down.

On Sunday it’s serious

The 2018 Zofingen ITU Powerman Long Distance Duathlon World Championships will start at 8am on Sunday morning. The women are first, at 9 o’clock the men come to the course with the honorary starter Natascha Badmann. The World Championship program includes 10 running, 150 bike and another 30 running kilometres. The teams start at 9.35 a.m. At 9.45 am (women), and at 9.50 am (men) the start of the short distance duathlon takes place over 10 running, 50 bike and 5 running kilometres. Natascha Badmann can also be admired on the short distance course. A summary of the race and the decisive phase of the World Championship race will be broadcast live on TV 24 and Tele M1 between 2 pm and 4 pm. There is also a live stream from 8 to 16 o’clock, where you can follow the whole race. This on http://www.powerman.ch/de/live-race-reportZudem there is also a commented live internet stream on www.powerman.ch and www.powerman.swiss.

text/photos: Raphael Galliker

Click here for the live videos of PowerKids, Charity and Freddy Nock:

https://www.facebook.com/PowermanZofingen/

Captions

No. 1: On the first Powerman Zofingen day, the PowerKids flocked into the PowermanArena in great numbers.

No. 2: Freddy Nock started his 25-hour world record attempt on the death wheel on Saturday at 12 noon right behind the Powerman Zofingen Arena.

No. 3: Natascha Badmann in continuous use: Freddy Nock is delighted that the six-time Hawaii and three-time Powerman Zofingen winner personally presented him with a banana.

No. 4: The start of Powerman CHARITY took place in the arena this time.

No. 5: The speech to mark the 30th anniversary of Powerman Zofingen was given by Zofingen’s city mayor Hans-Ruedi Hottiger in the arena overlooking the death wheel with Freddy Nock.

At the ITU Powerman Long Distance Duathlon World Championships in Zofingen, a new ITU delegation led by team leader Duncan Hough from Great Britain and Dirk Bogaert from Belgium. At the Welcome Party in Aarburg the representatives of the International Triathlon Union (ITU), together with the invited foreign athletes in the Homestay program, the Homestay families and OK members of the Powerman Zofingen had a lot of fun. But now the seriousness of competition life begins. “If the Powerman Zofingen weekend is as good as the cake here, it will be brilliant,” Hough said.

A fixed date in the Powerman Zofingen agenda is the welcome party, which also took place this year at the Haus der Nautiker in Aarburg. Many athletes benefit from the special homestay program of Powerman Zofingen. Homestay means that a family offers their private rooms to an athlete before and during Powerman Zofingen free of charge. As a thank you, the Homestay families are invited to eat and drink on the Thursday before the Powerman Zofingen weekend and meet top cracks time and again. Also present are the representatives and members of the world-famous Jubilee Club, which includes athletes who have finished the Powerman Zofingen at least ten times over the long distance. The Jubilee Club members are already recognizable from a distance in their usual green shirts, the Ambassadors have a blue shirt.

Travelling from all continents

Stefan Ruf, OC President of Powerman Zofingen, was particularly pleased that duathlon event organisers from all continents were present. “Despite the long journey from New Zealand, South Africa or Scandinavia, everyone seems to be in a good mood.” The welcome party was a very nice start to the Powerman Zofingen weekend. “We are ready and on Sunday, under ideal weather conditions, we will experience a great World Cup anniversary race on a new track.

Much praise from the ITU

The new ITU managers praised the Powerman Zofingen very much: “Here everything is still much nicer than I expected and also the new track is excellent, but very hard. The preparations for the ITU Powerman Long Distance Duathlon World Championships are going very well and when the competitions are as good as the cake here, it will be bombastic,” praised ITU team leader Duncan Hough, who previously knew and heard only one thing from Zofingen: “Powerman, Powerman, Powerman”.

Register now!

On Friday evening the opening ceremony of the 30th Powerman Zofingen will take place, on Saturday the Powerman CHARITY, the PowerKids, the youth- and beginner categories will be in the spotlight and on Sunday the short and long distance duathlon. After 1997, 1998, 1999, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017, the latter will be held for the eleventh time in Zofingen as the ITU Powerman Long Distance Duathlon World Championships. The ITU (International Triathlon Union) and the IPA (International Powerman Association) are organising a joint World Championship in Zofingen for the eighth time in a row. If you want to be there on Saturday or Sunday, you can register at www.powerman.ch and www.powerman.swiss or on site up to half an hour before the start of each race (for the long distance only for the age categories and only available on Saturday)!

text/photos: Raphael Galliker

Click here for the live videos of the welcome party:

https://www.facebook.com/PowermanZofingen/

Captions

1). At the Welcome Party in Aarburg the quartet could still enjoy the sweet life, from now on the 30th Powerman Zofingen and the ITU Powerman Long Distance Duathlon World Championships, from left: Duncan Hough (ITU Team Leader), Dirk Bogaert (Technical Delegate ITU), Stefan Ruf (OC President Powerman Zofingen) and Oliver Imfeld (Secretary General Powerman Zofingen).

2.) The Powerman Zofingen family, here with group picture at the welcome party in Aarburg, is now growing day by day.

Wir präsentieren Euch in einer Serie die WM-Favoriten/in a serie we present you the favorites for the world championship title. Heute mit/today with:

Maja Jacober (SUI)

Geburtsdatum/date of birth:
2.6.1972/2nd of June 1972.

Bisherige Podestplätze Powerman Zofingen/podiums Powerman Zofingen so far:
3: Platz 3/3rd place 2006, 2007, 2008.

Platzierung/result Powerman Zofingen 2017:
Platz 12/12th place.

Ziel/goal Powerman Zofingen 2018:
Aufgrund meiner gesundheitlichen Probleme in den letzten Jahren und auch aktuell musste ich mein Ziel für den Powerman Zofingen 2018 nach unten anpassen. Zum 18. Mal finishen und einen guten Tag sowie ein Rennen ohne gröbere Probleme zu haben, das wäre schon toll!/Due to my injuries in the last few years and actually as well I had to downgrade my goals for the 30th Powerman Zofingen. To be able to finish for the 18th time, to have a good day and a race without severe problems would be very nice already!

Grösste Erfolge 2018/biggest successes 2018:
Aufgrund meiner Verletzungen der letzten Jahre konnte ich dieses Jahr noch keine grösseren Erfolge feiern./Because of my injuries in the last few years I couldn’t celebrate any big successes this year yet.

Zufrieden mit der bisherigen Saison/are you satisfied with this season so far?
Nein, mit der bisherigen Saison bin ich gar nicht zufrieden. Dafür müsste schon noch das Überqueren der Finishline in Zofingen dazukommen mit einem passablen Resultat./No, I’m not at all satisfied with the season so far. To be satisfied I would have to be able to cross the finishing line on the 2nd of September and this with a good result.

Homepage:
keine/none

Interview/Foto/picture: Raphael Galliker

Again this year, Alpha Foto from Dietikon will take pictures of every single athlete. You can search for your pictures by using your starting number. The pictures can be ordered just after the event directly at Alpha Foto.

Find here the Link to Alpha Foto 2018

The fireworks that will be lit on the 30th Powerman Zofingen are getting bigger and more impressive. Besides Ronnie Schildknecht, who will compete at the ITU Powerman Long Distance Duathlon World Championships, Natascha Badmann will also make a comeback on the track at Powerman Zofingen. “Since I can run again, I dare to start the short distance and I want to enjoy September 2nd from A to Z,” says the 6-time Ironman Hawaii and three-time Powerman Zofingen winner. The 51-year-old from Küngoldingen will also be a permanent ambassador for Powerman Zofingen on other fronts.

1989, at the very first duathlon event in Zofingen still called “Riun & Bike” at that time, Natascha Badmann started over the short distance. “I still remember it well, as it was also my very first competition.” Badmann immediately made it into the top ten and immediately took this sport to her heart. The consequences of this love are known: Three Powerman-Zofingen triumphs in 1996, 1997 and 2000 plus in triathlon, including six victories at the Ironman Hawaii (1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004 and 2005).

Running training works

Two years ago Badmann was hit by a car in a training camp on Gran Canaria and was unable to do a real and, above all, painless running training for dozens of months. “Since then, I’ve taken part in a competition without any running training.” Last week Badmann did several tests and was able to complete a 10 km long training session without pain. “The 10 kilometres immediately brought me to the numbers 10 km, 50 km and 5 km”, Badmann might say something in riddles. For Powerman Zofingen fans it is clear what she means: 10 km running, 50 km cycling and another 5 km running, that is the requirement profile for the Powerman Zofingen over the short distance. “I could easily cycle the route three times, but the 15 kilometres I walk are very respectful, as it goes up and down a lot,” said the Queen of Kona and Zofingen.

Your fan club participates

Badmann wouldn’t be Badmann if she made the Powerman Zofingen weekend easy for herself. “In the short-distance race on September 2nd, at the women’s start at 9:45 a.m., I first give the starting signal and then run afterwards.” She has to see to it that she is not caught up with by her own fan club. “The team of three will start a squadron five minutes later, together with the men. The entire trio will then also start on 13 October at the Ironman Hawaii” Badmann is not looking forward to victory: “I want to enjoy the day and the race, will be very relaxed, always have a smile, soak up the great atmosphere once again and also be proud to be part of the Powerman Zofingen for 30 years and be a piece of history”. Her faithful coach at the edge of the track will be her trainer and life partner Toni Hasler. That’s exactly why the tiewoman could suddenly break out in Badmann and with it again the competition fever. “Yes, I could imagine that after a few successful kilometres, but as I said, I want to have a lot of fun.”

Being there for the fans

Zofingen and the villages along the route witness a rare spectacle on 2 September. “On special request I will also give autographs on the course and will be available for photos and selfies”, promises Badmann, who will then also be available for your fans at the finish. But Badmann’s all- around programme continues without a break: “Together with presenter Gabriel Oldham and co- commentator Andy Sutz I will co-comment the endurance race on TV, as I did last year.

Joy for the OC President

OK President Stefan Ruf is also pleased about Badmann’s comeback on the Powerman Zofingen circuit. “This closes a circle that began in 1989 on September 2, 2018.” The fact that two extremely successful athletes, Schildknecht and Badmann, had started their careers in Zofingen and would now return to their roots, also shows the high acknowledged importance that the Powerman Zofingen has. “Many top names in the triathlon and duathlon scene say that I simply have to win this event in Zofingen once in my career.” Ruf is also proud that Badmann is the official ambassador for Powerman Zofingen.

Great seminar

And Badmann’s mammoth program on the 30th Powerman Zofingen is not over yet. Already on Saturday, September 1, 2018, she invites you, together with Toni Hasler, to a special, eagerly awaited seminar. “A marked increase in performance thanks to perfect competition nutrition” is the title of the seminar, which will be held at 2 p.m. in the Evangelical Methodist Church Zofingen, right next to the Stadtsaal Zofingen. A contribution towards expenses of CHF 10 will be collected immediately upon receipt. Anyone who is interested in the topic of competition nutrition, especially for the Powerman Zofingen races on Sunday, September 2, 2018, can participate. “There are enough places available and otherwise you can follow the einst¨üpndige seminar with the possibility to ask questions standing up,” says the experienced nutrition coach Toni Hasler, who has coached countless athletes to win at Powerman Zofingen and Ironman Hawaii.

Last starting places

You can still register for the 30th Powerman Zofingen. The entry portal for the long distance (women’s start to the ITU Powerman Long Distance Duathlon World Championships on September 2nd is at 8am, the World Championship men’s start is at 9am) was closed in mid-August, but you can still register for the age groups as well as for the short distance. You can still register for the Powerman CHARITY (new on Saturday and starting at 4 pm), the PowerKids races and the Family Contest, even on the day of the event.

Text: Raphael Galliker

Picture caption:

Natascha Badmann, the ambassador of Powerman Zofingen, is already looking forward to her mammoth program at the Powerman Zofingen weekend. Photo: Raphael Galliker

Wir präsentieren Euch in einer Serie die WM-Favoriten/in a serie we present you the favorites for the world championship title. Heute mit/today with:

Miriam Van Reijen (NED)

Geburtsdatum/date of birth:
26.10.1983/26th of October 1983

Bisherige Podestplätze Powerman Zofingen/podiums Powerman Zofingen so far:
Platz 2/2nd place 2017.

Platzierung/result Powerman Zofingen 2017:
Rang 2/2nd place.

Ziel/goal Powerman Zofingen 2018:
Ich will heuer ein bessere Rennen abliefern als im letzten Jahr. Ich habe sehr hart auf dem Rad trainiert und konnte mich da um einiges verbessern. Im letzten Jahr trug ich ein spannendes Duell mit Katrin Esefeld um Platz 2 aus. Heuer hoffe ich, dass wir alle einen harten Kampf um alle Podiumsplätze haben werden./My goal for this year is to have a better race than last year. I’ve been working hard on my power on the bike and I hope and think I’ve improved a lot. Last year I had a great battle with Katrin Esefeld for the second spot. I hope it will be a battle this year where we all really have to race for the podium spots.

Grösste Erfolge 2018/biggest successes 2018:
6. Platz Embrunman (Langdistanz-Triathlon), Sieg beim Powerman Mallorca, Platz 2 Powerman Malaysia./6th place at the Embrunman (long distance triathlon), victory at the Powerman Mallorca, 2^nd place Powerman Malaysia.

Zufrieden mit der bisherigen Saison/are you satisfied with this season so far?
Heuer habe ich mit dem Embrunman meinen ersten Langdistanz-Triathlon gemacht. Ich wurde Sechste und war mit meinem Gesamtauftritt sehr zufrieden. Verglichen mit dem Embrunman wird sich der Powerman Zofingen also fast wie ein Kurzdistanz-Rennen anfühlen. Zu Beginn des Jahres hatte ich auf Mallorca und in Malaysia zwei sehr gute Rennen. Aus Verletzungsgründen musste ich danach eine ganze Zeit lang aufs Lauftraining verzichten und verpasste so auch die EM in Vejle. In der Tat habe ich das Laufen vermisst, doch es machte mich letztendlich umso stärker, als ich dann endlich wieder mit dem Lauftraining beginnen konnte./This year I‘ve also been doing my first long distance triathlon in Embrunman. I placed sixth and was realy happy with my overall performance. Compared to Embrunman, Zofingen actually feels a bit like short distance now. In the beginning of 2018 I had two good races at Mallorca and in Malaysia but afterwards I had to take some running time off due to injury and missed the European Championships duathlon in Vejle. I realy missed running but I think it actually made me stronger when I started running again.

Homepage:
www.miriamvanreijen.com

Interview/Foto/picture: Raphael Galliker

Wir präsentieren Euch in einer Serie die WM-Favoriten/in a serie we present you the favorites for the world championship title. Heute mit/today with:

Martina Krähenbühl (SUI)

Geburtsdatum/date of birth:
9.11.1984/9th of November 1984.

Bisherige Podestplätze Powerman Zofingen/podiums Powerman Zofingen so far:
keine/none.

Platzierung/result Powerman Zofingen 2017:
aufgegeben/did not finish.

Ziel/goal Powerman Zofingen 2018:
stark Rad fahren und solid laufen./Strongly cycling and run solid.

Grösste Erfolge 2018/biggest successes 2018:
Rad-Bergschweizermeisterin Elite Frauen, 1. Rang Granfondo Stelvio, 1. Rang Granfondo Gotthard, 1. Rang Sustenpass-Zeitfahren, 2. Rang Inferno Halbmarathon./Swiss Champion mountain cycling women elite, 1st place Granfondo Stelvio, 1st place Granfondo Gotthard, 1st place Sustenpass time trial, 2nd place Inferno half marathon.

Zufrieden mit der bisherigen Saison/are you satisfied with this season so far?
Auf dem Rad habe ich mich stark verbessert und bin sehr zufrieden. Im Duathlon/Laufen brauchte ich nach meinem Schädelbruch viel Geduld, fühle mich jetzt aber wieder fit. Mit dem Powerman Zofingen und dem Jungfraumarathon stehen aber 2 Highlights noch bevor. Die neue Strecke beim Powerman Zofingen ist zudem das Beste, das mir passieren konnte./On the bike I could improve my performance a lot and now I’m very pleased with it. After my skull fracture I had to be very patient in the duathlon running but now I feel fit again. With the Powerman Zofingen and the Jungfraumarathon the two highlights of the season are still to come. The new track at the Powerman Zofingen was the best thing that could have happened to me.

Homepage:
keine/none, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/martina.krahenbuhl.1

Interview/Foto/picture: Raphael Galliker

Preview of the 30th Powerman Zofingen (August 31 to September 2, 2018)

Anniversary, new track, top athletes and world record attempt

The 30th Powerman Zofingen will be fireworks. On the one hand, there is the 30th birthday with various anniversary activities. On the other hand, the World Championship race on 2 September will feature a new running and cycling track. The three laps now also lead through the city centre, as does the new bike course. Due to the new licensing practice in the Canton of Lucerne, 90 percent of the vehicles are now operated in the Canton of Aargau. The new bike course has first a fast, flat “15 km loop west” and then a very couped and demanding “35 km loop east”. For men it should be the strongest race of all times in terms of registrations, for women one thing in particular is announced – excitement. Freddy Nock should complete three marathons at once. The world-famous 53-year-old high-wire artist from Uerkheim starts a 25-hour world record attempt on the death wheel on September 1 at 12 noon, right next to the Powerman Arena.

On September 2, 2018 the ITU Powerman Long Distance Duathlon World Championships will again be held in Zofingen. The fact that the ITU (International Triathlon Union) and the IPA (International Powerman Association) are now awarding these to Zofingen for the eleventh time after 1997, 1998, 1999, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017, and for the eighth time in a row, is unique for triathlon and duathlon. A new challenge awaits the athletes from around 40 participating nations. The bike course will be new and even more challenging. In addition, both the cycling and running routes pass through the picturesque city centre of Zofingen for the first time.

New licensing practice

The change in route was triggered by the new licensing practice of the Lucerne police. “Their obligation to allow a race only with a complete track closure has not produced a track worthy of the World Championship in the space of the previous track”, regrets Stefan Ruf, OC President of Powerman Zofingen. All variants had to be discarded, so that in spring the OC had to abandon the previous course, which had been run since the 3rd edition in 1991. “Thanks to the support of the Aargau authorities, however, a new bike course worthy of the World Cup can now be offered by a large majority through the Canton of Aargau. The character of the track remains unchanged, 50 kilometres per lap with almost exactly the same difference in altitude of 650 m per lap as before. In the World Championship race, the lap leading from Zofingen first to the west will again be driven three times. While the Vordemwald section was the last part so far, it will now be used in exactly the opposite direction and the “loop” will bring a first small turning point before it goes back from Vordemwald via Rothrist to the Zofingen area in the direction of Mühlethal on the eastern part of the loop. Ruf: “This one was already partly used in 2006. The technical highlight will certainly be the climb via Reitnau and the Wiliberg exit before returning to Zofingen via Reiden”.

New opportunities

The relocation to Aargau, just in time for the 30-year event, offers the event, which is one of eight top sporting events in Aargau, many new opportunities. Ruf:”Important communities such as Rothrist or Schöftland are now part of the route. In addition to the Wiggertal, the Ürketal and Suhre valleys are now also being crossed. With Mühlethal and Reitnau-Wiliberg, two of the most beautiful crossings in the western part of the canton are crossed, thus also creating opportunities for new nests of atmosphere”. The OC is doing everything in its power to ensure optimal track safety and comprehensive information for local residents, so that the athletes are given an accident-free race and the local residents the least possible restrictions, and at the same time it would like to thank all the communities that are now being used for the first time and also the previous ones for their understanding and support.

Running course adapted

Due to the new bike course, the second running course can now also be run through the old town of Zofingen, as planned for some time. “For many years it was two laps and last year even four because of the storm damage, but now three laps are being run on a 5 km long turning point track”, says Ruf. After leaving the Powerman-Arena we first go to turning point 1 at Thutplatz and then again through the arena to turning point 2 on the Heitere. Back in the arena the first 10 of a total of 30 km are completed. “Only marginal changes have been made to the first run, which at 9.5 km is now 300 m longer than before, thanks to a new separate start zone. According to Ruf, the new routes also represent a new capital in the history of Powerman Zofingen. “We are pleased to be able to offer the participants from around 40 nations a route that remains very demanding and yet fast, thus maintaining and even improving the chances of winning the World Championship in the future.

The Favourites

For the men, the battle for the World Championship title will mean that the 30th Powerman Zofingen should bring with it the best-quality race of all time. Last year’s winner Maxim Kuzmin (RUS), Belgium’s Seppe Odeyn (2016 winner) and France’s Gaël Le Bellec (2015 and 2014 winners) are all World Champions of the past four years. They all have a clear goal:”Climb to the top of the podium at the 30th Powerman Zofingen!” However, the current world number one, 34-year-old Dane Søren Bystrup, also has this goal: “At the end of my elite career I finally want to win the World Championship title in Zofingen after finishing third four times! What’s more, thanks to Felix Köhler (GER) and Yannick Cadalen (FRA), all the World Championship medal winners of the last four years will be competing in Thutstadt. Only the Australian Matt Smith is missing from the top eight of the world rankings. Fabian Zehnder is the top-ranked Swiss in 8th place,”My goal for this year in Zofingen is also a place among the top eight, said the 31-year-old from Wädenswil. The Swiss duathlon national team coach Sami Götz sends Rolf Wermelinger, Marc Widmer, Jens Gossauer, Andreas Kälin, Ramon Krebs and Roberto Delorenzi from his squad along with Zehnder into the race. “In addition to a few experienced duathletes, there are also many new, so-called lateral entrants and also young athletes at the start who have great potential. I hope for a great competition atmosphere at the anniversary in Zofingen and many spectators at the side of the track”. And there is Ronnie Schildknecht, who is finally making his comeback after his long distance debut in 2002 (6th place) in Zofingen: “It would be nice to come home on September 2nd and celebrate a victory there”.

Schildknecht goes Zofingen

I am very pleased that Ronnie Schildknecht, Switzerland’s most successful long-distance athlete of recent years, is starting in Zofingen. As nine-time winner of the Ironman Zurich, he could achieve the 10th great victory in Switzerland with Zofingen.” Schildknecht will however face strong competition, led by the reigning European champion and world number one Bystrup. “The Dane, especially on the bike, should be one of the very few in the field who can stand up to Schildknecht.” Schildknecht starts, after a short recovery time, then also on October 13th at the Ironman Hawaii, the unofficial Triathlon World Championship.

Pooley’s launch at risk

“There’ll probably be a new world champion among women,” Ruf says. “It’s a pity Emma Pooley, who recently set new standards with four victories in series at the Powerman Zofingen, can’t start due to injury. However, the British woman, who lives in the canton of Zurich, will be in Zofingen on anyhow on the Powerman weekend, at best then as a VIP”. Pooley himself says: “Most likely I won’t be able to start on September 2nd. I haven’t been able to walk for two months because of an injury. I still can’t even jog easily without pain, despite a complete break from running. Of course this is very frustrating for me, even more, because I can’t try to defend my title in Zofingen. The Powerman Zofingen has been a highlight of my season for the last four years.” Ruf now expects a completely open race with good chances for the strong Swiss team, consisting of Nina Brenn (Vice World Champion 2016), Melanie Maurer (current Vice European Champion at the ETU Powerman Middle Distance European Championship in Vejl, Denmark), Nina Zoller, Maja Jacober (Powerman Zofingen Third 2008, 2007 and 2006), Daniela Schwarz, Martina Krähenbühl and Kathrin Saly-Graf. “Among the women, there are some very experienced long-distance duathletes at the start. I definitely trust Nina Brenn to win another medal after 2016,” says Sami Götz. The World Cup goal of the Swiss national duathlon team coach for men and women is. “At least one medal and a total of three top five places.” After last year’s tough battle for World Cup silver, they now want to stage this year’s duel for the World Cup crown: world number one and vice world champion Miriam Van Reijen (NED) and world number two, World Cup and European bronze medallist Katrin Esefeld (GER). Apart from Pooley, only the current European champion Sandrina Illes is not at the start in Zofingen. “The Powerman Zofingen is still too tough for me, but I would love to race it later in my career,” said the 31-year-old Austrian.

World record attempt by Freddy Nock

Freddy Nock is already setting his 24th world record attempt. The launch is scheduled for Powerman Zofingen Saturday, September 1, 2018, at 12 noon. “We will set up the death wheel with a diameter of 9 metres right next to the transition zone,” says the 53-year-old Uerkheimer. “After that, I want to walk in and on the death wheel for at least 24 hours, 25 hours at best, without interruption.” Nock: “You have to remember that you can never run straight because it is a wheel.” Especially the ankles are strained. The current world record holder is Nock himself, together with Joey Kelly. “As part of the charity programme “RTL Donation Marathon 2006″, together with the Kelly Family member, I spent the longest 24 hours on a death wheel,” says Nock. Nock had its first real crisis after 13 hours during the successful world record attempt on 23/24 November 2006. “I even wanted to quit, but then Joey Kelly gave me a wisdom for life.” Kelly managed to get Nock mentally fit again for the continuation of the world record attempt. “If you fall into a hole, it’s important that you survive the next five minutes, that you just keep going,” says Nock. During the successful world record, Nock had run more than 135 kilometres on more than 9,000 death wheel rotations, which corresponds to more than three marathons. If Nock had only one partner with Kelly twelve years ago, he will have several partners in Zofingen on September 1/2, 2018. “I would like to thank the IWTOA WingTsun Kung-Fu D.B. School Aarau, where my seven-year-old son Leo also trains. Nock and his followers are still training on and in the death wheel in the area of the company Senn AG in Oftringen. Nock already has seven entries in the Guinness World Records Book and 23 successful world record attempts. “I am 99 percent convinced that I will achieve my 24th world record and I am looking forward to it, especially as it will take place almost on my doorstep. Nock also knows the Powerman Zofingen Arena very well, as he has participated in the Powerman CHARITY in the last two years, but it only covered 5 kilometres and not more than 135 kilometres.

anniversary program

The Poweran Zofingen Week started on Monday, 27 August with two media conferences: First with that of world record holder Freddy Nock on the grounds of Senn AG in Oftringen, then with the official Powerman media conference in Zofingen town hall. On Friday, 31 August, the opening ceremony will take place in the Stadtsaal Zofingen with the traditional pasta party and the handing over of starting numbers to the top athletes. On September 1st the Info-Point opens at 9.30 a.m., the Powerman-Expo and the Velafrica stand (handing in old bikes) open at 10 a.m., Freddy Nock starts his world record attempt on the death wheel next to the Powerman Arena at 12.15 p.m. The Family Contest starts at 1 p.m. The start of the PowerKids races takes place at 4 p.m. The Powerman CHARITY starts at 5 p.m.30 o’clock the big anniversary celebration “30 years Powerman Zofingen” is launched, with the participation of the pop-classic tenor Patrick von Castelberg, the solo artist Franziska Wigger, ceremonial speeches of Zofingen’s mayor Hans-Ruedi Hottiger and Powerman Zofingen OC president Stefan Ruf and the invasion of nations. From 8 p.m. the 3rd Powerman Zofingen anniversary party with the Austrian party band Wirbelwind will take place in the Stadtsaal Zofingen. Admission on Saturday is free, as is admission on Sunday to the World Championship and short-distance races.

Last starting places

You can still register for the 30th Powerman Zofingen from 31 August to 2 September 2018. The entry portal for the long distance (women’s World Cup start on 2 September at 8 a.m., men’s start at 9 a.m.) was closed in mid-August, but you can still register for the short distance in the week before the competition if there are still starting places. You can still register for the Powerman CHARITY (new on Saturday and starting at 4 pm), the PowerKids races and the Family Contest.

Text: Raphael Galliker

Picture captions:

1.) While the Russian Maxim Kuzmin can and wants to defend his World Championship title this year, the last four-time serial winner Emma Pooley is probably not at the start of the 30th Powerman Zofingen on September 2nd due to injury.

2.) The new 50-kilometre bike course leads through the heart of the city of Zofingen, across Thutplatz, where Natascha Badmann, six-time winner of the Ironman Hawaii and ambassador of Powerman Zofingen, awaits many spectators.

3.) Freddy Nock, the world-famous high-wire artist from Uerkheim, will start his 25-hour world record attempt on the death wheel on September 1, 2018, next to the Powerman Zofingen Arena.

Photos: Raphael Galliker

Wir präsentieren Euch in einer Serie die WM-Favoriten/in a serie we present you the favorites for the world championship title. Heute mit/today with:

Andreas Kälin (SUI)

Geburtsdatum/date of birth:
14.8.1991/14th of August 1991.

Bisherige Podestplätze Powerman Zofingen/podiums Powerman Zofingen so far:
keine/none.

Platzierung/result Powerman Zofingen 2017:
Platz 18/18th place.

Ziel/goal Powerman Zofingen 2018:
Top 10!

Grösste Erfolge 2018/biggest successes 2018:
4. Rang an der Elite Duathlon-Schweizermeisterschaft am Intervall Duathlon Zofingen. Fünf Top five-Klassierungen Overall an der Eisenhorn Swiss Duathlon Series./4th place at the Elite Duathlon Swiss Championships at the Intervall Duathlon Zofingen. 5 top five results at the Eisenhorn Swiss Duathlon series.

Zufrieden mit der bisherigen Saison/are you satisfied with this season so far?
Obwohl ich in dieser Saison bisher viele vierte Plätze (Rheintal, IDZ, Spiez, St. Moritz) hatte, bin ich zufrieden, da die Lücke nach vorne immer kleiner wird./Despite the fact having finished several race on fourth position (Rheintal, IDZ, Spiez, St. Moritz) I’m satisfied with this season so far, because the gap to the top get’s smaller and smaller.

Homepage:
www.andreaskaelin.com

Interview/Foto/picture: Raphael Galliker/Blende 8.5 Zofingen