Twitter
Facebook
The second annual Hochwald Frische Milchideen Crossduathlon will take place Oct. 4 at the Sportverein DJK Grün-Weiß in Hochspeyer.
The event was a success in its first year with top multi-sport athletes such as German Olympian triathlete Lothar Leder competing side-by-side with hobby athletes, teams and military personnel.
Based on the triathlon concept, competitors will compete in both running and mountain biking during the three different legs of the race. This year, participants will be challenged by multiple loops in the beautiful Pfälzerwald, with a portion of the mountain bike course on the Mountain bike park Pfälzerwald trails.
To prepare for the race, a special free racing clinic will be held at 10 a.m. Sept. 27 at the Sportverein Grün-Weiß in Hochspeyer. Participants can gain valuable tips on transition zones and get a peak at the race course. Those interested should show up 30 minutes early to get signed up. Both the running and mountain bike courses start at the Sportverein Grün-Weiß Hochspeyer on the running track, with the running loop tracing the undulating, wooded parcours track behind the sport fields.
Short, steep climbs riddle the course; power management will be key for having energy left in the tank after the first leg for the final two legs. For the mountain biking leg of the race, a large part of the 6.5 kilometer loop follows the trails on the mountain bike cross-country training course along with recently added Mountain bike Technical Parcours trails. Tough climbs and twisting trails make up this challenging course. Riders will need a balance of power and riding skills to conquer the mountain biking leg. After the biking leg of the race, racers will then head out for the final 5 kilometer running leg.
Packet pick-up and registration the day of the race will start at 9:30 a.m. at the Sportverein Grün-Weiß Hochspeyer with the first race beginning at 11 a.m.
The Volksduathlon, Team and Elite Duathlon starts at 1 p.m. It begins at the 5 kilometer running loop, then takes three-turns around the 6.5 kilometer mountain bike loop and ends with the 5 kilometer running loop. The Volksduathlon is open to all and will be broken down into age groups. The top three in all categories will receive prizes. The fastest man and fastest woman overall will also be awarded with the winners’ jersey for the overall win.
The Team Duathlon is open to teams of two. Each member of the team will take part in either the running or mountain bike leg of the race. Prizes will be awarded to the top three and jerseys will be awarded to the overall winners.
An expo area will be set up on the sporting fields with games, vendors and concessions, along with music and a live announcer.
Participants can register for the races online at www.crossracer.eu until Sept. 29. Registration on the day of the race is open until 30 minutes prior to each individual race. Entry to the different events costs between €10 and €20.
For more information on the races, go to www.crossracer.eu or e-mail info@crossracer.eu.
(Information courtesy of Sandra Bloomer)
