For the past three years Russians have displayed growing interest in triathlon. An increasing number of Russian triathletes have been participants of international competitions and have got selected for IRONMAN World Championships. One of the main reasons why so many distinguished Russian athletes have taken it to the international level lately is a skyrocketing development of local competitions with a high level of organization.
Photo: © IRONSTAR / Russian triathlon
About organizers
In 2015, the first IRONSTAR Triathlon competition took place in the Olympic city of Sochi. The LOC (Local Organizing Committee) set a goal to create a unique international-level race in terms of both technical standards and general impressions. That is why IRONSTAR decided to establish partnership with technical experts from Triangle, IRONMAN organizers in Europe and South Africa. The experts will be consulting the LOC on how to organize competitions in Russia.
“We have immediately determined that in order to organize an international-level race we have to involve the best experts. The most vivid proof of our success was the ETU European Cup Final held on our track in September 2015, one day before the Age Grouper Triathlon Championship”, – IRONSTAR CEO Andrey Kavun said.
Today IRONSTAR is the organizer of triathlon starts in Russia with an ever-growing number of participants. The number has increased by 380% to 3,800 people. The participants of these starts are Age Groupers, Elite and Para athletes. Every year, participants from more than 20 countries take part in IRONSTAR races. These countries include Germany, the USA, the UK, France, and even Singapore and Australia.
“I could have never imagined I would cross half the world to participate in a race. I’m happy I’ve done it. The race in Sochi was incredible, and the IRONSTAR organizers were the most hospitable I’ve ever encountered. The staff was always ready to help, and other athletes were very supportive even though I don’t speak Russian. I will definitely come back”, – Singaporean athlete Darren Ho said.
Photo: © IRONSTAR / Russian triathlon
Russian Kona
Sochi’s subtropical climate fully dispels the myth about ever-cold Russia. The temperature of the Black Sea water area reaches 19°C in early June and 26°C in September, by the end of the season. The air temperature ranges from 24°C to 30°C but might go down as low as 16°C in some mountain areas along the bike course.
“Triathlon for us, like for the rest of the world, is a kind of athletic tourism. Among all the regions in Russia, Sochi is perfect for the purpose. Many of you have followed the 2014 Olympics on TV but very few have seen it live. Many think that Russia is always covered in snow, but we want to show you another side of our country”, – CEO Andrey Kavun said.
Photo: © IRONSTAR / Russian triathlon
Course
The swim course in Sochi is very convenient as it is located in the bay protected from waves and currents, which allows athletes to save their strength for the bike course and the run course.
The bike course starts with a perfectly even track – no uphills or downhills for the first 4 km, giving athletes an opportunity to warm up their legs for a more challenging stage. But the most exciting part of the bike course is probably the one along the Formula 1 track. The organizers have even established a special prize for an athlete who will show the best time at this distance (a bit over 5 km).
Photo: © IRONSTAR / Russian triathlon
“It was so cool to imagine race cars while riding my bike along the race track, tilting it at the turns like a motorcycle and keeping up the high speed. Very cool!”, said Volker Voigt, athlete from the Netherlands who showed the best result at the Formula One circuit in June 2017.
The rest of the course runs through the mountain range all the way up to Krasnaya Polyana, where the main events of the 2014 Winter Olympics were held. This part of the course is considered the most “expensive” in Russia as it was constructed using unique modern technologies, and the length of the mountain tunnels reaches 3200m. The overall ascent is around 500 m, the slopes are fairly gradual and long. Even Elite athletes consider this bike course to be quite challenging. The traffic is fully shut down during the race.
The run course lies along the sea mall, from which one can enjoy the breathtaking view over the mountains and the water area. In addition, it is perfectly smooth, and some athletes even come there just to break their own records.
Photo: © IRONSTAR / Russian triathlon
Simple logistics
The ride from Sochi International airport to the start venue takes just about 10 minutes. The start and finish area is only two minutes away from the Imeretinsky Hotel, and this is an absolutely unique feature in terms of convenience for the participants.
Photo: © IRONSTAR / Russian triathlon
Technical equipment and safety
The organizers pay special attention to safety and fairness of the competitions. That is why the jury consists of 22 judges and 14 cyclists. Kayakers, lifeguards and divers are engaged in the water area.
The IRONSTAR jury members go through special training twice a year.
Another IRONSTAR participant Stefan Alexander (Germany) said “the organization was immaculate, just like at international races. But the IRONSTAR competition has kept their nice and friendly, almost family-like atmosphere. Thanks to it, just after three races, I started feeling part of a big athletic family where all the participants know each other”.
Photo: © IRONSTAR / Russian triathlon
2018 IRONSTAR Triathlon Sochi races will take place on June 2 (Sprint & 113) and September 22 (Olympic & 226). The organizers are looking forward to hosting foreign guests and are ready to issue special invitations for athletes all over the world to help them get their visas in no time.
Andrei Kavun: “We know that Germany currently has one of the most developed markets in the area of Age Grouper triathlon in Europe. We will be happy to welcome you in Russia and show you that Russian triathlon has reached the international level as well. We invite you to enjoy the Russian Kona in Sochi on June 2 and September 22, 2018.”
Photo: © IRONSTAR / Russian triathlon
© IRONSTAR Triathlon Russia , Andrei Kavun
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