At today's media conference at the official athletes' hotel Holiday Inn Express
in Oftringen, media representatives were informed about the current status of
preparations for the Powerman Zofingen on 7/8 September 2024. Zofingen will
be hosting the World Triathlon Powerman Long Distance Duathlon World
Championships for the 16th time and the organisers will also be celebrating
the 35th anniversary edition of the Powerman. A higher number of participants
is expected on the Sunday of the competition. The new visual appearance of
the event will also catch the eye.
The Powerman Zofingen and the long-distance duathlon world championships attract
athletes from all over the world. 32 nations from all five continents will be
represented this year. ‘In terms of internationality, we have once again reached the
pre-corona level,’ explained Stefan Ruf, President of the Powerman Zofingen
Association, at the media conference.
Stefan Ruf, President of the Powerman Zofingen Association The number of participants for the long and short distance on Sunday is also looking good. ‘Almost 500 registrations have been received so far, so the number of participants is likely to be higher than last year,’said Stefan Ruf.
Race registration is possible up to one hour before the start - except
for the elite category. The new corporate identity with the freshly designed logo in
dark blue and red colours is striking this year. The introduction of the new corporate
identity is the second step in the renewal strategy, following last year's changes to
the route and location of the Powerman Arena.
Defending champion decides not to start
The men's long-distance world championship race is shaping up to be an open race.
The defending champion Simon Jörn Hansen will not be competing in Zofingen this
year due to family reasons. Last year, the Dane finished in a new record time of
under six hours. This spring, Simon Jörn Hansen became a father for the second
time and has devoted more time to his family. Cycling training in particular has been
neglected in recent months, so he has decided against competing in the long
distance. Instead, the Dane will be a guest on the live TV stream on Sunday and
provide his expertise. Last year's runner-up Émile Blondel-Hermant from France and
last year's third-placed Fabian Holbach from Germany, on the other hand, will be
competing and aiming for a medal. However, the coach of the Swiss national
duathlon team, Cameron Lamont, also believes that the Swiss trump card
Jens-Michael Gossauer can achieve a top result, as he explained at the media
conference.
Cameron Lamont (right), coach of the Swiss national duathlon team, in conversation with co-media manager Christof Gerber
Familiar duel in the women's race
In the women's race, it all comes down to the duel between the German Merle
Brunée and the Swiss Melanie Maurer. Brunée won World Championship gold last
year and in 2021. Melanie Maurer became long-distance world champion in 2022
and finished second last year. The 38-year-old Swiss athlete has announced that
she will be taking part in the Powerman Zofingen over the long distance for the last
time this year. So don't miss the almost familiar and final duel between the two top
female duathletes. Last year's third-placed Lotte Claes will not be at the start this
year. The Belgian is now a professional cyclist and is taking part in the Tour de
l'Ardèche with her team this week.
Political celebrities at the charity events
This Saturday's Experience Day is all about the children's and school races as well
as the charity events. The Charity Bike Tour has a prominent participant. Markus
Gabriel, Vice-President of the Grand Council, has registered together with his wife.
The man from Uerkheim explains: ‘I am happy to support the Nadikia Charity
Foundation for its great social commitment by taking part in the Charity Bike Tour.’
The Nadikia Charity Foundation supports orphans and disadvantaged young people
in Uganda. There are also a few names from politics on the start list for the Charity
Run in aid of the Aargau Cancer League. For example, Grand Councilor Daniel
Hölzle from Zofingen will be running the five-kilometre course.
New co-sponsor
The new co-sponsor, Melitta Schweiz GmbH, was given the opportunity to introduce
itself at the media conference. "We decided to sponsor the Powerman Zofingen
because it is one of the few major events in the region and it helps to anchor the
brand locally," said Roger Kiefer, Managing Director of Melitta Schweiz GmbH. The
coffee machine manufacturer has its Swiss headquarters and showroom in Zofingen.
Roger Kiefer (left), CEO of Melitta Schweiz GmbH, and Stefan Ruf
Text: Christof Gerber
Accredit media now
At the Powerman Zofingen, the media centre will be set up on Saturday and Sunday
in the Reformed parish hall near the finish area.
Media registration for the Powerman Zofingen: https://www.powerman.swiss/medien
Register now for the 35th Powerman Zofingen: www.powerman.swiss
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