On what was probably the last real summer's day of the year, children and youngsters fought fierce duels for victory at the Powerman Experience Day in Zofingen. The youngsters took centre stage on the Powerman Saturday, when the Swiss Youth and Junior Duathlon Championships were also held. From the very young to the teenagers, there was a suitable race category for everyone. The two charity events were also on the programme on Experience Day.
Around 250 participants took part in the Powerman Experience Day on Saturday. The number of participants was therefore the same as last year. Organising committee president Stefan Ruf was satisfied: ‘The warm and sunny weather was perfect for an exciting duathlon. The atmospheric races went off without incident.’
Cycling high on the agenda
The first children were already at the start in the morning. The Zofingen girls Flurina Röthlisberger and Paula Schütz took part in the Powerkids races for 6 to 9-year-olds and completed a distance of 500 metres running, 1.25 kilometres cycling and another 200 metres running. The two locals agreed after crossing the finish line: ‘The race was fast and exhausting. But it was great fun.’ Flurina Röthlisberger went on to say that she particularly enjoyed the section on the bike. Paula Schütz agreed and announced: ‘I'll be back at the start next year.’
Family duel in the duathlon
In the Powerfamily category, one parent and one child form a team. This year, Martin and Levin Helfenstein from Reiden were the fastest. The father-son duo crossed the finish line with a winning time of 12 minutes and 20 seconds (1.25 km running, 2.5 km cycling and 200 m running). ‘It's a great feeling. Last year we were in second place. Now we're over the moon with first place,’ explains father Martin Helfenstein shortly after crossing the finish line. Levin Helfenstein was more than satisfied that the frequent cycling and running training together with his father had paid off.
The joy of running for a good cause
The 5-kilometre charity run was very well received. 70 participants took to the starting line. Emil Bock from Schöftland was one of the first to cross the finish line. His conclusion was positive throughout: ‘There was a great atmosphere on the four short running laps. It was a bit warm, but mega nice.’ The effort and sweat were not in vain. Part of the entry fee for the charity run will go to the Aargau Cancer League. The Charity Bike Tour was also on the programme on the Powerman Saturday. A fixed portion of the entry fee will go to the ‘Nadikia Charity Foundation Zofingen’ patrons' association, which supports the NGO of the same name in Kampala, Uganda.
Extensive supporting programme
In addition to the exciting races, visitors were offered a varied supporting programme on Saturday. The dance school from Zofingen thrilled with spectacular dance shows, several food trucks offered culinary delights and the expo stands presented the latest trends in duathlon sport.
Long-distance World Championships without defending champion
The men's long-distance world championship race on Sunday is set 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. However, last year's runner-up Émile Blondel-Hermant from France and last year's third-placed Fabian Holbach from Germany will be competing and aiming for a medal.
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. The women start on Sunday at 8 am and the men at 9 am. The duathlon long-distance world championship races will be broadcast live on the internet from 7.55 am and from 1.00 pm to 4.00 pm on the TV channels Tele M1 and S1.
Text: Christof Gerber
Bilder: Anton Geisser und Christof Gerber
Mehr Infos unter: www.powerman.swiss
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