Sudden cancellation

Graz triathlon falls through due to bike course

No triathlon (swimming, running, cycling) in Graz.

(Bild: GEPA/GEPA pictures)

There was great anticipation in the endurance sports camp before the planned return of the Graz Triathlon, which was due to take place this year on August 25 around and in the provincial capital. Now the authorities have thrown a spanner in the works of the major event.

Despite a concept and extensive documentation submitted, the provincial traffic authority has not issued a permit for the cycle route. The route, which would have led via Werndorf, Weitendorf, Premstätten, Lieboch, Hitzendorf, Gratwein and Peggau to the regional gymnastics center, was not feasible. According to the authorities, i.e. the provincial traffic authority and the police, the personnel required would not be commensurate with the event.

"In a round table meeting that was convened at the end, another attempt was made to find a consensus. Unfortunately, there was no willingness to hold such a competition with far more than 1000 triathletes. And it was also not possible for us to create the basis for such an event here in Graz in the future," said the organizer, who wants to refund the money to the registered athletes. There are already calls online to cycle the course as a large group.

No comeback in sight
This means there will be no comeback for the triathlon in Graz, which last hosted an Ironman in 2021. Following the cancellation of the Graz Old Town Cycling Criterium, this is the next blow to and in the "sports city of Graz".