Fast times in Frankfurt

It's easy to anticipate an exciting day of racing, especially when a whole bunch of the world's best Ironman athletes are on hand, but today's Frankfurter Sparkasse Ironman European Championship exceeded even the highest expectations. More than a few people laughed when Chris McCormack said at Tuesday's press conference "Why not go after a world's best." The word around Frankfurt during the days leading up to the race was that it would be almost impossible to go under eight hours on this trick course. A world best wasn't remotely in the cards.
Read the story »

Older Stories

Get Ready For a Fast Day in Frankfurt

The anticipated three-way battle in Kona last year between Normann Stadler, Faris Al-Sultan and Chris McCormack didn't materialize thanks to a stomach bug that felled the two Germans, but Ironman fans will get to see the three face each other again at this weekend's Frankfurter Sparkasse Ironman European Championship ... and we can't wait! Read the story »

World Champions To Compete In Frankfurt!

It's hard to believe that an event that proved to be one of the most exciting Ironman races of 2007 could get any better, but this year's edition of the Frankfurter Sparkasse Ironman European Championship in Frankfurt, Germany promises to be bigger, better and even more competitive than ever this year. Read the story »

Racing to the line in Frankfurt

Nicole Leder and Andrea Brede staged a dramatic sprint to the spectacular finish line here at the Romerberg today, highlighting one of the most exciting races in Ironman history. Read the story »

Preparing for Ironman Germany

Racing an Ironman is a life changing experience for many athletes. However, a safe and fun day is the result of many months planning and training. LifeSport Coaching offers advice and tips for anyone racing in Frankfurt. Read the story »

The Frankfurter Sparkasse Ironman European Championship

Someone needs to explain to Kurt Denk and his organizing team at the Frankfurter Sparkasse Ironman European Championship that Frankfurt is not Kona, even though there are a lot of similarities. It is hot, both feature a competitive field, and both draw lots of attention from the media and fans. Read the story »

Ironman European Championship Merchandise

On Friday, July 7, Frankfurter Sparkasse Ironman European Championship merchandise will go on sale. Read the story »

Ironman European Championship

Quick Facts about the Race! Read the story »

Ironman Germany On Its Way To The Top

A total of 120 Kona slots, a beautiful new venue and the participation of some of the world's top talent have organizers of the inaugural Ironman Germany giddy with excitement. Read the story »

About the Race

Qualifier for Ford Ironman World Championship For years, Germany has been home to one of the most successful Ironman events on the global qualifying calendar. The 2002 debut of Ironman Germany in its new home of Frankfurt was a smashing, sold-out success, and set the stage for even more impressive events in years to come. This thriving metropolis is considered one of the top financial centers in Europe. It not only offers a scenic and culturally rich venue, but boasts the full support of the Minister of the Interior, and Lord Mayor and the German Triathlon Union. Many special events are planned throughout race week.

The 3.8 kilometer (2.4 mile) swim at the Frankfurter Sparkasse Ironman European Championship is a two loop affair in the Langenaar Waldsee, a lake about 12 kilometers from the race centre in Frankfurt.

The bike course is both fast, and technical. After riding out of T1 at Langener Waldsee, the athletes do about a 12km ride into Frankfurt where the start the rest of the course, which is made up of two loops.

The run course in Frankfurt consists of three 14km laps. The course is made up of a series of out-and-back sections on either side of the River Main. The course looks like it should be fast -- it's very flat. It's tough to post a fast time here, though, because there are a number of turns -- both 180 degree turns at each of the four turnaround points, and the tricky roundabouts to negotiate over the bridge that the runners negotiate a couple of times each lap.

Available Now from IronmanDVD

2007 Ford Ironman World Championship DVD
This DVD includes the stories of: Brian Boyle, who died eight times on the operating table and was told he might never walk again; blind 64-year old athlete Charlie Plaskon, who competed in Kona on behalf of the C Different Foundation; Atlanta-native Scott Rigsby, who arrived in Kona with the dream of becoming the first above-the-knee double-amputee with prosthetics to finish; and a final farewell to the Ironman World Championship finisher, Jon Blais, who passed away last May after battling the incurable disease Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). $34.95 Available now.