Mixed Relay World Championships in Hamburg: Germany defends title

The German relay team successfully defended their title at the Mixed Relay World Championships, held as part of the SUZUKI World Triathlon Hamburg powered by HAMBURG WASSER.

The quartet of Henry Graf, Lisa Tertsch, Lasse Lührs and Annika Koch stormed to gold in 1:19:53 hours in changeable conditions, beating Switzerland (1:20:01) and New Zealand (1:20:04) into second and third place.

All three nations had already decided the title amongst themselves last year, albeit with the team from New Zealand as runners-up and Switzerland in third place. It was Germany's third World Championship title in the mixed relay after 2013 and 2023. Both gold medals were also won in Hamburg.

The fact that Germany once again made it to the top of the podium in 2024 in front of an impressive backdrop in the city centre of the Elbe metropolis was due to the strong performance of all four athletes without exception.

Henry Graf, 2023 mixed relay world champion with the U23 relay team at the same venue, opened the gold chase with a good performance and finished third, handing over to Lisa Tertsch, who finished second in yesterday's women's individual race. She in turn cleverly kept up with the front runners and attacked in inimitable style on the second lap.

Due to the 25-year-old's increase in pace, the leading group was pulled apart before Lasse Lührs was allowed to open the second half of the race as the leader. However, this was then characterised by the typical Hamburg weather. At times, heavy gusts and showers swept across the course, but this was not to be a disadvantage for Lührs:

"I had the home advantage and was allowed to start in the rain," said the Paris starter with a mischievous smile in the post-finish area. But also because the success was satisfaction for yesterday's less successful result in the individual race.

"I was disappointed, but I didn't have any anger in my stomach. I saw today as an opportunity to make up for something. I managed that well. I'm happy with my performance," continued the 28-year-old, who sent the final athlete Annika Koch, who was shivering in the pouring rain as she waited for her turn, into the final 300 metre swim, 6.6 kilometre bike ride and 1.75 kilometre run in second place.

The 25-year-old, who finished sixth yesterday and was also the only one of the quartet to have been part of the 2023 gold medal relay, confirmed her current excellent form. On the bike lap, the Hessian often took the lead before quickly making it clear who would be the first to reach the blue carpet in bright sunshine after the transition to the run.

"It was an incredible feeling to cross the finish line in fourth place and with the German flag; to know that you have the world title in your pocket for the whole team," said Koch, who also emphasised how important the support of the Hamburg crowd had been for the successful title defence:

"The crowd naturally carries you incredibly. There is no other race like it. It's unbelievable how the crowd cheers you on. It's simply great fun."

Association president draws a positive conclusion

Prof. Dr Martin Engelhardt was also extremely satisfied with this year's event, which the German Triathlon Union (DTU) had organised completely without an organising agency for the first time.

"We are very satisfied and reassured that the organisation went well on our own. The world championship title is of course a perfect end to the weekend in Hamburg," said the DTU President.

The results of the Mixed Relay World Championships are available online.