World championships feeling returns to Hamburg city centre

The SUZUKI World Triathlon Hamburg powered by HAMBURG WASSER will take place for the 22nd time on 13 and 14 July 2024 - and will once again bring a World Championship atmosphere to the city centre of the Elbe metropolis.

While on Saturday the world elite will not only be testing their form for the races in the French capital at the end of July as part of the Olympic dress rehearsal for Paris 2024 and hunting for points in the World Triathlon Championship series, on Sunday afternoon the world champions will be sought in the mixed relay.

Hamburg's Senator for the Interior and Sport, Andy Grote, is accordingly delighted: "Shortly before the Olympics, we are looking forward to another comeback of the Mixed Relay World Championship in the Active City. The format has long been an absolute spectator magnet and has developed sensationally since its premiere in Hamburg until it is ready for the Olympics. For the athletes, the weekend will be the decisive test on the road to Paris. Hamburg's already enthusiastic spectators are in top form after the EURO and will carry the athletes, both professional and amateur, through the streets and give them a strong tailwind."

Prof. Dr Martin Engelhardt, President of the German Triathlon Union (DTU), emphasised "that the triathlon in Hamburg is a beacon event for the association, which has repeatedly produced innovations for the sport over the years. The races in Hamburg's city centre are very important to us."

This year, of course, also because the German quartet will be defending their title in the mixed relay and would like to repeat last year's triumph: "Of course, it would be a dream come true to defend the title. But we can also hope for excellent placings in the individual races. With Lisa Tertsch and Lasse Lührs, two of those nominated for Paris will be taking part in Hamburg," said the association president.

In addition to the elite races, over 7,000 age group athletes are also expected to soak up the special atmosphere of the city centre triathlon on both Saturday and Sunday mornings over the sprint and short distances, which this year has once again been awarded the gold sustainability certificate by the World Triathlon Federation for its efforts to achieve sustainability.

"As a national umbrella organisation, we are aware of our social responsibility. We didn't want 2023 to be a one-off, but at best a best practice case that will hopefully encourage other organisers to also strive for sustainable processes in event implementation," explains Engelhardt.

Suzuki also appreciates the efforts to ensure that the triathlon races in the heart of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg will continue to be organised sustainably in the future, as Daniel Schnell, Deputy Managing Director, Suzuki Deutschland GmbH, notes: "For us, it is a top priority and the basis of any commitment to use our environmental resources sparingly and responsibly. With our highly efficient and durable vehicles, we are also contributing to the sustainable realisation of the event in Hamburg."

The Japanese brand is sponsoring the World Triathlon Hamburg for the first time this year. "We are proud to be the title sponsor of the Hamburg Triathlon for the first time this year. With thousands of athletes, it is the largest event of its kind in the world."

HAMBURG WASSER has been sponsoring the triathlon in Hamburg for 22 years now. "For us, this long-standing commitment is more than just sponsorship. As a sponsor of the swimming course - one of the most beautiful there is - we are demonstrating one of our company's core achievements: we have sustainably improved the water quality of the Alster. For decades, we have been pursuing consistent protection of the Alster and the other waters of the Hanseatic city with our sewerage expansion programmes and sponge city projects, thus assuming responsibility for Hamburg," says HAMBURG WASSER Managing Director Ingo Hannemann, explaining the company's special bond with the triathlon.

Further information

ZDF will broadcast the elite races live on TV. On Saturday, the men's race will kick off at 13:50, followed by the women's sprint race at 15:55. On Sunday, the decision for the World Championship title in the Mixed Relay will be made at 15:00.

The Open Races will start on Saturday (sprint distance) at 7.15 am and on Sunday (short distance) at 7.00 am.