At a meeting held in Bad Schönborn, Gemany at the weekend, the mayors of the eight municipalities involved with Sparkasse Challenge Kraichgau presented by Kraichgau Energie voted unanimously to stay loyal to the Challenge Family.
From 2015, the race will be delivered by TEAMChallenge GmbH, organisers of DATEV Challenge Roth.
At the meeting between the mayors and TEAM CHALLENGE GmbH all parties unanimously decided to deliver the race in the future under the Challenge umbrella and with the full support of the communities. Back in November Challenge CEOs Felix and Kathrin Walchshöfer had presented their vision of the future of Kraichgau, the outcome of which led to this week's decision.
The necessity for such a meeting was brought about when Challenge Family licensee, Steinmetz, sold his business to WTC. The transfer of the race to WTC was done without consultation with the host community, causing dissatisfaction amongst the affected mayors. They assessed the options with both with Ironman and Challenge Family to decide what they perceived was best for their communities.
In a joint statement, the mayors gave an insight into the reasons that led to their preference for a Challenge Family race.
"The mayors of the eight municipalities involved in the Kraichgau triathlon were pleased with the great interest shown by triathlon organizers in this unique event. Following constructive discussions with potential new partners we have decided because of Challenge's stronger regional presence and inclusive approach across the sport to enter into a long-term partnership with Challenge Family from 2015. We are convinced this decision is in the best interests of both the athletes and the many volunteers, without whom this great event would not be possible."
The announcement brought relief and joy to Challenge Family CEO, Felix Walchshöfer. "I am very happy that finally all ambiguity and confusion regarding the organization and the future direction of Sparkasse Challenge Kraichgau has been eliminated. Above all, I am happy to provide athletes certainty in their plans; something that has been missing during this unsettled period and, quite rightly, this has upset some athletes. Now they are secure in their knowledge that from 2015, they will be racing with Challenge Family. I am sure that under our leadership and with loyal and competent partners such as Sparkasse and Kraichgau Energie, we can shape the future of Challenge Kraichgau together with all the communities, volunteers and athletes."
