DATEV Challenge Roth has assembled the greatest men's field ever seen, as the greatest triathlon spectacular celebrates its 30th anniversary, but for the defending champion Dirk Bockel (LUX) celebrations will be on hold for now as he admitted he'll be at war on Sunday to retain his title.
"There's a lot of pressure, there's a lot of fit looking guys and girls around here and so it's going to be a hell of a day, a lot of work. I always call it the war, we're going to war and it's going to be nasty out there and Sunday we'll all be happy after 2pm.
Bockel led for most of the day last year but admits he will be prepared for whatever situation comes at him from the opposition and will need to make a judgement call on it.
"I have to be ready for whatever situation comes after the swim and bike; it's what we train for," said Bockel.
Bockel says he is ready both physically and mentally and is hoping to have a lot of fun out there.
"I'm in good shape, I started the year pretty solid, I have a big win in my pocket already so I don't need to stress out to prove to the world I can win. I did it last year and it's great memories," said Bockel.
At 37 years of age Bockel is one of the older guys in the field but still says he's getting stronger every year.
"If my engine is as good as my new Mercedes I think there'll be a hell of a day," said Bockel.
South Africa's James Cunnama is hoping he can repeat his performance from 2012 that saw him stand on top of the podium.
"I'm as prepared as I can possibly be and in the best shape I can be, so will leave it all out there to win," said Cunnama.
The Australians have also turned up in force with 2012 Ironman world champion Pete Jacobs and second in Hawaii last year Luke McKenzie.
McKenzie is another Roth 'rookie' and says it's the iconic event he always wanted to do having dreamt of racing here since he first started in the sport.
"I've been around the course the last few days, I'm super impressed with it, and it's going to be very fast," said McKenzie.
"I think a fast bike split will set up a good race here. Dirk proved that last year," he said.
"It's going to take a sub 8 hour to win this. It's a personal goal of mine; I'd like to have that on my resume.
"I'm going to play to my strength: it's the kind of course that if you're out there in the lead like Dirk last year, I think its very hard to gauge where they sit and lie in the race, I'm going to try and be up there all day, that's the plan and let's hope it goes to plan," said McKenzie.
While McKenzie will make his Roth debut Jacobs has been here four times previously in his early racing days so has the knowledge and experience.
"Having raced four times, I feel that I was a lot younger and had such a great time that I now feel young again," said Jacobs.
"My goal for Sunday is to win, that would be fantastic. We're all up here because of that feeling, crossing the line first is everything. That just tops every other feeling we have in our lives," he said.
"That's what we're all chasing that's what we are addicted to.
"I think it's going to be a special day, it's going to be tactical and we'll need patience and strategy. It will be a tough day mentally, that's what all these big race days come down to. It's who has the mental edge on the day to make the right decision at the right time and be as efficient as we can, start to finish," said Jacobs.
Germany's Timo Bracht has unfinished business in Roth, the six time Ironman champion has never secured a win here and is more than ready to make 2014 his year. Bracht came agonizingly close last year but a flat on the bike put paid to that dream.
"Roth is my Hawaii, after the first beer last year I have prepared for this," said Bracht.
"I'm in good condition and hoping for a 2:40 marathon but amongst the group here are 21 Ironman wins.
"It comes down to the two percent on the day and I'm hoping it goes in my favour," said Bracht.
For Bracht this would be the sweetest victory of all and will take a huge advantage as 220,000 spectators urge him on.
Also representing Germany, Nils Frommhold is happy to be back on the start line after being sidelined last year with a bone fracture.
Frommhold is not just here to make up the numbers, he claimed victory at Ironman South Africa earlier this year and will be keen to add Roth to that list on Sunday.
Spain's Eneko Llanos is a multi Ironman champion and finished in the top five here in Roth numerous times. 37-year-old Llanos is a quality athlete and always a contender anytime he's on the start line.
The competition will start with a 3.8 kilometres swim in the Main-Donau-Canal, followed by a 180 kilometres bike race and a final marathon of 42 kilometres. The race winner is expected to cross the finish line in less than eight hours. The current world record – which was established in Roth – is 7:41:33, run by Andreas Raelert in 2011.
Full live coverage is available at www.challenge-roth.com from 6:00am local time with the professionals start at 6.30am.
