MSC Goes To 2012 Challenge Roth

Join Team MultiSport Canada in 2012 for a life changing experience

On July 10, 2011 thirteen athletes from Canada competed in the Challenge Roth Iron Distance race. We are confident in saying that every athlete had an incredible time, just take a look at the article near the bottom of this page.

The idea to take athletes to Roth came about after John Salt and his wife, Anne Nicolussi, had competed in the race in 2009. The race experience was so incredible that John decided to encourage other athletes to race in Roth. After telling Richard Pady of Healthy Results Training about Roth the two decided to team up and put together a Challenge Roth team. Because the 2011 trip was so successful MultiSport Canada and Healthy Results Training have decided to take another group of athletes to Roth in 2012 so they can take part in a race experience they will never forget.

Challenge Roth is an Iron Distance triathlon that takes place in the beautiful and historical area of southern Bavaria, south of Nuremberg, Germany. We hope that you will join us on the start line on July 8, 2012 in Roth, Germany.

The site of the original Ironman Europe, the Challenge Roth Iron Distance race is still one of the best run and largest races in the world. Chrissie Wellington has raced in Roth the past three years, setting new world records each time. In fact, the men's all-time record for the iron distance was also set in 2011 in Roth by Andreas Raelert.

Challenge Roth is known for being one of the fastest iron distance courses and includes the fabulous "beer mile" and a bike course on quiet country roads through quaint German villages. Roth is also known for the large number of enthusiastic spectators on the course and the support and encouragement they give to the athletes. You can get a very good sense of the race in this video from 2009 and this video of the 2010 event.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to ride in the Tour de France with crowds cheering you on? Just take a look at this video taken at the 2009 Challenge Roth race on the Solar Hill climb or another video showing various stages on the bike.

Team MSC Powered by HRT

MultiSport Canada has joined forces with Richard Pady and his team at Healthy Results Training to provide 20 athletes with an opportunity to experience and participate in one of the most celebrated and oldest Iron Distance triathlons in the world, the Challenge Roth Iron Distance race. Not only do you get to do this amazing race but you will also be supported from November 2011 until race day by the coaches of Health Results Training (HRT). Make the summer of 2012 one to remember.

How to reserve a spot for the Challenge Roth trip?

Step #1 - Read all of the information and choose a package below

Step #2 - If you are interested in joining us in Germany we are accepting reservations. To reserve a spot email us with the Subject Line: Challenge Roth and MSC with your name, daytime and evening phone numbers, number of spots and room preference of single or double.

Step #3 - We will contact you, answer any questions and arrange to take your deposit.

Please note: There are a limited number of spots. Challenge Roth is already sold out and we expect our packages to be sold out by late-August, 2011.

Everything You Need To Know

What is included in the Challenge Roth Basic Package?

What are the three Challenge Roth Package options and fees?

What does the package NOT include?

When do I pay and what are the refund policies?

Can you suggest a travel agent?

When arranging my flights, what dates should I pick?

Where are we staying?

What if I want my own room or I am coming by myself?

What will it cost if my spouse or friend wants to join me?

When do I have to arrive at Munich airport for my free transportation?

What is the intinerary for our trip?

Isn't it more expensive to go to Europe?

What if I want to stay on in Europe and travel after the race?

What can you tell me about the Challenge Roth?

Who is the Challenge Family?

Challenge Roth 2009 an Incredible Experience

Contact information and questions

What is included in the Challenge Roth Basic Package?

Race entry for Challenge Roth
MSC/HRT Race Jersey
MSC/HRT Jacket
MSC/HRT Golf/Polo Shirt
Full HRT coaching support onsite during the Challenge Roth trip
Official Pre-race Carbo Dinner
Official Post-Race Brunch and Awards celebration
Some packages include a complete coaching program (see below for packages)
Weekly Video Training Tips from HRT coaches
8 nights accommodation at Hotel Garni “Pension zur Krone” in the town of Hilpoltstein, approximately 2km from the race Swim Start
Transfers to/from the Munich Airport to our hotel (at selected times - see below)
Bike set-up assistance available from Richard Pady
Transportation will be arranged for practices and "team" functions
Daily Buffet Breakfast
Swim practices in the 50m pool in Hilpoltstein (optional)
Training sessions on the bike and run courses
Two pre-race swims in the canal Swim Course
Guided tour of the Swim Course and Transition Area
Guided tour of the Bike Course
Guided tour of the Run Course
Group dinner on the Wednesday before the race
Group dinner Monday night after the Official Brunch and Awards Party
Discounts on any 2012 HRT training days, programs, one-on-one sessions, clinics, camps or clothing (pay as you go)

What are the three Challenge Roth Package options and fees?

1. The Basic Package is listed above

Single room $2,349 CDN plus taxes (single bed)
Double room with 2 Athletes per room $2,189 CDN plus taxes per athlete
Double room $3,349 CDN plus taxes (Shared with non athlete)*

*non-athlete fee includes tech quality support team shirt, breakfast and group dinners, transportation, etc. and all activities with the exception of group workouts. Please note if the non-athlete wishes to attend the Official Challenge Roth Carbo Dinner and Post Race Brunch you will need to purchase tickets separately at the race.

2. The Performance Package includes everything in the Basic Package PLUS:

Full Training Program by HRT from November 1, 2011 to July 8, 2012 (the package price is a 15% savings on this Training Program) - details for Training Program below
One (1) 20 minute phone call per month with your HRT Coach
Two (2) Simulation Training Days in the Hockley Valley (Dates TBA)

Fee Options

Single room $3,149 CDN plus taxes (single bed)
Double room with 2 Athletes per room $2,999 CDN plus taxes per athlete
Double room $4,149 CDN plus taxes (Shared with non athlete)*

3. Premium Package includes everything in the Performance Package PLUS:

Premium Coaching Program by HRT from November 1, 2011 to July 8, 2012 (the package price is a 15% savings on this Training Program) - details for Premium Coaching Program below
UNLIMITED phone or email contact with your HRT Coach

Fee options

Single room $4,149 CDN plus taxes (single bed)
Double room with 2 Athletes per room $3,999 CDN plus taxes per athlete
Double room $5,149 CDN plus taxes (Shared with non athlete)*

What is offered	Premium Coaching Program	Training Program
Testing & Questionnaire	Yes	Yes
Annual Training Plan	Yes	Yes
Custom Plan	Yes	Yes
Email Communication	Daily	No
Phone Appointments	As Needed	1/Month
Changes to Program	As Needed	No
Coaching Advice	Weekly	No
Goal Setting	Yes	No

More information on the HRT Coaching and Training Programs are on their website or email Richard Pady

What does the package NOT include?

Airfare is not included in the price. There may be additional fees for non-athletes accompanying you, such as: transportation and group meals. Personal insurance is NOT included. We suggest that you arrange for appropriate insurance such as travel or medical coverage.

When do I pay and what are the refund policies?

There are two steps to paying for your package

1) $1,000 non-refundable deposit must be paid at time of package selection and confirmation

2) Balance of all fees must be paid in full by February 1, 2012

In case of injury necessitating cancellation of your trip we will refund all fees with the exception of the $1,000 non-refundable deposit, up to 90 days of depature. There will be NO REFUNDS on cancellation within 90 days of the departure date.

Can you suggest a travel agent?

When booking your flight (even using AeroPlan) we would recommend our Travel Agent Laura Price. Laura is affiliated with Carlson Wagonlit Travel and is familiar with our package and the area surrounding the race. Please call Laura at 877-758-7285. We will also be looking into a Group Airfare Rate once we have confirmed applications for the trip. We will give you that information at a later date.

When arranging my flights, what dates should I pick?

If you wish us to pick you up from the Munich Airport you will need to arrive on Monday July 2, 2012, ideally a morning arrival. If you arrive on any other day arrangements can be made with the hotel for airport pick-up for a fee.

Where are we staying?

Hotel Garni “Pension zur Krone” is a small hotel located in the centre of Hilpoltstein, the castle town on Lake Roth. Here is the website. Here are some pictures of the various rooms.

What if I want my own room or I am coming by myself?

There are three (3) packages available for those who wish a single room. See fee options above. If you are comfortable sharing a room we can also arrange to partner you with a compatible roommate. See Shared Room option in the packages above.

What will it cost if my spouse or friend wants to join me?

There are up to eight (8) double rooms available if you wish to share with a non-athlete. See fee options above.

When do I have to arrive at Munich airport for my free transportation?

We will have two pick-up times on Monday July 2nd at Munich Airport. If you are arriving or leaving on another day it will be up to each athlete to get to Nuremburg, Roth or Hilpolstein. The train system in Germany is very efficient with plenty of trains. We will assist you in determing the best time and route.

What is the itinerary for our trip?

Monday July 2, 2012

10:00AM – 12:00PM Pick up from Munich Airport
3:00PM – 4:00PM Group bike building session
4:00PM - 5:00PM Group swim at the pool or Easy run

Tuesday July 3th

6:30AM - 7:45 Group Swim at the pool
9:00AM – 12:00PM Group Ride on half of the course with HR Coaches
6:00PM - 9:00PM Group Dinner

Wednesday July 4th

6:30AM - 7:45AM Group Swim at the pool
9:30AM – 10:30AM Group Run on the Canal Run Course
6:00PM - 9:00PM Group Dinner
Afternoon - Massages will be booked for those interested (extra cost)

Thursday July 5th

9:00AM – 10:45AM LIGHT Group Ride on the second half of the course with HR Coaches
2:00PM - 3:00PM Optional swim at 50m pool with HRT coaches
3:00PM - 4:00PM Registration at the Registration Tent and Triathlon Park in Roth
4:00PM - 5:00PM Triathlon Expo at the Festival Hall and Roth Triathlon Park
Optional- 8:15PM “Nightrun” from Hilpoltstein to Roth, market square

Friday July 6th

7:30AM - 8:00AM Open Water Swim with HR Coaches at the Europakanal/Swimstart
9:00AM – 10:00AM Group Run and race prep talk w HR Coaches
5:00PM - 6:00PM Official Welcome-Party city of Roth, at the Expo
6:00PM - 8:00PM Carbo Party at the Festival Tent/Roth Triathlon Park
8:00PM - 11:00PM Welcome-Party, powered by BR3, Roth Market Square

Saturday July 7th

7:30AM - 8:00AM Open Water Swim with HR Coaches at the Europakanal/Swimstart
3:00PM - 4:30PM Bike Check-In and Warm-Up Party at the swim start near Hilpoltstein
5:00PM - 7:00PM Dinner on your own

Sunday July 8th – Challenge Roth Race Day

Monday July 9th

Official Awards Brunch
6:00PM to when we are finished - Group Dinner

Tuesday July 10th

Departure Mid-Day

Isn't it more expensive to go to Europe?

With the high cost of accommodation in locations such as Lake Placid and Penticton combined with a more expensive race entry fee we know that there is great value in our various race travel packages. Consider that you will also be in EUROPE after the race. What a great opportunity to use the train system or rent a car and travel to Italy, France, Spain or that dream destination. Typically at a North American based race your entry will be $600CDN and you will have to book accommodations for a minimum of 5 nights at $200+ per night. With two of our packages including coaching we believe that this is one of the best values for a world class and historic race.

What if I want to stay on in Europe and travel after the race?

We will gladly refer you to our travel agent who can arrange flights and extended stay packages. Laura Price is affiliated with Carlson Wagonlit Travel and is familiar with our package and the area surrounding the race. Please call Laura at 877-758-7285.

What can you tell me about the Challenge Roth?

Challenge Roth, which is often referred to as the "best old race“, has an almost legendary reputation. The event replaced the Ironman Roth and had its premiere under the new Challenge label in 2002. Today, it has become the world’s biggest long-distance triathlon event. Athletes from more than fifty nations around the world come to Roth each year in order to take part in the famous race which takes them on a 3.8 kilometre swim, 180 kilometre bike lap and a 42 kilometre run on the fabulous race course around the city and county of Roth.

With around 2,500 individual starters and 500 relay teams from over 50 nations, a top field of starters and more than 120,000 spectators along the course, the 10th edition of the Challenge Roth, the world’s biggest long-distance triathlon event, will take place in Roth on July 8, 2012. Since so many athletes want to take part, the race is always sold out.

The numerous world-records that have been established in Roth in more than 20 years are also part of the legend. In 1996 German athlete Lothar Leder was the first to remain under the magic eight-hour limit with a finishing time of 7:57:02. Luc van Lierde’s world-record time (7:50:27) of 1997 still remains unbroken. In 2009 Chrissie Wellington broke the women's record and then went on to set a new record of 8:19:13 in 2010.

Starting with a 3.8 kilometres swim in the Main-Donau-Canal the race heads out to the countryside for the two-loop bike course with closed roads, tremendous crowd support and beautiful scenery in the countryside and the small villages along the way. The run course was redesigned in 2010 and now loops through the town of Roth. After this year's race Belinda Granger said she enjoyed the new run course loops through the center of the old marketplace: “There were so many people there cheering, you can’t run slowly".

But Challenge Roth is also a great family festival with many other sights, such as the Triathlon Expo at the Roth Triathlon Park or the Finish-Line Party at night. The Challenge Roth begins at 6.20 in the early morning with the swim start at the Hilpoltstein landing stage and will have its grand finale at about 10:30 p.m. at the Roth Triathlon Stadium with a big fireworks display.

For more information about Roth or any other Challenge race please visit the Challenge website.

Who is the Challenge Family?

Under the leadership of Challenge CEO Felix Walchshöfer the Challenge races have a "family" atmosphere that is unlike any other event(s). The “Challenge” trademark does not only stand for a top triathlon event with a world-class field of starters, more than 4,500 individual and relay starters of all age groups, but also for the unbelievable enthusiasm of over a hundred thousand spectators. There is tremendous co-operation from all of the local people and authorities that are involved in the organization of the event. The commitment of more than 4,000 volunteers lends itself to the affectionate atmosphere of the great “Challenge Family”.

MSC's 2011 Trip to Challenge Roth - What did they say?

On the inaugural MultiSport Canada/Healthy Results trip to Challenge Roth many of the athletes came out with personal bests and awards, and while those are great accomplishments (we’ll touch upon those later), the trip was memorable for a host of other reasons.

Here are just a few and in no particular order:

1. Everyone got along famously and had an absolute blast.

(The MSC Crew with Chrissie Wellington)

2. Our fabulous support crew of Rich Pady and Orangeman Dirk left the athletes and their families wanting for nothing. We don’t know who worked harder on race day, the athletes or the terrible twosome.

3. Peter and his crew at Hotel Garni. Cozy Accommodations and great breakfasts.

4. The charming towns of Hilpolstein and Roth. A must visit. Great restaurants too.

5. Solarer Berg Climb. Enough said. YouTube it and that still only gives you a small taste of how spectacular that climb is on race day. A wall of people and a wall of sound. A breathtaking experience for athletes and spectators.

(John Salt at the top of the Legendary Solarer Berg Climb)

6. The totally electric finish area and ending fireworks display. Wow!

7. German Beer Gardens.

(Even Peter Buehlow, one of the World's fastest triathletes aged over 50, can't resist. Peter went 9:35:59 at Challenge Roth and was the top Canadian)

8. Challenge Roth is an incredible race with a refreshingly friendly vibe.

9. Pre and Post Race Team Dinners. Laughs galore.

10. Everyone made new friendships that are sure to last a lifetime.

Look for John Salt and Richard Pady to make this trip happen again in 2012 so stay tuned for those details and be sure not to miss out on what will be an incredible race and travel experience at the biggest and fastest triathlon in the world.

Check out some more pictures and comments from the athletes that were in the trip.

Cindy Lewis - "It was so nice to come to a foreign country and to have someone organize everything, making sure we were where we were supposed to be at right times, and ensuring we were staying somewhere that was perfect for us. We just didn't have to worry about anything, thanks to John (Salt) organizing it the way he did, and Richard (Pady) and Dirk as a support for us."

(Cindy Lewis, far left, places 8th among pro women in her 9:45:56 professional irondistance debut)

Shannon Kemp - "The trip was really organized, and we did not have to think for ourselves from the moment we left Toronto to our arrival in Germany. We met a lot of new and great friends and I definitely want to come back to Roth with MultiSport Canada again. It was like participating in one of John's events away from home."

(Shannon Kemp on the Podium with a third place finish in the women's 35-39 category. Thanks to a 9:55:51 personal best)

Deborah Powell - "The group trip was a fantastic experience - whether it was driving the bike course together in the van, or just enjoying some down time at the hotel together, or sharing race stories and mishaps over German beer the night after the race, I enjoyed every minute of spending time with the other athletes on the trip. I had not met most of them before, but I hope that I will continue to see them, because every person on the trip was an amazing athlete and person who made a big difference in my enjoyment of the trip."

(Deborah Powell on her way to a 10:31:35 finish and a personal best - despite 2 flat tires)

Make sure to check out Deb's Athlete Profile here. We somehow missed her during our lead-up stories.

Peter Buehlow - "They did a super job keeping us informed, and it was really great on race day to have Rich and Dirk cheering us on and having them assist us with special needs, transportation and anything else we needed. It was a super experience overall and I definitely recommend it for anyone thinking about racing Challenge Roth."

Paul Nielsen - "Having the whole place (Hotel Garni) to ourselves was great with the ability to walk around and chat with everyone. Not having to worry about the logistics you can just show up relaxed and really focus on the race and enjoy Germany."

Gord Avann - "This past July will forever be remembered for competing at the 10^th anniversary Challenge Roth. Our Team management took care of all our needs before, during and after the event. I would not have enjoyed the whole experience if not for their support."

(It is easy to see why Gord loved the trip. Finish the race and pose with the great Chrissie Wellington)

Bill Kemp - "Thank you all for a great week. It was a pleasure meeting you all and I am already looking forward to next year.

Murray Legge - "It was a great group of really compatible athletes. The Solarberg Hill with that Tour de France feel was one of those peak triathlon experiences that can't be duplicated, and our post race holiday was exceptional. Croatia/Dubrovnik was amazing."

Check out the inspiring Challenge Roth Wrap-up Video Below. A few of our athletes and supporters made it into the video too.

Richard Pady was also able to put together a highlight slideshow. We hope you will get a sense of the fun we all had.

Challenge Roth 2009 - An incredible experience

From 1998 to 2008 Anne and I had some great race experiences at various Ironman events but, as with anything, you wonder if you will ever recreate the thrill and excitement of participating and finishing in your first iron distance race. Well, in 2009 we were able to do that and more.

Over the years we had heard a lot about Roth when the race was Ironman Europe. We knew that it had become Challenge Roth and had grown to become the largest iron distance event in the world. We knew it was a fast and picturesque course. We had heard about riding the famous "beer mile", through the town of Eckersmühlen. This is where you ride past hundreds of cheering, beer drinking spectators who sit at tables lining the bike route. We had seen pictures of Solar Berg Hill with thousands of spectators on both sides of the bike course cheering athletes as they rode up the hill. Apparently it is just like a section of the Tour de France (see above for some video links). We were curious to know if this was what the race was all about or was there more to it. As it turned out we were lucky enough to find out first hand about the beer mile and Solar Hill, but also the feeling we would have of being welcome by everyone we met. There was an incredibly warm and friendly atmosphere.

For the five days leading up to the race we took in the beauty of the surrounding countryside, had a couple of day trips to learn about the history of the region and felt the relaxation that being in Europe brings. There is so much to do in the area that you have to be careful and conserve your energy. It is one of the reasons that anyone going to Challenge Roth should plan to stay on and take in this part of Europe.

Aside from small day trips on race week, the race expo is nice and compact with a wide variety of retailers and manufacturers offering good deals. Depending on when you visit the expo you might see a local group performing folk dances or singing. On Friday there is a Welcome Party in the Market Square in Roth followed by the Carbo dinner. Again, the atmosphere is relaxed but there is an excitement and special feeling.

Race day was an experience that we both felt was the best of them all. It was like going back to your first iron distance race. Exciting, a little nerve wracking but in this case it was fun too. The swim start is in the canal with multiple waves to accommodate the large race field. We weren't sure how waves would "feel" but it made for a very relaxed start with none of the usual bumping and banging. All along the swim there are crowds lining the canal and looking down from the bridges above. The bike was never hectic and is on very well paved closed roads with courteous and friendly athletes (in our time out there neither of us saw any drafting). The bike is a gently rolling course with a few challenging climbs, making its way through quaint towns and villages and, of course, hundreds of cheering spectators.

The run route changed in 2010 but that year we ran along the canal with a couple of sections that went through nearby small communities. Everywhere there were people cheering music playing and smiling faces. The finish stretch brought back that pride you feel the first time you complete an iron distance race.

We both agree that this was one of the best race experiences of our lives. From the various festivites leading up to the race to the actual race day nothing compares to the enthusiasm and support that the spectators and volunteers provide the thousands of athletes. Felix and the Challenge Family are truly the best at putting on a race and making you feel special. We both knew if an iron distance race were in our future it would be in Roth or at another Challenge race. We are very excited about returning in 2011 and introducing more of you to a fantastic race experience. We hope to see you next July in Roth. - John Salt and Anne Nicolussi

For more information about Challenge Roth please visit their website.