Triathlon has settled down in Szczecin

Szczecin welcomed triathlonists again in extremely hot conditions, both regarding the atmosphere and the weather. A high temperature did not scare the competitors from participating in the rivalry. A total of 450 contestants started in the competition in the both distances. Marek Jaskółka and Paulina Kotfica, the host's representatives, became Polish champions.

Triathlon has settled down in Szczecin for good. After a successful début last year within Enea Tri Tour cycle, the capital of the Zachodniopomorskie province was granted the rights to organise the Polish championship on the distance of 56.5 km which currently is the most popular distance among the contestants. Thriathlonists competed also on the distance of 112.95 km. A total of 450 contestants started in the both distances. The youngest 52 contestants of the Saturday's Children's Run which opened the Szczecin sport day should be added to this number.

- Szczecin showed that it deserved for triathlon events of the highest rank – says Wojciech Kruczyński, the president of Endu Sport and director of Enea Tri Tour cycle. – Rivalry in the river, fast cycling route and a picturesque running stage is all that strengthens Szczecin's position as an ideal city for such, or even bigger, competitions. If we add that Szczecin, due to the location near our Western border and a relatively small distance from the Scandinavia, is very attractive for foreign contestants, then we can see the great potential in this city – he adds.

As regards figures, Triathlon Szczecin looked impressive. The whole event was protected by over 250 people (e.g. volunteers, medical services and the police). The safety on the swimming route was guaranteed by 5 rescue boats, and on the cycling route there were 6 motorcycles moving around which monitored the contestants. Special thanks must go to the city authorities that continuously supported the event as regards organisation and logistics.

See the struggle during the competition at Triathlon Szczecin!

Expecting high temperatures the organises prepared all which was possible for the contestants in order to guarantee the best conditions for the sports rivalry, e.g. additional nutrition stands, ice bags or water curtains. 10 000 litres of water and 1350 litres of Ale –Active Life Energy isotonic drinks waited for triathlonists in the finisher's zone where they could supplement lost fluids.   Each of the contestants could also cool down (both at the route and after the finish line) with ice which was prepared in abundance, 1500kg. Additionally, in these hot conditions, in order to supplement the lost energy, the contestants had the following at their disposal in the finisher's zone, typically for each Enea Tri Tour event: 200kg of watermelons, 200kg of bananas, 120kg of oranges, 80kg of a yeast cake or 800pcs. of hamburgers.

Triathlon Szczecin was also a great event for fans, both the youngest and a little older ones. In the special fan's zone (additionally equipped with the water curtain) prepared by Enea - ENRGY+ Active life - the youngest played in the Kid's Zone and during acrobatic classes using a trampoline. And adults gained energy for cheering on the triathlonists actively - at zumba classes or relaxing in the chill out zone. The supplementation for the attractions was a lottery prepared by Enea.

 - The last weekend made us certain that triathlon is a family sport – says Grzegorz Kinelski, vice-president of Enea Group for commercial affairs.  – Usually it happens that a family member rivals on the route and the others have a nice time in our company. I am happy that we may be a part of the family and sport event which is the whole Enea Tri Tour cycle – he adds.

Triathlon Szczecin's contestants proved that it is a discipline in which is true that "To finish means to win". The best example of that is Mrs. Alekandra who delivered a child 3 months before the start, it did not however prevent her from taking part in the rivalry. In Szczecin she started on the distance of 112.95 km and although she crossed the finish line after the scheduled time she received applause from the waiting contestants, their families and fans. In triathlon it is the most important to overcome one's weaknesses and it is the greatest beauty of this sport.

 It is time to commence preparations to Triathlon Szczecin 2016!