Snow-loving World Triathletes from 19 nations took to the start lines in Skeikampen, Norway on Sunday morning for the 2023 Winter Triathlon Age-Group World Championships.
The previous days’ mists had lifted as athletes from Japan, Austria, Estonia, Germany, Norway, Great Britain, USA, Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy, Finland, Sweden, Spain, Slovenia, Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, France and Lithuania, lined up to tackle the sun-kissed course, all smiles even as temperatures dropped below -15C.
At 69 years-old, Norway’s Venke Johansen was the oldest female to compete, Germany’s 79-year-old Steffen-Luis Neuendorff the oldest male competitor, tackling the hills, twists and turns of the testing Skeikampen course.
Sarka Grabmullerova (CZE) was the first woman across the line, champion of the 50-54 category. Racing her first winter triathlon in 1998, the former Czech elite national champion hung up her ski boots on a successful career in 2019 but won’t be stopping competing any time soon.
“It was a nice race, not easy in the cold and the ski had a big hill to cope with,” she explained. “I’ve been racing since 1998 and have been here in Skeikampen twice before and this experience was amazing, the organisation and people have been great.”
The first man over the line was the local Jonas Nermoan. “I’ve basically grown up on the snow here, it’s my home environment. I’ve done three national winter championships and wanted to compete here as soon as I heard the world championships were going to be held here. The sport is creating a buzz in the bike and ski community, and this place is spectacular in the sunshine. It was a perfect day for it.”
Romania’s Robert Tamirjan won his fifth PTS4 Para World title on Sunday morning. “Anyone who has a chance to try this sport should do it. It’s been so enjoyable, it is beautiful here, Skeikampen is maybe the best venue I’ve raced – the tracks are wide, the snow is in great condition and the sun is shining!”
Tamirjan was also presented with the LOC’s Spirit of Skeikampen Award for embodying the spirit of the inaugrual championships.
For the full results from the World Triathlon Winter Championships, click here.