Accurate distances and time estimates for all routes can be found behind this link.
Landscapes in general
The vegetation is at its lushest at this time of year. Thus, some of the well-trodden paths, which are visible from afar in the spring, are now partially covered by vegetation. Especially sections of paths in open areas, such as trailheads, may be harder to find than they were in spring. However, all paths marked on the map that are essential for the routes exist and are passable in the terrain.
Weather and hydration
The competition's route book and accompanying schedule estimate indicate locations where water refill stations will be available during the race. Currently, the forecast for race day is approximately 28 degrees Celsius and sunny, so please bring plenty of fluids. Remember your sunscreen as well.
Currently, forecasts do not predict thunderstorms and rain, but during such a long heatwave, surprise thunderstorms are possible. We are constantly monitoring the situation. In the event of a thunderstorm, for example, new paddlers will not be allowed onto the water, and activities at checkpoint stations located on waterways will be suspended. Paddlers already on the water are encouraged to land as quickly as possible according to their own judgment and wait for the thunderstorm to pass. If competition activities have to be suspended, the jury will later consider how these will be taken into account in the final times.
Light traffic route
There is one light traffic route on the Kaihun shore that has been closed by the city with signs. The closure is due to liability issues related to an old bridge, which is in the process of being preserved as a historic monument and no longer meets current standards. A new bridge is coming, but due to permit issues, it didn't make it for this summer. The bridge slated for preservation exists in the terrain, has an asphalt surface, and appears intact. The city has stated that they cannot prevent passage if someone goes there on their own accord. From our side, the area and route are not marked as a restricted area on maps, and there are no fines for its use. Route selection is free, as it is everywhere else in the terrain, and each team makes its own route choices. Therefore, if this section falls on your team's route, organizers permit passage through here, as well as elsewhere, at your own discretion – on the road, alongside the road, or even through the forest.
Canoeing generally
On behalf of the organizer, kayaks, life vests, paddles, and optional spray decks are available to competitors. Spray decks are not mandatory to use or carry. In warm and calm weather, there is no real need for them, and it is easier to exit the kayak without one. However, their use is possible if the team wishes. Each team must have a mandatory piece of equipment that can be used as a bailer.
Extreme series paddling and swim & run
As clarification and a reminder, there is a swim & run section in the middle of the paddling, where wearing life vests is mandatory. In addition to this, competitors may use any additional buoyancy aids and equipment. You can use the paddling life vests you are wearing, or bring your own second set of life vests. Teams must carry all equipment used during the swim & run section with them in their kayaks for the entire paddling section. The swim & run section is approximately 6 km in total as the crow flies and includes 4-9 water crossings, depending on route choice, with lengths ranging from 70-150 m.
You can leave your own equipment for the canoeing and swim & run sections with the organizer at the Race Center before proceeding to the prologue start. At the canoeing finish, you can pack and leave your equipment with the organizers for transport. Items must be neatly packed in one bag/bundle for easy movement, to ensure they stay safe and together. Bags etc. can be left with the organizer before the start of the canoeing and will be available again at the end of the canoeing for unpacking.
The swim and run portion will be in twilight/darkness, so please consider this when choosing lights.
Challenge series kayaking
It is possible to use your own paddling equipment. In this case, please bring your equipment to the start of the prologue and carry it with you until the start of the paddling. The prologue takes place in one area, so you can leave your equipment in a place of your choosing during the prologue task. The equipment storage/transport bag must be carried with you for the entire paddling section, and the equipment must be packed neatly after paddling so that the organizers can transport it from there to the competition center.
Extreme and Challenge series cycling
The Extreme and Challenge series routes include cycling sections where the trail descriptions use the color-coding familiar from TrailMap to represent trail speed and difficulty. We primarily use a three-tier scale.
- Green = Easy and fast-paced career.
- Yellow = Intermediate, more technical and slower paced than green trail.
- Orange = Difficult career, slow progress, and occasionally needs to be reined in.
