World Cup in Týn nad Vltavou

The town of Týn nad Vltavou in the South Bohemian region of the Czech Republic is regarded as a stronghold of the quadrathlon. The local kayaking club, led by Jiri Kobera, organised a dedicated quadrathlon event for the 24th time, an event that has a firm place in the World Cup calendar. This year’s race was once again very well attended, with 40 individual entrants and 5 relay teams. The forecast of hot temperatures posed a challenge, so the cycling and running courses were each shortened from 3 to 2 laps to protect the athletes. In the end, the distances to be covered were a 0.75 km swim, a 14.6 km cycle, a 4 km kayak and a 3.3 km run. This was well within the capabilities of all participants, and many gratefully took the opportunity to cool off in the Vltava immediately after crossing the finish line.

The battle for the top places was thrilling and of a very high standard. In the women’s race, local favourite Magdaléna Koberová demonstrated her ambitions during the swim in the Vltava and built up a significant lead over the rest of the field. During the cycling stage, however, Susanne Walter demonstrated her great strength, took the lead, defended her top position during the kayaking and running stages, and ultimately won convincingly ahead of Koberová and the second Czech competitor, Anna Bromová.

In the men’s overall standings, the race unfolded in thrilling fashion, with a leading group of four athletes who, after the swim and cycle, began the kayaking stage on the Vltava almost simultaneously, separated by just a few seconds. As is so often the case, the third discipline proved decisive, and the order established after the kayaking stage remained unchanged throughout the shortened running section. Ferenc Csima once again demonstrated his class on the water and built up a comfortable lead. Behind him, Christian Dürr continued to show improvement in the kayak and secured a comfortable second place. Leoš Roušavý underlined his status as the best Czech quadrathlete, securing third place on the podium ahead of his Czech compatriot David Jilek.

The relay race also proved thrilling, with the outcome decided by only the narrowest of margins, allowing further athletes to take part.

Also particularly worth mentioning are the friendly atmosphere and the excellent organisation of this long-standing quadrathlon event. Týn nad Vltavou was certainly worth the trip, and numerous athletes are already looking forward to next year’s 25th anniversary edition.