Tempo-Sport Linthathlon. A new event on the triathlon calendar—with Tempo-Sport as the title sponsor. We believe that smaller, regional events deserve support. That’s why, following the Tempo-Sport Aarau Triathlon, we’ve now also become involved with the Linthathlon.

Following the successful debut of the Linth Canal Swim during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, team member Silvan Bruhin pitched the idea of the Linthathlon to us, and we were all ears. We were immediately on board and agreed to get involved. The Linthathlon thus became the Tempo-Sport Linthathlon. It is expected to be the first triathlon of the 2021 Swiss competitive season. Fingers crossed!

Volunteer work, enthusiasm instead of profit

Like the Tempo-Sport Aarau Triathlon, Tempo Sport is also the title sponsor of the Linthathlon. We support the organizers financially and with finisher and winner prizes. We’re also present on-site. However, the entire organization is run by a local organizing committee. Unlike events organized by professional event organizers, such as the Challenge or Ironman series, these regional events rely 100% on the tireless work of volunteers. No one receives a salary; no one does this for money. To be clear: We have absolutely nothing against professional event organizers. But events like the Linthathlon, where enthusiasm and personal commitment are the driving forces, are absolutely essential. In many cases, local clubs form the backbone of these events. This is also true for the Linthathlon, where Jtri and the Crazy Turtles are the driving forces.

Fewer and fewer low-threshold events

In recent years—or even decades—(too) many such events have disappeared. In the 1990s and early 2000s, there were still quite a few smaller, local triathlons. Who still remembers legendary events like the Domino Triathlon in Baar, the Aegeri Triathlon, or the Wyland Triathlon, to name just a few? Unfortunately, they’ve all disappeared. However, such events were and remain a low-threshold opportunity for beginners to try their hand at a triathlon in a casual setting. The disappearance is likely due to a mix of factors: the increased effort required for permits, a tendency among authorities to block such events, liability issues, conflicts over use, but also, increasingly, the mindset of consumer society (preferring to simply consume rather than get involved).

Whether it's a time trial bike or a Poschtivelo

That makes it all the more wonderful when events like the Aarau Triathlon and now the Linthathlon take center stage. Whether on a time trial bike with an aero helmet or on a Poschtivelo with a basket: anything goes here, and no one is looked down upon. It’s triathlon just like in the early days, so to speak. Triathlon as a way of life. And above all: in no other sport do full-fledged pros compete in the same race as complete beginners and respect one another. Where else does a pro personally cheer on an amateur athlete after crossing the finish line? Exactly—that’s triathlon! And it’s precisely this spirit, this incredibly beautiful shared experience—that’s exactly why we’re involved here.

Getting involved comes before studying

At a time when all the big companies are investing only in the king of sports—soccer—or, at most, a few other major sports, it’s all the more important that smaller events in—let’s be honest—niche sports like triathlon don’t disappear even further. From the perspective of large companies, this sponsorship model is understandable. But for small events in niche sports, it’s simply fatal. The trend toward online shops doesn’t help here either. Fewer regional specialty stores, fewer regional sponsors. It’s that simple. But: Regional events need participants! That’s why we’re calling on you: Join in, be part of it, and enjoy taking on a sporting challenge in your region. Or get to know a new region—the Linth Plain, with its traffic-free roads, is ideal for just that.

See you in July at the Linthathlon and in September at the Aarau Triathlon. Let’s rock and roll!

The Linthatlon: What is it?

Let us introduce you to the Tempo-Sport Linthathlon, taking place on Sunday, July 4, 2021. So, what exactly is it? IT’S THE triathlon competition between Weesen and Rapperswil; you’ll swim in the Linth Canal, cycle through the Linth Plain, and run laps on the Linth Dam. The short distance is suitable for anyone interested—even U12 students can sign up. The Youth League and National League categories are also represented. And if you don’t want to complete all three disciplines, you can join the relay team. Sign up now. Let’s go: https://linthathlon.ch/