Edition 1 / April 2021 Heroes 2021 Interviews and reports that inspire Starter Journal Die green Mur - Page 8 Film premiere - Page 10 Interview Michael Strasser - Page 11 Finisher Beer - Page 34 Page 6 autXtri 2021 Starter Journal 1 autXtri 2021 Starter Journal 2 Welcome Starter Journal 2021 The Austria eXtreme Triathlon has been running for 6 years now. With this Starter Journal we now offer you all the information about our event in a newly designed and greatly expanded form. Of course, we also present the participating athletes in 2021, who talk about their background and motivation. In addition, you will find numerous interviews with other athletes and contributions from our volunteers and partners who actively support the Austria eXtreme Triathlon. Especially young sports enthusiasts who take part in the triathlon as volunteers can experience an international sports event up close and also behind the scenes. They tell their stories and report on their motivations, very personally with their own experiences. We also provide all the information on the Extreme Triathlon Series, which the Austria eXtreme Triathlon has launched together with triathlons in Maria Schwarz Spain, Italy, the Czech Republic and South Africa. President The detailed route description can be found in the roadbook in the proven form. Excellent event In 2018, the Austria eXtreme Triathlon was awarded as organiser of the year by the Styrian Triathlon Association and received an award as one of the best international triathlon competitions in 2019. For this reason, we would also like to thank our many partners who support the competition. They too have their say in this Starter Journal. Despite these awards and successes, we are of course not resting on our laurels and are working hard on the organisation of the 6th Austria eXtreme Triathlon, which is scheduled to take place on 26 June 2021. Although the current situation is very challenging, we are sparing no effort to make this year‘s triathlon new and even better. It will change your life – Austria eXtreme Triathlon autXtri 2021 Starter Journal 3 Foreword Erich Gosch, Georg Bliem Dear sports enthusiasts! We have become aware of the positive importance of sport especially in the last few months. In order to get through this demanding and very challenging time accordingly, we also need our positive role models of sport more than ever, among other things. The „Austria eXtreme Triathlon“ unites all these role models in the field of sport, enthusiasm, organisation, stamina and much more. Especially the athletes of such an event show us that with personal effort and the adherence to a set goal, a lot is possible. Because the triathlon leads through our beautiful Styria, the participants also have the pleasure of practising their sport in an extraordinary natural setting. I am pleased to be able to support and open this event again and wish the participants all the best. Mayor Erich Gosch Market Town Feldkirchen near Graz The Austria eXtreme Triathlon is an event in a class of its own. The probably toughest triathlon leads the athletes across Styria from the Mur near Graz to the foot of the Dachstein massif - always surrounded by breathtaking scenery. What makes the triathlon so special is the community experience - team spirit is the focus here. I wish the athletes all the best and look forward to the event taking place again in June! Dir. Georg Bliem, General Manager of the Planai-Hochwurzen Lifts autXtri 2021 Starter Journal 4 Foreword Werner Kreuzer To describe the Austria eXtreme Triathlon I use the words of Werner Grissmann „an event for the toughest under the sun“. The Austria eXtreme Triathlon has been a fixed part of the Styrian triathlon calendar since 2015 and reflects the beauty of our country with its course and its three main venues. Many will be able to enjoy the magnificent landscape of Styria and the organisational skills of the team for the first time. For many, however, it will be a reunion with the event, as the organising team always thankfully agrees to host this unique triathlon. My very special thanks go to the funding agencies, the sponsors and the media partners of this event. I would also like to thank the officials of the Austria eXtreme Triathlon Association, whose know-how helps to ensure a fair and high-quality event. In this spirit I wish all athletes and coaches an unfor- gettable, successful day and I am especially looking forward to this exciting competition. See you at the finish line! Werner Kreuzer President Styrian Triathlon Federation autXtri 2021 Starter Journal 5 XTRI-Serie 3 years, 5 triathlons Together with 4 other countries, it was not easy to set up a unique and unforgettable project, but the efforts were worth it, says Maria Schwarz, President of the Austria eXtreme Triathlon. Every successful participa- tion will be rewarded with a puzzle medal. Those who have mastered five eXtrem Triathlons in three years will hold a unique trophy in their hands. Every collected puzzle medal finds a worthy place in this trophy. Even in the Extreme Triathlon Series, each individual triathlon remains independent and maintains its own personal philosophy. Strength, intelli- gence, emotion - a successful triathlete needs all of these. This is exactly what will be put to the test on all 5 courses. The Extreme Triathlon Series starts in 2021 in Spain Pirene Xtreme Triathlon, 29. May 2021 will start in Terradets Reservoir. Athletes will cross part of the Pyrenees and experience the unique flora and fauna of the region along the route. This particularly demanding triathlon includes an altitude climb of 4400 m, which will be covered by bike over a distance of 177 km and a 40 km trail run. The latter takes participants to the highest point of the route - the Prat De Bacies plateau, 2200 m above sea level. This triathlon puts body and mind to a demanding test, which is not only rewarded with the finish. Majestic mountains, unique landscapes and historic villages are part of the route that make the triathlon unforgettable. Austria eXtreme Triathlon, 26. June 2021 starts in the south of Graz. A jump into the cold water of the Mur forms the starting signal. Even in midsummer, its temperatures do not exceed 14 °C. The 3.8 km swim is followed by 186 km of cycling and 44 km of run- ning. But it is not the length of the course that is the real challenge. During the bike course, the participants are exposed to a difference in altitude of almost 3900 m. The subsequent run course has 1800 m of altitude. The subsequent run course has 1850 metres of altitude difference. This triathlon means pure nature and leads from lush green fields to the snow- covered mountains of the Dachstein masiv. autXtri 2021 Starter Journal 6 Stonebrixiaman, 3. July 2021 starts at 4 a.m. with a 3.8 km swim. In Sulzano it‘s out of the water and onto the bike. The 180 km route leads towards Vello Toline, along the Val Camonica valley and finally ends in the municipality of Ponte di Legno. Now follows a 42 km run. The highest point of the entire route is at 2600 m above sea level. To complete such a demanding triathlon requires a lot of ambition and willpower - and perhaps also some positive insanity. Winterman, 10.October 2021 A fairytale landscape of the Czech Republic makes the course so special. The extraordinary start of the triathlon alone is something no participant will ever experience again in this form. Everything starts in absolute darkness in ice-cold water. More than 3000 metres of altitude are covered on the bike course, which explains the comparatively low average speed of 20 to 26 km/h. During the 43 km long run, the finish line can already be seen and gives the participants a proper motivation boost. The last part ends with a steep rocky climb up to the 1012 m high Jested, which rewards every finish runner with a breathtaking view, and drives the emotions up high. Knysna Extreme Triathlon, 16. October 2021 The race starts with a 5 km swim in the Knysna Estuary lagoon. The follo- wing 174 km will be cycled through coastal, mountainous and semi-desert areas. The race continues with a 50 km run along Prince Alfred‘s Pass. It takes participants through mountain valleys, fields and forests of Karoo to Diepwalle Forest Station. This route not only tests your fitness level, but also your mental strength and fighting spirit. For more information, please visit: www.xtri-series.com autXtri 2021 Starter Journal 7 Story The green Mur by Dr. Rudolf Moser Styria - the green marrow, the green heart of Austria - a land rich in water, blessed with lakes and rivers that make forests and meadows blossom, but also guarantee the people in their towns and villages the basis for life. The longest and most powerful river that runs through Styria is the Mur - this body of water is 453km long. It originates in Salzburg until, after a long migration, it flows into the Drava in the Hungarian-Croatian border region. Only in Styria does the river become powerful. From immemorable times, settlements have sprung up along the banks of the Mur, with fortifications to protect the inhabitants against invaders from the east. People have always known how to earn a certain amount of wealth with their own hands. Woodcutters used the river to raft felled trees, boats served as means of transport, waterwheels drove mills and forge hammers. Thus, powerful industrial settlements emerged in the nineteenth century. Many people working in agriculture left their home farms and a new working- class culture emerged.