51 hours of swimming, cycling and running in the Triple Ultra Triathlon
Created: 08/17/2022, 14:26
“Everyone who finishes here is a winner”: Michael Schmüser from Wolfratshausen was one of only 24 finishers at the Ultra Triple Triathlon in Lensahn.
© gbm
Michael Schmüser from TSV Wolfratshausen completes the Triple Ultra Triathlon in Schleswig-Holstein and finishes ninth after 51 hours.
Lensahn/Wolfratshausen – Six years after his first Triple Ultra Triathlon (11.4 km swimming, 540 km cycling, 126.6 km running), Michael Schmüser has decided to tackle this enormous challenge again.
"After all, it's three Ironman distances in a row," emphasizes the triathlete from TSV Wolfratshausen before the legendary competition in Lensahn, Schleswig-Holstein.
Together with 30 starters from nine countries, Schmüser jumped into the water at 7 a.m. in the local leisure pool, where 228 lanes had to be completed on a 50-meter course.
"After 4:05 hours I came out of the water in twelfth place," reports the man from Wolfratshausen.
Lots of side wind when cycling
However, the weather forecast for the subsequent cycling (112 laps of 4.82 km each) was not entirely favourable, because "very brisk wind was forecast".
This wind, which was particularly blowing from the side, lasted about nine hours, which of course required a lot of energy.
But every starter had his own support team with him and could rely on moral support.
With Schmüser it was the parents and two friends.
"At 3 a.m. I took my first break of an hour with some potatoes, soup and some sleep."
Three marathons to finish
But with the sunrise came the desire to pedal again.
After about 22 hours he had covered the 540 kilometers and now switched to the running route, during which the marathon distance of 42.195 kilometers each was run three times (96 laps of 1.32 km each).
"I was happy to finally be able to run," reports the triathlete.
On the second day it was easier for the participants because there was no wind and the temperature was a pleasant 22 degrees.
Schmüser then describes his suffering as follows: “I managed the first marathon well, but then it became more and more exhausting.
No wonder, because I had already been on the road for 38 hours.
At 1 a.m. on the second night I hit rock bottom and had to lie down for another hour.” However, thanks to his team of coaches who gave him constant support, he regained his strength,
Anyone who finishes is a winner.”
Michael Schmüser, ultra triathlete
After 51 hours he was able to cross the finish line “together with my helpers”.
Not all participants were so lucky, because only 24 athletes made it through to the end.
Michael Schmüser finally finished ninth, but said: "I would like to say that everyone who has finished here is a winner." (gbm)
