39. Austria Triathlon (Langdistanz / Mitteldistanz)

The Austria Triathlon takes place in Podersdorf am Neusiedl, on the edge of Austria’s broad, shallow Lake Neusiedl, and it is Austria’s oldest long-distance triathlon. Held annually in late summer, it originated from the full Ironman-distance race: 3.8 km swimming, 180 km cycling, and a marathon run. The weekend also offers middle-distance triathlon and Aquabike events, allowing athletes to compete in the full format, a shorter 1.9 km swim / 88 km bike / half-marathon run, or swim-bike options excluding the run. The swim begins at the lighthouse on Podersdorf’s main jetty, in lake water that averages only about one meter deep. The bike and run courses are entirely flat, attracting professionals aiming for fast times as well as beginners and hobby athletes. However, the area’s common wind and summer heat prevent it from being straightforward. The event has hosted Austria’s long-distance national championship multiple times, crowning the first Austrian finisher as state champion. Its initial editions were small, starting with 39 athletes and 36 finishers, and strong winds have occasionally necessitated the cancellation of the swim.