A new finish line for big dreams
DATEV presents the Roth Triathlon with a new finish line
ROTH. The finish line in the Triathlon Stadium is the place where, year after year, thousands of dreams come true at DATEV Challenge Roth. After 15 years, this special venue is now being given a new and modern look: on Thursday, 2 July 2026, the new finish line will be officially unveiled.
To mark its 60th anniversary, DATEV is presenting the DATEV Challenge Roth with a new and permanent finish line arch. The previous finish line arch has defined the finish at the Triathlon Stadium since 2011 and has become a symbol of the fulfilment of great sporting dreams. Now, a new landmark is being created for the Home of Triathlon.
Omega-shaped finish line arch as the culmination of a long journey
The design of the new finish line arch is based on the shape of an omega (Ω), the last letter of the Greek alphabet. As a symbol of the end of a journey and the completion of a course, it represents the goal of every long-distance event: the finish after 3.8 kilometres of swimming, 180 kilometres of cycling and 42.2 kilometres of running. This design is unique in the world of triathlon
DATEV emphasises: “The finish arch represents the moment everyone is working towards. It is the place where effort turns into pride and dreams become reality. That is precisely why we are delighted to be able to present DATEV Challenge Roth with a new finish arch to mark the 60th anniversary of our cooperative.”
It is not just the design that is unique worldwide. While finish arches at most triathlon events are erected on a temporary basis, the Roth finish arch remains a permanent cultural landmark. There is no comparable structure of this kind in international triathlon.
“The most emotional spot in our race”
“The finish arch is undoubtedly the most emotional spot in our race. This is where dreams come true; this is where athletes experience their very own spine-tingling moment after months or years of preparation. The fact that DATEV is presenting us with a new finish arch to mark its 60th anniversary is an extraordinary gesture of solidarity and support. A big thank you also goes to Guttenberger und Partner from Freystadt, who have turned our ideas into reality,” says Felix Walchshöfer, race director of DATEV Challenge Roth.
A venue for world records and personal triumphs
Since its construction in 2011, the previous finish arch has been the setting for countless emotional moments in the Home of Triathlon. A total of 38,774 individual competitors and more than 23,000 relay finishers have crossed the iconic finish line. In addition, seven world best times in the long-distance event were celebrated beneath the finish arch, making triathlon history
On 5 July, for the first time, 3,500 individual competitors and 700 relay teams will complete their long journey under the new finish line. On 6 July, on-site registration will begin for DATEV Challenge Roth 2027, where new stories of achievement will be written.