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Triathlon in July leads to lasting benefits for local residents

The DATEV Challenge Roth not only makes triathlon dreams come true, but also brings immediate and long-term benefits to the entire Roth district.

Through a joint initiative by the District Administrator, Unternehmerfabrik, and the organizing team of DATEV Challenge Roth, the mobile network infrastructure across large parts of the district will be noticeably expanded over the coming months.

The background is clear: Since 2019, Bavarian broadcaster BR Fernsehen has been airing more than eight hours of live coverage from the Roth triathlon each year. Since last year, ARD has also broadcast a full hour live from Roth. In addition, the emotions and images from the region are transmitted to 285 broadcasters worldwide.

Live broadcast repeatedly affected by unstable connections

However, ARD and many other broadcasters have pointed out that the current network bandwidth along the course is not always sufficient to deliver crystal-clear live images.

At the same time, the enthusiastic spectators lining the course create the legendary atmosphere of DATEV Challenge Roth — while also heavily using mobile networks. This pushes existing capacities to their limits. Unstable images are considered unacceptable for a global live broadcast.

Mobile dead zones across the district to be eliminated

Measurement reports show that the city of Roth already has a strong 4G/5G mobile infrastructure. For race weekend, network operators will additionally increase bandwidth through adapted transmission management. This is expected to eliminate bottlenecks within the city area of Roth.

Communities throughout the district benefit

In Heuberg and at the exit of Hilpoltstein towards Rothsee, Telefónica/O2 Germany and Deutsche Telekom will each install a mobile transmission station, closing the existing dead zone between Heubergerhöhe and Polsdorf. This will significantly improve signal quality at the swim start area, which has previously suffered from considerable capacity shortages.

In Wallesau, a new Telekom mast installed earlier this year already ensures stable connections along the bike course while simultaneously improving mobile coverage for drivers and residents between Wernsbach and Eckersmühlen.

Between Eysölden and Pyras, the existing Telekom transmission mast will be expanded and operational by the end of May 2026 at the latest, providing residents in the surrounding area with permanently faster and more stable network coverage.

Even the section near Meckenlohe along the Main-Danube Canal, shortly before Roth/Nord, is receiving attention: the current dead zone is under investigation. Permanent solutions are planned with the goal of securing long-term connectivity for the region. Deutsche Telekom is considering commissioning a new mast in the coming years, which is expected to bring major improvements.

Further mobile network upgrades are also planned specifically along the bike course, particularly by Telekom, with the aim of improving coverage in areas such as the municipality of Greding.

Close cooperation delivers results

“These measures are a small sensation for us and for the entire district. In just a few months following the 2025 race, we have achieved an incredible amount,” says Kathrin Walchshöfer-Helneder, Managing Director of TEAMCHALLENGE.

“Thanks to the cooperation between the event organizers, Unternehmerfabrik, network operators, and local decision-makers, we have been able to take decisive steps in recent months regarding network expansion. I would especially like to thank everyone involved, particularly Ben Schwarz, Unternehmerfabrik, and Andreas Buckreus, who facilitated the key contact with Telekom through his network.”

District Administrator Ben Schwarz is equally pleased about the improvements: “Crystal-clear television images convey the atmosphere and serve as valuable promotion for our region.” The fact that permanent infrastructure improvements also benefit the local population is a tremendous success. “Digitalization in the Roth district continues to move forward consistently.”

Felix Lehnhoff from Unternehmerfabrik emphasizes the value of the triathlon for the region: “DATEV Challenge Roth is the flagship event of the entire region and has immeasurable value for the district. Thanks to the triathlon, significant revenue flows into the region — and, as seen here with the network expansion, the entire population benefits enormously from this landmark event.”

Challenge triathlon as an economic driver for the district

DATEV Challenge Roth is a true economic engine: During race week alone, the event generates added economic value of more than 14 million euros. Training camps and preparation stays by athletes around Rothsee contribute an additional two million euros — bringing the annual total to approximately 16 million euros. Hotels, restaurants, leisure providers, and regional partners all benefit directly.

Medially, DATEV Challenge Roth is also an international success and places the Roth district firmly on the global map: in 2025, the race reached a cumulative audience of around 374 million people worldwide.

Tens of thousands of euros supporting regional projects

Beyond its economic and media impact, DATEV Challenge Roth also takes social responsibility seriously: Last year, €18,310 were donated to regional projects, including €5,000 for the children’s and youth fire brigades in Roth and more than €7,000 for the expansion of the playground in Hausen near Greding. As a result, children, young people, and local initiatives directly benefit from the event as well.