Introduction

At Sunday´s award ceremony, the 7th MATTONI CITY TRIATHLON and 17th spa triathlon closed down the triathlon door behind itself. As a race director, I can claim they were two splendid successful days. We were lucky concerning the weather which makes a great part of the ebeny. We were lucky speaking of the organization staff and spectators who were enjoying triathlon all weekend through.

To arrange for an event from A to Z, it was necessary to deliver more than 5,000 liters of Mattoni mineral water, provide refreshment for 150 volunteers, set up more 3.5km of protection gates transported by four Schenker trucks to Karlovy vary and manufacture traditional Realistic glass trophies. The whole project is a huge mosaic in which every piece is hard to replace in its function. Should I name every single fan or volunteer, the list would become a long boring reading. Therefore, I would like to thank all those who participated in whatever major or role.

Annually, my biggest wish is that all the athletes come to the finish line sound and healthy. On Sunday finally, I could experience the greatest relief. To be able to enjoy this feeling, we must succeed in recruiting volunteers, placing them along the race course, building and disassembling the track. All these are fundamental moments and steps to my satisfaction and a smooth race in Karlovy Vary.

Unfortunately, the financial crisis with its full intensity had struck and our event suffered this year. Luckily, new partners helped us and thanks to them we managed to keep the same standard of the most significant triathlon celebration in the Czech Republic.. I would like to express my gratitude to all of them and I look forward to further co-operation.

Vladimír Malý, race director of CITY TRIATHLON Karlovy Vary