Tim Hellwig now ‘King of Buschhütten’
A successful start to the season for top triathletes from Saarland.
On Sunday (7 May 2023), Tim Hellwig – current U23 world championship runner-up for the triathlon sort distance – celebrated his first major victory of the year. The HYLO®Team Saar triathlete was able to win the 34th edition of the long-standing EJOT Triathlon in Buschhütten (1 km swim, 41.9 km cycle, 9.54 km run), thus being crowned the ‘King of Buschhütten’.
After an extended winter break, an intensive training camp with the national team in February, and various other strenuous hours of training without competition practice, this weekend finally represented the first highlight of the year for the top young athletes from Saarland. The Triathlon Buschhütten traditionally marks the beginning of Germany’s triathlon season. One particular feature of this classic race is the fact that the swimming is completed in an open-air pool, putting spectators nearby and ensuring a mesmerising atmosphere to motivate participants. The competition is considered a classic in triathlon circles and is on many triathletes’ bucket list as one of the events that they would like to complete at least once in their lifetime. All six male German winners of the legendary Ironman Hawaii, the triathlon world championship, have competed at least once (and in some cases multiple times) in the Triathlon Buschhütten. With his win on Sunday, Tim Hellwig thus joins an illustrious group of absolute global stars such as Sebastian Kienle, Jan Frodeno, Lothar Leder, Faris al Sultan and Patrick Lange.
The men’s race on Sunday remained open for a long time in what were sometimes adverse, rainy conditions. Tim was only able to catch the two athletes ahead of him during the run section, ultimately securing the win with a 40-second lead and taking the title. Third place went to none other than Sebastian Kienle, who was competing in the tournament as part of his farewell tour. Young Tim Hellwig’s tour is just picking up speed, so who knows if he – in line with past winners and Kings of Buschhütten – will also be crowned the champion of Kona and win the Hawaii triathlon.
For now, he is ticking off his bucket list and focusing on his next goals.
The World Championship in Hamburg in July could be one of this year’s highlights. Tim Hellwig and his HYLO®Team Saar teammates will be lining up for the start of the federal league in Kraichgau on 20 May.
We wish him continued success this season and good results in his upcoming events.