Several athletes competing in IRONMAN Hamburg suffered flat tires along the bike section thanks to metal shavings that were reportedly scattered around the course. According to a press release from the the Hamburg Police, unknown individuals spread metal shavings on several roads in the Kirchwerder district at some point before the race occurred on Sunday, June 7th.
Multiple bikes sustained damage due to the shavings. Some reports indicate that between 40 and 150 racers were impacted, but police are working directly with the race organizers to determine the exact number of individuals affected.
At least one individual, a 29-year-old man competing in the race, crashed in the section and suffered a fracture. Investigators are hoping to determine whether or not whether tire damage caused by the metal shavings contributed to the accident. The State Security Division of the State Criminal Police Office started investigating on-site yesterday, with suspected charges of attempted aggravated bodily harm and multiple counts of property damage possible.
Anyone who observed anything suspicious in connection with the incident, including observations that may have been made the evening before or during the night, are asked to contact the Hamburg Police tip line at 040 4286-56789. Additionally, between Friday, June 5th, at 4pm and Saturday, June 6th, at 10:45pm, no-parking signs and other related announcement posters installed along the entire route for the race had been removed. Police reinstalled the signs after learning about the incident.
German magazine Triathlon reports that tensions with locals leading up to the race had been high. Signs in the area were posted in protest of the competition, claiming the local’s freedom was being restricted. The greenish metal strips were apparently up to 2cm long and were not uniform in shape or size.
The Ironman 2026 Official Competition Rules allow athletes to provide each other with incidental items like pumps, tires, inner tubes, and puncture repair kits, and they can receive mechanical assistance from Race Referees or Race Officials. However assistance provided by spectators or other parties can lead to disqualification.
