Master duo at the start: Neef and Erl return to Lake Olbersdorf
The O‑SEE Challenge 2026 can look forward to two familiar faces: Sebastian Neef and Lorena Erl will once again be at the starting line in the Zittau Mountains.
Both arrive as reigning German champions in cross triathlon and are therefore automatically among the top favorites in their races.
Successful in sports, a team in their private lives
What makes the two of them special: They are not only successful in sports, but also a couple in their private lives.
This means that the O-SEE Challenge will feature not just a strong duo at the starting line, but a true team. Neef often refers to Lorena Erl as his "better half".
Neef starts as serial champion
Sebastian Neef has shaped the German Championships in recent years.
He travels to Zittau as a three-time consecutive German champion and has the chance to extend his winning streak. Another victory would mean his fourth consecutive title .
Especially at the O-SEE Challenge, this is anything but a given. The course is unforgiving and demands everything from the athletes every single year.
Erl is also among the favorites
In the women's race, Lorena Erl among the hottest contenders for the title.
As the reigning German champion, she not only brings the necessary quality, but also the experience to be able to compete at the very top on this course.
Challenging route in the Zittau Mountains
The O-SEE Challenge has stood for cross triathlon at the highest level for years.
The classic distance demands everything from the participants:
- 1.5 km swim in Lake Olbersdorf
- approximately 37 km on a mountain bike
- 10 km trail run through the Zittau Mountains
In addition, there are technical sections, elevation gains, and an international field of competitors.
High voltage guaranteed
When both reigning German champions are at the starting line and one of them has such a winning streak behind them, it's clear what that means:
A race where the winner isn't decided until the very end.
Spectators can look forward to thrilling competitions and truly top-class performances. Whether Sebastian Neef can continue his winning streak and how Lorena Erl fares in the women's field will be revealed on the course.