Story

Some of the buddies quickly forgot about the bet, others didn't. And on July 9, 2000, in gloomy summer weather, they jumped into Lake Olbersdorf to test the waters. We called it the 1st (completely unofficial) Olbersdorf Lake Triathlon (O-See Triathlon).

There were only 5 Hanselmen back then.

The second O-See Triathlon on August 3, 2001, was quite different. The "one-way mountain bike route" from Olbersdorf Lake to the Hochwald forest had been transformed into a circuit with a central transition zone by the lake. Another new feature was the introduction of the option to complete the race as a relay.
However, two things remained and became hallmarks of the O-See Triathlon: crossing Olbersdorf Lake and traversing the Hochwald, which, at 749 meters, represents the high point of the competition. The only difference was that from then on, it had to be climbed by mountain bike.
The number of participants had already reached 52, including 27 relay teams. This was more than we had ever dreamed of.
This response put the then-small group of organizers from the Zittau Water and Surfing Club under considerable pressure for 2002, as they wanted to ensure that, despite all the organizational work, the event was still enjoyable.

Well, the 2002 triathlon, first called the O-SEE-CHALLENGE, was indeed a new level of quality, as were the effort involved and the number of supporting friends and helpers. There were a number of new features:
The event got its own
website, www.o-see-challenge.de.
The cycling course was modified again and extended to 30km.
The running course was lengthened to 8km.
Age groups were introduced (though only two).
PSV Zittau took over the professional timing with its referees.
The event kicked off on Saturday with a small beach party, which ended around 5:00 am (which didn't agree with some).
160 athletes answered the call of the CHALLENGE – a great success for the event – ​​not least because of the picture-perfect weather. PSV Zittau fielded by far the most athletes, with a total of 21 participants.
The CHALLENGE was now beginning to take on the character of a major event, as evidenced by the considerable spectator turnout.

O-SEE-CHALLENGE 2003 – by far "the best ever"! Everything was perfect: the weather, the preparation, the number of participants, the event itself – including a successful awards ceremony. For the first time, sponsors were secured in advance to offset the already considerable material and financial costs. Other firsts included:
the construction of a finish tower by the scaffolding company Kiessling, the future landmark of the CHALLENGE on the sandy beach;
an opening party with DJ URI on Friday;
a supporting program on Saturday, including a test run of a children's triathlon;
the splitting of the bike and run courses into a short and full distance;
further differentiation of age groups (a total of 8!);
the introduction of a mountain prize on the Hochwald summit;
bicycle parking on racks specifically designed for mountain bikes;
a significantly more spacious and clearly laid-out transition area; and carpeted running areas.
Race numbers for attaching to bikes and running suits were introduced.
Sandstone trophies from Friebolin, another special feature of the CHALLENGE, were presented.
Continuous moderation of the event
ensured the resounding success of the O-SEE-CHALLENGE 2003, with 302 participants: 104 individual competitors and 66 relay teams. Word of the CHALLENGE is gradually spreading, attracting numerous participants from across Saxony and Thuringia, as well as Berlin and Bavaria, all of whom were thoroughly impressed.

Numerous changes, innovations, a colossal false start with the relays, and a further step towards a supra-regional event characterize the O-SEE-CHALLENGE 2004.
The most visually visible expression of the many innovations is the new logo, the striking lettering O-SEE-CHALLENGE in a memorable typeface, created by the artistic multi-talent – ​​Rene Pech.

But another name has been associated with the event since 2004: XTERRA, or rather, XTERRA German Tour. XTERRA is synonymous with high-level, globally practiced off-road triathlon. And
this was undoubtedly the case. Among those contributing to this were Katrin Helmcke and Ronny Dietz, both reigning German Cross Triathlon Champions, Ute Schäfer, who finished 4th in the XTERRA EUROPE TOUR, and a total of 115 individual starters and 80 relay teams.
Other significant changes included:
relocating the transition area to the north shore of Lake Ostseesee;
extending the swim course to 1.1 km, thus creating a loop course for the first time;
making the run course more challenging as a trail run;
introducing an elite category with an additional climb for them up the Hochwald mountain; and
using an electronic timing system for the first time (with a few glitches).
The start was staggered into two waves, which caused some confusion for the relay teams.
Creation of an O-SEE medal in the shape of the letter O, crafted from silver by Zittau jewelry designer Herman Baldauf.
Construction of a dedicated O-SEE-CHALLENGE stage and an organizational office wagon.
The first KIDS-CHALLENGE with 40 kids!!! – Thanks to Dieter Donath and his team.
Integration of an independent beach volleyball tournament with 30 teams, organized by GALONE eV.
Extensive supporting program, including JENIX, the up-and-coming band from Upper Lusatia.
And, almost as an aside, the production of a TV clip, a multilingual flyer (German, English, Czech), a partially multilingual website, and much more…
In short – a fantastic event with a few minor flaws but high memorability.

There it was again – that subtle but noticeable increase in quantity. Visible to anyone who was there last year. The new quality, the "EVENT" O-SEE-CHALLENGE, however, was already palpable in 2004. But along with the many innovations last year, quite a few things went wrong, and in hindsight, the timing company at the time was clearly overwhelmed and the root of the problem.

But in the end, a promise was made – never again such a mishap!
Well, we were able to keep that promise: It was the most intensively prepared O-SEE-CHALLENGE to date, and the result was impressive.
What remains?
The O-SEE CHALLENGE with the worst weather so far and a freezing cold O-SEE (16°C).
A thrilling duel between Ronny Dietz and Sascha Wingenfeld that went down to the wire. An unprecedented
amount of film and photo material and television reports on MDR and Punkt 1 – Oberlausitz-TV.
A miserably failed attempt to get live footage from the Hochwald (but that's another story).
A "crazy" New Zealander at the starting line.
A flawless start this time, with support from District Administrator Günter Vallentin and patron Heinz Eggert.
Spectacular falls with fortunate outcomes – except for one broken collarbone.
The participation of Olympian Maik Petzold, a leading figure in Upper Lusatian triathlon.
The passing of "Benno's Biter Calf" to Werner "Beinhart" Hänisch in memory of its tragically deceased predecessor, Ulli Nutschan.
Many bandanas with the O-SEE logo.
For the first time, a truly awesome winner's podium, not some old pallets.
A lot of fun and good cheer all around – no trouble – except for the annual parking ticket frustration.
Two shocked women from Ilmenau had their bikes stolen in Zittau afterward.
An increasing number of participants from Poland and the Czech Republic; for the first time, coveted O-SEE medals went abroad.
355 active participants on Saturday and 32 kids on Sunday.

It must also be said that postponing the main competition from Sunday to Saturday midday and including a beach volleyball tournament in the overall concept were the right decisions and improved the appeal of the O-SEE-CHALLENGE. The first-time merging of XTERRA and ORIGINAL TRAIL also met with a predominantly positive response, even though the recreational triathlon had to be relegated – but not only that one. It was taken in good spirits.
We have a year to consider how we can better showcase the children's triathlon, as it has somewhat faded from the spotlight due to the swap.

Conclusion

The synonym O-SEE is now on everyone's lips, many can now spell CHALLENGE flawlessly, and the fact that it means "challenge" has also spread by word of mouth – in short, the O-SEE-CHALLENGE has established itself in the diverse landscape of sporting events, both regionally and nationally; it has become a sporting gem that we should preserve. Part of this is that very special flair that has been there from the beginning and is difficult to describe – this diverse, often personal and heartfelt connection between top athletes from the region, XTERRAs (such as this year's participants from New Zealand or Sost, Hamburg, etc.), amateur athletes, bikers, mountaineers, triathletes, surfers, volleyball players, organizers, friends, families, supporters, promoters, and sponsors.

But the real and decisive “bringer” is – the O-SEE, in which the mountain peaks of Hochwald, Töpfer, Ameisenberg and Zigeunerberg are reflected.

What an event at Lake O-SEE! The weather did its part to ensure the O-SEE CHALLENGE 2006 would be remembered fondly: brilliant sunshine and midsummer temperatures (given the prevailing weather patterns before and after, it could easily have been continuous rain combined with force 4 winds). Ronny Dietz, the reigning and defending champion of the O-SEE CHALLENGE and also the European Vice Champion in Cross Triathlon, described the O-SEE CHALLENGE 2006 on his website as a "superbly organized competition.".

He should know, since he's involved in top-tier XTERRA events all over the world. And in my opinion, it was indeed a well-organized and prepared event. A competition and spectator area built with enormous effort at Lake O-SEE, superbly marked courses, and a host of well-coordinated marshals, helpers, and rescue services ensured the smooth running of the event, which also applies to Sunday's events. What was created at Lake O-SEE just for the weekend can truly be described as "O-SEE City.".

In preparation for the event, the collaboration with main and top sponsors (VW, Oppacher, Volksbank Löbau-Zittau, Stadtwerke Zittau) and the municipality of Olbersdorf reached a new level. For the first time, there was also cooperation with the Löbau-Zittau District Sports Association.
Of course, with events of this scale, there are always things that can be improved. For us:
The route of the REDUCED TRAIL running course must be changed so that encounters with bikers are no longer possible,
the aid station for the mountain bikers before the high forest must be moved forward,
the aid station for the runners of the ORIGINAL TRAIL must be moved forward,
a sunshade in the area of ​​the TEAM transition area and an additional changing tent are needed,
the start waves for TEAM and REDUCED must be swapped so that the first REDUCER runners do not cross the finish line before the ORIGINAL winner,
correct and consistent announcements/competition information in all publications regarding the presentation of the results and prizes avoid confusion.

One thing that caused quite a stir, and which no one could have anticipated, was that moderator Andi Clauß got a little carried away with his commentary during the swim/bike transition and the sight of the athletic female bodies. I wholeheartedly agree with the criticism from spectators and participants; such innuendo has no place at a triathlon event. He did apologize in a personal statement in the guestbook, and I hope he'll be forgiven by the time of the O-SEE CHALLENGE 2007.

2006 also saw several innovations:
bilingual moderation due to the XTERRA CZ TOUR integration;
the first-ever Saxony Cross Triathlon Championship;
the REDUCED course being opened to all;
an extensive supporting program for Sunday;
and no longer separate rankings between XTERRA and the "hobby class" in the ORIGINAL TRAIL.

While the first four changes clearly further enhanced the O-SEE CHALLENGE's profile as the region's premier summer sports event, the merging of the XTERRA and "Hobby" categories prompted some harsh and not always objective criticism from ambitious amateur athletes. I have already addressed this in the guestbook. There will always be arguments for and against this issue, and it makes no sense to discuss it at length again. Perhaps we will separate the categories again, although I personally consider it an arbitrary division intended to protect the more talented local athletes. If this separation occurs again in 2007, it will have the following consequence: The Hobby class awards will be reduced to a single ceremony for the top 10 (or top 5 for women), as the age group classifications would unfairly favor the Hobby class over the XTERRA class. Furthermore, the age group awards ceremony has become almost unmanageable for us, because the fact is: for years we've had the problem of botched awards ceremonies. Either the preparation time is too long, the execution is too lengthy, there are errors in the rankings, or those who placed are no longer present for the ceremony – in short, the awards ceremonies have caused more frustration and annoyance on both sides than they have provided a relaxed conclusion. Therefore: if there are to be separate rankings, then there should only be two main awards ceremonies: one for the top 5 men and women with prize money for XTERRA, and one for the top 10 with prizes for the Hobby Class. Whether there will be a further award ceremony for seniors in a similar format, i.e., a top 5 award ceremony for men and women for all senior age groups up to age X, needs to be examined.

In the REDUCED category, there will also only be a TOP 5 male/female awards ceremony.
Regardless of the awards ceremonies, the rankings in the results lists will be in the usual age groups according to the sports regulations; therefore, there will be no more combined O-SEE special age groups!
Everything remains the same for the TEAM category, as this system has proven successful.
There might also be a few special prizes and, of course, the "Beißerwade" (a traditional German trophy) – and that's it (plus possibly another Saxony Championship).

What else was there to report in 2006:
For the first time, we had a proper finish arch with a race clock (it looked completely different),
for the first time over 400 active participants (excluding kids), including 47 Czechs,
a sadly stagnant number of participants in the kids' category (30 starters),
a tethered hot air balloon over the O-SEE to conclude the event,
a super-fast REDUCED winner who got completely lost during the running lap,
a good band for the awards party, but nobody was really interested in it,
trouble with snappy referees from the STV,
participants from Switzerland for the first time, as well as a Vietnamese competitor who (thankfully) gave up after the swim,
a much more entertaining Sunday compared to 2005 with the Kids Challenge, Nordic walking meet-up, O-SEE galley, family fitness course and supporting program,
a stressed-out organizing team member Steffen, who could have become a father at any moment, but his little daughter kindly waited until Monday.

In conclusion: It was a lot of work, but also incredibly fun, to prepare and execute the O-SEE CHALLENGE 2006 together with the organizing team. The overwhelming willingness of so many to actively participate in the event—it's almost like one big family coming together for a week at Lake O-SEE (the O-SEE FAMILY)—more than compensates for the extra stress I put on myself for a whole year on top of the chaos of my job. It's a great feeling to see the momentum the O-SEE CHALLENGE has developed; I can only marvel at how it evolves year after year and how the O-SEE FAMILY continues to grow.

Many thanks to everyone who participated in any way in the O-SEE CHALLENGE 2006!

See you again, most likely on August 18th/19th, 2007!!!

The president of the Olympic Committee always awards accolades after the Games. Great jubilation erupts when, as happened in Sydney, the announcement is made: "The best games ever!" I would wholeheartedly apply that to the O-SEE Challenge 2007

It was the best event yet, in every respect: weather, atmosphere, organization, response, supporting program, number of spectators, cooperation with sponsors and local communities – everything was perfect. Besides the guestbook entries, I also received many personal emails from participants that gave me goosebumps. The Loubkova sisters (Czech Republic) commented that the atmosphere here was better than at the World Championships in Maui, Hawaii. Felix Schumann, winner of the XTERRA Trail and new German Champion, called it an "awesome event," and so on. Even the unfortunately disqualified MTB pro Jörg Scheiderbauer, himself an organizer of MTB World Cup races, spoke highly of the event. He also spoke of the potential that the event still holds, and that XTERRA in Germany in general still holds. Even Norbert Kehl, the DTU's notoriously critical Technical Delegate, expressed his satisfaction and pleasant surprise on the Oberlausitz television program "Punkt 1," even compared to Titisee.

Of course, the fact that we also hosted the German Championships during the first race significantly boosted our national and international profile, even if the number of participants for the German Championships wasn't as high as we had hoped. The concurrently held XTERRA Germany event cost us some participants, including Ronny Dietz and Sascha Wingenfeld. Nevertheless, the decision to apply to host the German Championships was absolutely the right one!

The O-SEE Challenge 2007 was once again characterized by numerous innovations, all of which had a positive impact on the development of the event:
the introduction of the 3rd course combination, the XTERRA TRAIL for the “real” cross-triathletes, which finally puts an end to the tiresome discussion regarding the ranking of triathletes and cross-triathlon fans, and
thus 4 different ranking races, a mammoth program for us organizers; The spectators were pleased, as the 1.5-hour "dead time" while the bikers were on the course was almost entirely compensated for by the staggered start times.
The change to the REDUCED TRAIL's running route also eliminated dangerous collisions with the incoming bikers, making the running course more spectacular for the O-SEE light participants as well.
A more generously designed transition area with changing rooms/storage tents and
the integration of a 2-day dirt bike contest into the supporting program were also welcome additions; there's still room
for improvement there – but it was a promising start, the spectators were enthusiastic – and so was I. The awards ceremony was a condensed affair. For the first time, the marathon awards ceremony wasn't a mood killer, but it could still be streamlined. The number of participants in the O-SEE light doesn't justify two separate awards ceremonies for the top 10/top 5. Even with a rather mediocre performance, you were already on stage... The athletes were happy, but compared to the others... The running was somewhat unfair.
The official event opening on Friday with the competition presentation.

The bilingual commentary has proven successful; triathlon veteran Andy Clauß and Michal Mazac from Liberec make a great team. It's clear they're both passionate about the event. Michal says he looks forward to it all year. And Andy has redeemed himself from 2006; the ladies have forgiven him…

The moderation was engaging and entertaining. What I found a little disappointing was the lack of personal connection with the participants, the ability to address individual people. But who has that much background knowledge about the participants, especially the locals? Perhaps I'll pick up the microphone again someday; I was already itching to do it whenever I saw this or that person…

But where there's light, there's also shadow, as the saying goes. What were the weaknesses?
The most critical one, without a doubt, was the timing system. The service provider was barely able to keep up with the level and demands at times. It's worrying when even outsiders notice this. We will draw the necessary conclusions.
One problematic spot on the XTERRA TRAIL was the ascent and descent to Ameisenberg. The approximately 150-meter stretch of oncoming traffic, which we accepted, was considered critical or even dangerous by many athletes. This needs improvement; I don't yet know how, but so far we've always managed to come up with something.
Also on Ameisenberg, several athletes—I know of three in particular—got lost because they missed the point where the trail descends back to Oybin. It was definitely signposted. However, this can be remedied in the future by permanently blocking off the straight-ahead path.
Due to the staggered start times, there was oncoming mountain bike traffic between returning XTERRA and departing O-SEE light starters in the area between the tunnel and the central path, creating some dangerous situations. This situation can be alleviated by adjusting the start intervals. We now know the passage times.
While not too bad, the area in front of the finish tower was stressful for us. The flow of spectators and athletes there is almost impossible to manage; bridge number 3 is probably needed here…
The awards ceremony for the German Championships was rather lackluster. The athletes deserved a more dignified ceremony, even if some were no longer present.

A special chapter is our Crosscup series ranking (ZGL, Sparkassencup MTB, and O-SEE Challenge), launched this year for the first time, for local riders. With Ralf Goße (PSV) and Christiane Slansky (ASVL Waltersdorf), it has certainly found worthy winners. However, the overall concept of the ranking and points system needs improvement. Automatically recording all participants in the three races for the series ranking is probably the fairer option than voluntary registration, especially since information regarding the desired ranking for the ZGL and the MTB race was lost with the latter. Perhaps we should also include the 25km MTB race for women and the REDUCED TRAIL in the ranking, as otherwise, female participation is somewhat low. Let's consider it a trial phase; the basic idea is good.

Other highlights:
Almost 500 participants, a record!
Our tech whizzes managed for the first time to conjure up live images from the Hochwald and the start to the ORGTEAM tent, so it can be done – perhaps next year for the public as well!
A nice volunteer party, where Benno promised to improve volunteer support (information, service), because those who dedicate a whole day or more to us should also receive something in return.
A report was filed for brief, unauthorized water skiing on Sunday.

It was once again very exciting to prepare for the O-SEE Challenge, and then to see O-SEE City come alive and pulsate with energy for three days. It was fascinating to feel the region's enthusiasm and interest in the event – ​​my sincerest thanks to all the helpers, fans, sponsors, and participants. And it was wonderful to spend this weekend with the now quite large O-SEE family.

We expect to see you again on August 23rd/24th, 2008 for the O-SEE Challenge 2008. Take care until then!

The 2008 O-SEE Challenge will go down in history as the "Rain Challenge." But that was the only truly negative thing to say. For many athletes, it wasn't so negative at all, but rather pure XTERRA. Those who made it through were pumped full of adrenaline at the finish line; you only have to look at the pictures – spectacular. But for me, the unsung heroes this year were the many volunteers who endured hours of continuous rain and cold on Saturday, remaining friendly and in good spirits, and the many friends who brought O-SEE City to life for about 48 hours on Thursday and Friday, braving storms and rain on Friday.

Despite the adverse weather conditions on XTERRA day, it was another wonderful event. We can be proud of that. Eight years of continuous development, focused on a single weekend, have created a complex outdoor sporting event with a unique flair. I think we've arrived in the top tier of European cross-triathlon events in terms of organization. And word is getting around; the participants are coming from increasingly international backgrounds. Word is spreading that the trip to the southeasternmost corner of Germany is worthwhile in every respect: spectacular scenery, a challenging sporting event, top-notch organization, a fantastic atmosphere, good prize money for the elite, and warm hospitality – all of which can be read in the guestbook on our website. We've built this image step by step, and it's immensely important for the future of the O-SEE Challenge. It speaks volumes that we're sticking to our guns while comparable high-caliber events in Europe are being canceled one after another. A lot of money is at stake in the major XTERRA events (e.g., license fees, prize money, costs for officials, etc.). Money that can only be raised through sponsors. With them, everything is fine; without them, disaster looms. I am happy and grateful to experience such diverse support from local communities and businesses; it's the foundation for stable finances, sufficient to ensure the O-SEE Challenge maintains a high standard. But we've reached our limit. Now we need to act wisely, attract sponsorship interest beyond the region, increase media coverage, and establish ourselves as a prominent event in Europe. The O-SEE Challenge deserves this, and so does our beautiful Upper Lusatia region. Whether we'll succeed, I don't yet know. What I do know is that we're being approached and offered a place in the top league. The German Triathlon Union (DTU) has already announced that they will award us the hosting rights for the German Championships for another three years, and Dave Nicholas (USA), head of the XTERRA Global Tour, is scheduled to visit Zittau this week. We're eager to hear what he has to say.

Now for the facts from 2008

general tenor

We stuck with what worked: moderation, rituals, and the supporting program. We've found our own distinctive style, our trademarks – and that's a good thing. And the Kids Challenge is undoubtedly part of the O-SEE Challenge brand, boasting a top-notch turnout of 50 participants, with an increasing number of participants coming from outside the "0" postal code areas.

News?

Only a few changes have been made to the trails:
The XTERRA MTB section in the Ameisenberg area has been redesigned and has so far received only praise.
The swim start has been moved to the festival grounds, shortening the routes and reducing logistical effort.
The swim course of the ORIGINAL TRAIL now also features an intermediate run.
In its current configuration, we now have three trail combinations that can remain largely unchanged for the next few years. This is already reflected in the fact that we have begun marking the trails year-round with the bright red dot. The three trails are therefore well on their way to becoming MTB classics in the Zittau Mountains.

Areas for improvement/criticism

To begin with, there's less and less to complain about, but there are still some weak points:
no showers, no bike showers. This is unacceptable in such foul weather as we had. However, setting up showers isn't easy, as there are no wastewater disposal options on the beach; innovation and improvisation are needed here.
Once again, the timing, especially the results, was problematic; too many minor shortcomings and sloppy work in the evaluation, too much stress – the timing company needs to address this.
The "sandbox," intended as a well-intentioned invitation to dismount from the mountain bike, proved disastrous for some; we'll do without it next year.
Hot drinks were lacking.
The coordination of the many helpers and their support was sometimes "somewhat uncontrolled."
The media presentation needs improvement (which is very, very difficult for us "nobodies").

Other news:
512 participants, thus breaking the record and exceeding the magic number (despite the capricious weather);
the first tandem team was at the starting line – hats off!!!;
a stolen webcam from the Hochwald Tower;
a district administrator who had to spread straw in front of his feet to get to the festival tent with dry feet;
an improvised "intimate" awards ceremony for the German Championships in the registration tent in pouring rain;
Maik Petzold as a participant and celebrity in the Kids Challenge;
a lively Challenge Awards party with Jolly Jumpers and umbrellas/rubber boots.

In conclusion, I can only reiterate: I am incredibly proud of the O-SEE Challenge. And I am proud and happy to have such a great O-SEE team around me, a group that rises to the occasion and pulls off something amazing. Reliable, confident, and experienced on the one hand – emotional, improvisational, and in good spirits on the other! Thank you, dear O-SEE family! If it weren't for you... I would have ended the O-SEE Challenge adventure long ago. But as it is, I'll probably add another year (it's kind of fun, after all).

Benno

Closing statement for the 2009 Challenge by Benno

"It's almost impossible to top," some said, overwhelmed. "Well, yes, but..." said others, mostly insiders or those who know a thing or two about the subject. The fact is, though, it was "The best Challenge ever." And not just because of the fantastic weather. Of course, after the rain-soaked debacle of 2008, everyone was highly motivated to finally unleash the event's full potential. And they succeeded. Thanks to Mother Nature, the 2009 O-SEE CHALLENGE was able to flourish, breaking all records in the process. 713 athletes from 17 countries! A truly international event, and right here in our idyllic little corner of the world. This rapid development was made possible, among other things, by the O-SEE CHALLENGE joining the family of major XTERRA events worldwide. On par with national events in France, the Czech Republic, Italy, Austria, New Zealand, the USA, and so on! It was a decision we deliberated over for a long time, because in addition to the high technical and organizational standards we, as organizers, have to guarantee, the XTERRA races involve significant additional costs for us (license fees, prize money, increased advertising expenses, etc.). But I am certain it was the right decision for the event and for the Zittau Mountains Nature Park. Now it's up to others to jump on the bandwagon.

Back to the main point: I found the O-SEE CHALLENGE 2009 to be a complete success, full of "good vibes." Even we, as the organizing team, could feel it. We've never done our job so "relaxed," and the complex setup and teardown of O-SEE City has never gone so smoothly, thanks in no small part to the many, many helpers (and the experience gained from eight years of O-SEE CHALLENGE). There was an atmosphere of cosmopolitanism, exuberance, sportsmanship, fun, and camaraderie at O-SEE. The O-SEE family had a wonderful weekend, including the after-race party. Plainsteel really rocked O-SEE. However, we're now trying to balance a popular festival with a professional event. The O-SEE CHALLENGE is no longer just a spur-of-the-moment idea of ​​a few; it's a matter of general public interest. It's strange that this hasn't quite sunk in yet with some of the region's decision-makers and potential beneficiaries, while the general public is thankfully much more aware of it. For me, as the personified conscience of the O-SEE CHALLENGE, this balancing act reveals itself in a multitude of contradictions that emerge
when one looks behind the facade, for example:
1. On the one hand, the O-SEE CHALLENGE impressively demonstrates how important it has become for the region, namely as a trademark and highly effective advertising medium for the Zittau Mountains Nature Park. On the other hand, interest in and response to the event beyond the borders of Zittau and Olbersdorf is relatively subdued.
2. On the one hand, the world's elite cross-triathletes now come to the O-SEE, on the other hand, their results don't even make it beyond a mention on the local sports page, often after the results of the second district league football match – a disgrace, even embarrassing.
3. On the one hand, the O-SEE CHALLENGE has become an extremely elaborately organized event with professional
coordination down to the last detail. On the other hand, fundraising is done annually in the style of a "collection plate" fundraiser, extremely time-consuming and requiring enormous humility. And the fear of "not getting the money" is ever-present (ultimately, a small association, or rather I, take the fall).
4. On the one hand, we present ourselves well; our advertising and image are effective. On the other hand, we are unable to find top-tier sponsors from the sports industry. I don't want to complain. I just want to point out that, despite all the positive developments the O-SEE CHALLENGE has undergone in just a few years, there is still a great deal to be done to permanently establish it as THE event of the Zittau Mountains Nature Park—less in terms of practical implementation, more in terms of strategy. The alliance with the tourism brand "Outdoor Land" is a good starting point, but still only at the very beginning of its potential.

Now for the facts from 2009

news

1. There were no changes to the swimming and MTB courses, while the rail run was made a bit more fast-paced in the last third.
2. A cult route presentation for the XTERRA TRAIL as a video; even the professionals, including the XTERRA management, gave a standing ovation.
3. A kitchen trolley specially built for us in the O-SEE design.
4. Stylish barrier tape with the O-SEE logo and the logo of the nature park or the "Outdoor-Land" logo.
5. With TRIALOGEVENT we had a new timing company with whom we got along very well.
6. For the first time, the many volunteers were looked after at a specially set up volunteer point, which worked well. Otherwise, we maintained our rituals and kept what worked. That's fine. Areas for improvement: Surprisingly many – here are the most important ones (from my perspective)
7. The last O-SEE Light starters must no longer collide uncontrollably with the XTERRA starters in the Mittelweg and Gartenweg area; this suggests a route change…
8. A fully equipped catering facility must be installed in the Hochwald, not just checkpoints.
9. Website under construction – it needs a complete overhaul; it's lagging behind the event's development
10. Adaptation of the organizational structure of the KIDS CHALLENGE to the increased number of participants (>100 kids).
11. A complete redesign of the service area is necessary to allow spectators a better view of the finish zone (relocation of the registration tent, ORGETAM vehicle, etc.).
12. The awards ceremony for the age groups of the XTERRA race (as requested by XTERRA management) will take place. However, the details of how, when, and where are still completely unclear given the tight schedule.

Other news items:

1. 713 participants – the participation record from 2008 was virtually shattered; especially nice: over 100 kids on Sunday!
2. a race director who plunges into the water in full gear to restore the starting order for the first race
3. Christiane Slansky (ASVL) was deemed by me worthy to receive the “Beißerwade” as an honorary award for the sporting personality par excellence.

See you again at the “anniversary” O-SEE CHALLENGE 2010 from August 13th to 15th, 2010!

The O-SEE CHALLENGE 2010 was intended to be a celebration worthy of an anniversary event and was therefore prepared more meticulously than ever before. A three-day event featuring elite and amateur sports, entertainment, a party atmosphere, and an unprecedented level of international participation for our region was the vision of everyone involved. For the first time, the organizing team established an office to ensure professional and continuous preparation for the event. A special brochure was designed in collaboration with the Outdoorland label, and much more. The response to these intensified efforts was remarkable: By the time the online registration portal closed, approximately 700 entries from 21 nations had already been received. Almost all the prominent figures in the XTERRA scene had registered, and Dave Nicholas, Managing Director of the XTERRA GLOBAL TOUR, had already arrived from Hawaii. However, a devastating flood in eastern Saxony of unprecedented scale abruptly ended all plans: Due to serious safety concerns, the O-SEE CHALLENGE 2010 had to be canceled. What followed was a rollercoaster of emotions for both organizers and athletes: immense disappointment, frustration, and worry about the future of their beloved event on the one hand, and experiencing solidarity and worldwide expressions of support on the other. This experience further strengthened the O-SEE family. And so, for the first time in the history of the O-SEE CHALLENGE, a public organizing team meeting was held, where approximately 100 O-SEE supporters discussed the event's future. The consensus was clear – it would continue, now more than ever. To make this possible, around 90% of registered participants waived their entry fee refunds, and the sponsors remained loyal. And so they picked themselves up again, bravely sent the T-shirts to the registered starters, donated part of the entry fees to the city of Zittau and the municipality of Olbersdorf for the repair of flood-damaged paths in the mountains and at the O-SEE, and organized clothing and material donation drives for those who had lost everything due to the flood.

Furthermore, another project was undertaken: hosting the XTERRA European Championship 2011. The bid was successful, as the hosting rights were awarded to the O-SEE CHALLENGE, or rather XTERRA GERMANY, at the meeting of all European XTERRA organizers on Lake Geneva. And so, even the fact that the O-SEE CHALLENGE didn't take place is causing a stir.

Standing ovations for the main competition on Saturday and a rather disastrous Kids Challenge. The "O-SEE," as it's affectionately known by many, was characterized by contrasts and extremes: a brutal storm on Friday, which completely washed away all efforts to celebrate a proper opening, while on Saturday and Sunday, thankfully, the weather was picture-perfect. Computer chaos on Friday, almost flawless operations on Saturday. Euphoria among the participants on Saturday and frantic parents on Sunday. Overall, I would once again describe the 2011 event as a milestone. It was a top-class sporting event and a festival all in one. Outsiders could only marvel at what was going on at the O-SEE. For example, the oft-mentioned Mr. Dave Nicholas from Hawaii, the managing director of the XTERRA Global Tour, or, more simply, the XTERRA boss worldwide, who had traveled there especially for the occasion. In his regularly published online Race Report, he writes: “The O-See organization is absolutely first-rate, and this event was truly worthy of being called the European Championship.” And that's coming from someone who has been covering and commentating on dozens of races annually for 15 years. So, with our O-SEE Challenge, we've reached the very top—we, a bunch of sports-mad enthusiasts.
That deserves respect, without a doubt. Even the last skeptic is now realizing that the O-SEE Challenge is truly beneficial to this region, including psychologically. It's the answer to the frustration, discontent, and resignation that often prevail in this economically and politically struggling area. The message is clear: We live in a fantastic region, we are cosmopolitan and hospitable, and we can put on great events despite tight budgets everywhere. And the O-SEE Challenge is now also leaving its mark economically, as it incidentally generates several thousand overnight stays for local hotels and guesthouses. The Americans say Zittau is really well-located – an hour from Prague or Dresden airport – that's nothing. We still see things differently here. And so, as early as Tuesday, new faces could be seen in the town: a group of cheerful Portuguese draped in their national flag, a delegation from Sardinia, sporty-looking people in XTERRA gear strolling through Zittau and filling the cafés. French and Americans rode the XTERRA route together, which was permanently signposted for the first time this year, and met the locals. Immediately, they started chatting with gestures and broken Spanish. THAT'S HOW IT SHOULD BE! The O-SEE Challenge had indeed never been so international; 23 nations registered, and almost the entire world elite gathered at the O-SEE, led by the reigning world champion, Shonny Vanlandingham. And everyone was highly satisfied and thrilled. It was a worthy European Championship.

Now for the facts from 2011

news

• Due to the high number of participants, the entire concept of the swimming event was revamped at relatively short notice, and the swim start was moved to the finish line, as the area there is significantly more spacious and spectator-friendly. The approximately 50-meter run on land between laps is more spectator-friendly and increases the appeal of the swim.
• Due to the ongoing damage to the MTB trail caused by the 2010 floods, the route in the Brandhöhe area of ​​Lückendorf had to be modified. In connection with this, the MTB trail for the XTERRA events in Jonsdorf was extended to maintain the total length of 36 km. The changes have actually improved the trail's quality and character, and it will likely remain in this configuration permanently.
• The running route was made even more cross-country-like in the last kilometer by moving it into the off-road area, i.e., next to the promenade
• For the first time, the national flags of all participating nations (23!) fluttered impressively above the O-SEE Tower
• The Kids Challenge gets a catchy name: X'Kids

Areas for criticism/improvements:

• Of course: The Kid's Challenge was a huge construction site, so much went wrong here.
• Optimization of processes and routes during check-in and registration
• Optimization of refreshment stations along the bike and running route: (location, offerings, etc.)
• Reduction of the post-processing time for results lists (error corrections, etc.)

Other news items:

• With 845 participants, the participation record from 2009 was virtually shattered;
  especially nice: almost 200 kids on Sunday!
• A first-ever completely successful awards ceremony for the German Championships and a well-managed awards ceremony marathon
• A fantastic and diverse supporting program, crowned by a brilliant ska and reggae band for the after-race party
• Andreas Kittel (Kitt), the unofficial king of the Zittau MTB scene, received my "biter calf" as an honorary prize

See you again at the 12th O-SEECHALLENGE from August 10th to 12th, 2012 !

Sincerely

Yours truly, Dr. "Benno" Klaus Schwager

Professionalism meets O-SEE flair. I would attest to the O-SEE Challenge 2012 being an extremely successful and convincing event – ​​world-class organization and atmosphere. This was confirmed to us many times, including by experts in the field and other professionals. And there were quite a few of them present: "Kahuna" Dave, XTERRA boss from Hawaii; Alpar Nagy from Budapest, representing the International Triathlon Union; Matthias Zöll, Managing Director of the German Triathlon Union; and Andreas Voigt, Sports Director and Head of Referees from the Saxon Triathlon Association. It was once again the top event in Upper Lusatia that our supporters have come to expect: meticulously prepared, professionally organized, and expertly executed – highly focused yet relaxed – just like O-SEE. Many noticed this even during the setup phase. Thanks to optimized processes, good technology, and 12 years of experience, O-SEE City was set up in record time on Thursday, finally giving the O-SEE family some leisure time to enjoy the beautiful evening at O-SEE. Friday was similarly relaxed. Numerous helpers, friends, and acquaintances supported the organizing team in diverse, creative, and effective ways – it was a joy to watch the activity in O-SEE City. A now-successful pasta party, the traditional VIP reception, and the celebrated opening on Friday evening with video projections on the screen were a fitting prelude to the main event on Saturday. Okay, the interpreting during the interviews was a bit bumpy, an old problem. But we'll get that sorted out eventually. Then Saturday: I get goosebumps every time the competition machine starts up: 3 starts, 550 athletes, 80 minutes. Nothing could go wrong, and it didn't. And then the most important thing: Sunday also ran like clockwork. The disgrace of 2011 has been erased. The X'Kids 2012 event was incomparable to the embarrassment of 2011. This success was crucial for the "organizing team within the organizing team" around Frank and Siv-Ann, and vital for the continued existence of the X'Kids Challenge. There would have been no third chance.

But it is strange: We delivered a thoroughly excellent event, receiving almost nothing but praise; criticism could be counted on one hand. Despite this, there's still no feedback whatsoever in the guestbook on our website. Apparently, people now take a successful event for granted every year. But it really isn't that simple, because everyone involved dedicates a significant amount of their free time to this event – ​​and I won't even mention myself… I fondly remember the days when the guestbook overflowed with emotion after the event, brimming with suggestions, new ideas, and advice. It's a real shame.

Regarding the number of participants: Around 800 athletes from 28 nations were at the starting line again, including, for the first time, athletes from Ireland, Andorra, and Russia. There were also many professional competitors, ensuring world-class competition. It's likely that no other annual competition in the district can boast such international participation. And we're gradually reaching our capacity limits. In the future, potential participants will need to secure their starting place relatively early.

Regarding the supporting program: Every year we strive to transform the O-SEE Challenge into a truly memorable event with an elaborate supporting program. Some things have proven successful, while others aren't as well-received as planned, or the effort simply isn't commensurate with the benefit. This was the case with the Family Challenge. We probably won't continue it in its current form. Six families are simply too few…

Regarding the German Triathlon Union (DTU) German Championships: A very good, cooperative, and constructive partnership has developed between referees, organizers, and technical officials. Nevertheless, the DTU decided back in June to hold the 2013 championships in the Vulkaneifel region. Congratulations to the other end of the country! Unfortunately, the German Championships are also taking place there on the same weekend as the O-SEE Challenge. In other words: DTU German Championships vs. XTERRA Germany, a traditional and iconic event vs. a newcomer. But our name says it all: We're taking on the challenge. We're even going a step further and applying to host the 2014 ITU Cross Triathlon World Championships. The application was submitted during the 2012 O-SEE Challenge. That's also why an ITU representative was present. They believe we have a good chance. We might even host the 2013 O-SEE Challenge as the XTERRA European Championship, serving as a trial run for 2014 – we'll see.

Now for the facts from 2012

news

• The swimming courses have been reorganized and are now much clearer for the athletes. The concept for the land-based sections of the XTERRA Trail and the Original Trail has been further refined. The result is impressive.
• The use of a 12 m² LED wall (suitable for daylight) has proven itself in every respect and will probably become standard in the future; the possible uses will be expanded (live cams, GPS trackers, etc.)
• Stylish new carpets in the transition area, running the entire length of each aisle. They look classy. Related to this:
• For the first time, no cuts were caused during shore leave, as the old carpets were fixed in the water with 10 tons of sand at the entry and exit points on the beach, thus covering the mussel beds
• A new layout for the transition zone check-in has been implemented. This layout has also proven successful, as it is now much clearer

Areas for criticism/improvements:

• The area behind the finish line needs to be more structured; there was quite a bit of chaos there at times
• The moderation needs to become more "substantive",
• The information point was not permanently staffed
• The competition briefing was barely acknowledged
• The audio system was inadequate in the rear of the transition area and at the starting area
• The bike wash area is too small, and the long queues are unacceptable
• The bike course has repeatedly been targeted by vandals and idiots who tampered with or removed markings shortly before the race. This unfortunately led to several disqualifications. We will take effective measures to put a stop to this disgraceful behavior.

Other news items:

• 800 active participants, fewer kids compared to 2011 (after-effects of 2011 and school holidays in Saxony)
• Annoyingly, more bikes were stolen, this time belonging to foreign participants
• A fantastic and diverse supporting program, crowned by a brilliant Santana cover band for the after-race party
• Robert Eifler received my "Biter Calf" award as an honorary prize for being someone who refuses to compromise and lives his life according to very honorable principles: athletic, helpful, modest, and straightforward. He's also a fantastic veterinarian and a devoted father of three kids

See you again at the 13th O-SEE CHALLENGE from August 16th to 18th, 2013!

sincerely
, Dr. "Benno" Klaus Schwager

Dress rehearsal a success? Absolutely! This was the question I was asked most often over the O-SEE weekend, and I can answer it with a clear conscience. Yes, it was a successful dress rehearsal for the ITU World Championships, and yes – it was spectacular once again. It's fascinating how the O-SEE is growing and thriving. It started as a beer-fueled wager, then became a quarry lake triathlon, later an international sporting event, and now a social highlight in Upper Lusatia. We can all be proud of that. And one more thing absolutely needs to be noted: no one exerts any kind of pressure to get the event off the ground – everything is based on the principle of absolute voluntarism. On the contrary: participation and involvement are now a matter of honor. The organizing team is the nerve center of all activities. Where else can you find something comparable in times when individuals are increasingly withdrawing from shaping community life, enjoying sports from a television perspective, and looking down on volunteer work with a weary smile? The O-SEE has become a symbol of identity for many. Clubs, institutions, and a growing number of companies in the region are joining forces to make our O-SEE Challenge a success. And everyone is delighted that it has once again become a spectacular event, one that triathletes worldwide are watching. We can compete with the world's top events. The O-SEE is among the top ten most popular triathlon events in Germany. The O-SEE is mentioned in the same breath as Roth, Frankfurt, and other major triathlons. It's straightforward, honest, and unpretentious advertising for our Upper Lusatia region. Tourism strategists should be clapping their hands with enthusiasm. And they are, but in my view, still rather tentatively. And it's also true that clapping alone isn't enough – active participation is needed.

But let me get back to the main point, the O-SEE Challenge: Once again, the bar was raised, and there was another leap forward in development. What was particularly striking was the calm and well-thought-out setup phase. Every move was precise, technology was used effectively, and the many, many volunteers integrated almost perfectly into the setup process. Pasta party, competition presentation, VIP reception, commentary – everything ran flawlessly. The execution of the competition was also virtually without criticism: start, course marking, checkpoints, refreshments – all practically without a single flaw. The newly structured service area also proved its worth. Everything was World Championship-worthy. This was clearly confirmed to us by the ITU Technical Delegate, who was present as an observer. And of course, let's not forget: the weather was perfect.

The only drawback was the awards ceremony, which had a few "wobbles" and was once again too long…

The focus of this year's innovations was the extensive use of video technology: cameras in the air and on the courses, and an additional technical center dedicated solely to video equipment. Why all this? A major effort is underway to transform the O-SEE from a purely competitive event into a spectator event. This includes, for example, "moving images" of the spectacular Hochwald downhill run or footage from Friebo's helmet camera. The new 18m² LED wall at the O-SEE offers ideal possibilities for this. This was unprecedented and very well received, including at the evening party where a summary of the day's events was shown. These technological possibilities allow us a great deal of flexibility for entirely new and professional event presentations. Now we need to make the most of them. And we're only just getting started. But I'm sure things will be different again in 2014.

Regarding the number of participants: A new record was set: 851 participants from 21 nations were at the starting line, including, for the first time, athletes from Lithuania and Argentina, and—believe it or not—the Virgin Islands. The number of pro starters, at 40, was on par with 2012. However, with Helena Erbenova, a reigning world champion was competing for the first time in O-SEE history. The overall winner, Ruben Ruzafa from Spain, the 2008 XTERRA world champion, also brought a touch of glamour to O-SEE with a spectacular performance, impressively showing the competition its limits. The trend that emerged in 2012, indicating that we are reaching our limits in terms of participant numbers, continues. On a positive note: After years of stagnation in participant numbers for O-SEE Light and Classic, there was a significant increase. However, the team competition saw a decline for the second year in a row. We should reverse this trend, as the team competition brings so much excitement.

Speaking of the supporting program: what's on offer besides the competition is truly impressive. Dirt bike contest, dance performances, after-race party, trial show, speedminton, climbing tower and bouldering wall, children's entertainment. It couldn't be better, and it doesn't need to be. However, the so-called expo, the exhibition area for retailers and equipment suppliers, still has room for improvement. As organizers, we need to refine the concept here. Ideally, exhibitors and companies would work together to enrich the event, rather than focusing solely on cutthroat competition. Ultimately, as organizers, we then find ourselves caught in the middle and can only lose in that situation.

Now for the facts from 2013

news

• For the first time, a good competition briefing, supported by a successful PowerPoint presentation
• The MTB trail in Oybin has been slightly modified, making it even more varied
• For the first time, live images of the Hochwald downhill run and the Johannesstein are shown on the 18 m² LED wall
• A significantly scaled-down O-SEE Tower (which is almost like slaughtering a sacred cow), but the space was needed to make the finish line more spacious and spectator-friendly
• New and elegant bike stands, thanks to the generous support of a local installation company
• A blue carpet at the finish line – it looks much more elegant
• A new presenter, which was universally perceived as a gain in quality
• Rising spectator numbers

Areas for criticism/improvements:

• The awards ceremony – once again: Too long, too bumpy, with errors in the evaluation.
• Once again under discussion: the location of the first bike refreshment station at Kammloch
• An information brochure for spectators would be desirable
• Intensifying cooperation with sponsors
• The catering for the spectators should also be more in keeping with the character of the event; there has been increasing, albeit mild, criticism in this regard this year

Other news items:

• A top X'Kids event with 151 kids as the open Saxony Championship and with international participation
• A Lamborghini at Lake O-SEE
• Benno was back as goal moderator after years (apparently he finally had the time to do this again)
• Janine Teichgräber receives the “Beißerwade 2013” ​​award as a “multi-faceted sporting personality” with a strong role model effect for the kids and youth in our region

See you again at the 14th O-SEE CHALLENGE from August 15th to 17th, 2014!

See you again at the ITU World Championship in Cross Triathlon on August 16, 2014!

sincerely
, Dr. "Benno" Klaus Schwager

"You have the best helpers in the world!" I can only agree with this statement by ITU delegate Eugène Kraus from Luxembourg at the World Championship press conference. The many, many helpers who contributed so magnificently to the Herculean task of the O-SEE Challenge + ITU Cross Triathlon World Championship, with their dedication and enthusiasm, immediately created the famous "good vibes" among everyone involved, the very thing that makes such an event truly special. But we didn't just have the best helpers in the world.

We also had the best spectators in the world. The atmosphere at the opening ceremony, the start, the finish, along the course, and at the award ceremonies was unprecedented; an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 visitors over the two days – incredible! The entire Upper Lusatia region had apparently flocked to the O-SEE lake and the mountains. Even the mayor of Zittau was "completely surprised" by the sheer number of spectators…

But we also had the best courses and the best competition area in the world. Without a doubt, the bike and run courses were world championship caliber; some of the seasoned pros and age groupers were seriously challenged, but always crossed the finish line with a broad grin. The MTB course was further enhanced with a few small but significant changes (a ford). And I've always known that the O-SEE area is the best venue in the world (at least for cross triathlon events), and it was once again impressively confirmed. The O-See lake, with its infrastructure lovingly maintained by Olbersdorf, and the competition area we designed, together with the backdrop of the Zittau Mountains, create a truly captivating experience. It's something you never forget once you've been here.

Of course, we also had the best O-SEE Challenge in the world and of all time. Logically, some might say, with a world championship on board, it can only be the best. Well, everyone probably expected it, but it still wasn't a given. Behind the precise and trouble-free execution, including setup and teardown, lay almost two years of meticulous planning and preparation, including securing the financing. The 2014 O-SEE was unlike anything before it; it represented another quantum leap in development. A veritable firework display of new features and innovations was planned and implemented. To name just a few:

Now for the facts from 2014

news

• The schedules were completely revamped due to the World Cup, with the result that on Sunday, in addition to the X'Kids, the "normal" O-SEE Challenge also took place – a completely new experience for everyone
• For the first time, a huge marquee was used as the central location for ceremonies; the volleyball court was quickly repurposed for this purpose
• Thanks to a sponsor, the festival grounds have been completely covered with a futuristic-looking structure; the O-SEE has a new landmark
• The starting area was restructured; for the first time, everyone had a beach start, which really made a statement
• At Johannisstein and at the exit from the "Steiniger Weg" (Stony Path), two great atmosphere spots were established with great effort (the narrow-gauge railway terminus was therefore temporarily relocated!)
• Thanks to the "Seestern" (Starfish), there is now a pier for press/VIPs at the swimming start, thanks Heppy & Co!
• A self-contained expo area with completely new dimensions and still a lot of potential was created on the large central meadows of the north beach
• Sophisticated camera technology everywhere, great images of the tracks now on 2 LED walls, the video direction has undergone a great development compared to 2013
• For the first time, there was a shower container; this was made possible by the extensive renovations of the area, which were undertaken by the municipality of Olbersdorf
• We now have a permanent, proper DSL connection available, or rather two 6000 connections; this is also a result of the renovations, as are several high-performance power connections (but it still wasn't enough...)
• Thanks to a sponsor and the aforementioned DSL connections, a webcam now adorns the area, allowing us to participate in the O-SEE events year-round via screen
• An information brochure about the event was created and distributed

All these innovations have proven their worth, and we now need to consider which of them will be permanently incorporated into the O-SEE Challenge concept (as they involve considerable costs and/or additional effort for setup and dismantling).

Quite simply, we had the best sponsors and supporters in the world. That's beyond question for me. Together, we secured the financing and material support for this mega-event. Through constructive and fair collaboration, everyone consistently prioritized the well-being of the event over their (legitimate) personal interests. You gave us the security we needed so early on, as a small, "penniless" club, to fully dedicate ourselves to our tasks. In short, the collaboration was more intensive than ever before; we've made tremendous progress.

And – of course, we also had the best athletes in the world; after all, it was a World Championship. But that was only on Saturday. No matter, we had the best athletes in the world at Lake Constance on Sunday as well. A pure sportsmanship spirit prevailed everywhere, characterized by fairness, camaraderie, fighting spirit, team spirit, and emotions – goosebumps for three days straight. That will stay with me forever.

The weather was absolutely perfect, well, at least in retrospect. All those amazing pictures circulating around the world would only be half as spectacular if it hadn't rained a little: mud-caked but beaming winners with sparkling eyes and teeth, bikers speeding through water, and so on. Of course, I had a completely different opinion on Saturday morning when a five-hour downpour started around 4:00 a.m. But by the time the sun came out right on time for the elite start, I was reconciled and knew – now everything would be alright.

One thing absolutely must be mentioned: We also had the best organizing team in the world. It was impressive how everyone withstood the enormous pressure. How do amateur organizers manage a world championship? Now we know: with absolute professionalism. Months beforehand, meeting after meeting of the organizing team was completed with iron discipline, in a factual and constructive atmosphere. Everyone experienced the last 14 days in a state of emergency. And yet, the atmosphere was always fantastic. Personal feelings? Foreign concept. I'd go through fire for this team. And that everyone did a fantastic job on D-Day is almost a given. The media and press department, including web management by Simon, the Tall One, and Maria Köhler, also did a really good job.
What gives me hope for the future: More and more younger people are joining the team and enjoy getting involved and taking on the stress. So they do exist…

Enough praise. There were a few drawbacks as well, including...

Areas for criticism/improvements:

• The swimming course needs to be optimized; the deflections at the first buoy lead to an extremely high number of unwanted body contacts, some of them quite rough, with over 200 swimmers per start.
• Pasta party – a perennial problem: New caterer, new issues. Long queues and a smaller selection compared to last year. Looks like we'll have to tackle that again.
• Managing visitor flow on the grounds remains a persistent problem: we've been struggling with this for years. The fact is, it's very inconvenient for visitors to get from the festival grounds to the beer tent or the expo and vice versa, or from the start to the finish area. Everyone's calling for a bridge. It sounds simple, but it isn't. It's genuinely cumbersome if you just want to wander around the grounds. And the fact that there are so many spectators now doesn't make things any easier. We now have another year to think about it.
• A changing tent outside the transition area is needed, especially if the weather is "a bit nasty," which, according to climate forecasts, will happen from time to time in the future. But that's solvable.
• Regarding the bike wash station: it's now larger, but somehow, given the weather conditions, it's still undersized or technically "too unproductive." We were advised to check out the one at EBM in Seiffen; apparently, it works perfectly there. Well, we know the people in charge there – so we'll go and get some training.

Speaking of participant numbers: 1458 athletes from 32 nations (2013: 851 participants from 21 nations). That speaks for itself. In addition to the 597 participants in the ITU Cross World Championships, including XTERRA, there was also a significant increase in participation in the recreational races. A total of 116 relay teams took part! The O-SEE Light race was also well-attended, with a pleasing number of women (48!), so we will be honoring the top 6 finishers in this event in the future.

Speaking of the supporting program: there was plenty again, with the O-SEE Open Air, featuring Jenix among others, being a highlight in its own right, thanks in part to the aforementioned roof. The collaboration with Jenix management as cultural consultants should definitely be strengthened, because next year we need something stylish and high-quality again – I'm just saying: 15 years of O-SEE must be celebrated! Thanks in part to the supporting program, O-SEE is increasingly becoming a family and community festival, thus providing a vibrant backdrop for the competitions. Perfect.

Other news items:

• A top X'KIDS event with 197 kids! It was an open Saxony championship with international participation
• Beautifully designed O-SEE finisher and helper shirts, unfortunately far too few, we need to reprint them
• Benno is at least back for a season after years of absence.
• The O-SEE area now has a new rock – the “O-SEE Peak”, at the triangular path in front of the volleyball court
• Hartmut Eiffler receives the "Beißerwade" award for his tireless work as coach and sports idol of Bertsdorfer SV

See you again for the 15th O-SEE CHALLENGE from August 14th to 16th, 2015 at the “O-SEE Spitze”!

sincerely
, Dr. "Benno" Klaus Schwager

It was great – and wonderfully hot, too! That's the conclusion of O-SEE 2015 in a nutshell. O-SEE 2015 was a resounding success. Besides the almost flawless organization, the weather contributed significantly to this assessment. A record-breaking summer with temperatures more akin to Greece turned the O-SEE into a bathtub at 27°C, giving the evenings a summer festival feel. O-SEE had never experienced a summer like this in its 15-year history. Which brings us to the next special feature. It wasn't just any O-SEE Challenge, it was the 15th! An anniversary edition, so to speak; O-SEE has come of age, and the celebrations reflected that. The after-race party, renamed the somewhat more sophisticated O-SEE Open Air in 2014, fully lived up to the expectations of a birthday party. I'll remember the party and the atmosphere for a long time. This was thanks not only to the weather but also to the two bands. Cosby from Munich and Hogan from Ireland really turned up the heat at the already warm O-SEE, and the estimated 2,000 partygoers celebrated accordingly until the early hours. A seemingly endless fireworks display put the finishing touch on the whole event. Unfortunately, in their party mood, some of the guests took a great liking to our national flags and promptly took them home…
The fear that O-SEE 2015 would fade into obscurity after the impressive World Championship showcase of 2014 was therefore completely unfounded. Especially since the DTU German Championships and the XTERRA Germany Championships were also on the program, featuring two major competitions. No, O-SEE 2015 seamlessly continued the success of 2014, was a huge amount of fun, and was once again a great celebration of sport at O-SEE. A friendly, yet top-class event. A reunion of many good old acquaintances and friends, a meeting place for the scene. You couldn't stop greeting everyone. The O-SEE Challenge has once again proven itself to be THE number one cross-triathlon event in Germany and has also become a popular destination for "regular" triathletes. The lines between multisport and triathlon are fluid anyway, and the German Triathlon Union (DTU) has, in fact, embraced the multisport concept. However, you have to dig quite a bit on their website before you find anything about multisport/cross-triathlon, etc. This brings me to a somewhat more reflective point: Despite all the wishful thinking I'm spreading, all the euphoria that erupts every year after the O-SEE, and all the praise this event receives from officials and athletes both nationally and internationally – we're still not really breaking out of our niche status regarding the top-tier competitions, namely XTERRA and the German Championships. There were 226 starters in the XTERRA distance, but only 108 athletes qualified for the German Championships. This aligns with our plans, as the XTERRA distance was limited to 230 starting places. But for such a high-caliber race, that's hardly a lot, and a cost-benefit analysis should be avoided at all costs for this segment. Even the 2014 World Championships only generated 200 more starters. International participation has dropped to 10% this year, with participants from "only" 17 nations; we've seen 24 nations at a "normal" O-SEE. What's the reason? Is it the predicted pendulum effect after the World Championships? Perhaps. But it could also have been this: The good reputation that the O-SEE earned through the 2014 World Championships would also attract new participants internationally. But it hasn't. So why is participation from outside the region stagnating so much? Clearly, the "best-kept secret" factor has worn off. Territorial peripheral location, the increasing number of XTERRA events, a relatively small target group – these are all arguments one might cite. But can I explain the roughly four times higher number of participants at XTERRA France with these arguments? Not really. So, let's ask further: Are our race courses perhaps no longer attractive enough compared to other top-class XTERRA events, e.g., in France? Are there really so few ambitious cross-country enthusiasts in Germany? Are we actually too far away for foreign athletes? Is our marketing not effective enough, our public image too lackluster? Are we perhaps not reaching potential participants effectively? Many questions, and one can only search for answers. If anyone has explanations for this and/or recommendations for action – please contact us at info@o-see-challenge.de. Of course, one could argue that we have reached our limit regarding course capacity. Yes, if it's about a massive increase for all distances, no – if we're only talking about the XTERRA segment. However, regarding recreational races over shorter distances, there will hardly be any further increases in participation, as the pool of participants is primarily drawn from the region and Saxony and has leveled off over the years. For the XTERRA race, I consider a number of participants around 300 to be realistic and manageable without having to make major changes to the concept. This would mean three starting waves: one for elite athletes, one for men, and one for women/mixed, with a maximum of 230 participants per wave. A number of participants exceeding 300 would, however, necessitate fundamental changes to the eventuality. But I would only consider that if it becomes foreseeable that such a number will be reached.

But now back to the O-SEE Challenge. Thankfully, it thrives on the enthusiasm of the region. Only in this way could it have developed to this extent and become a regional trademark. And we are genuinely delighted by everyone who undertakes a long journey to celebrate this event with us. There are already quite a few of them. Many who have been infected with the O-SEE bug and have been expected as regulars for years, some even with family ties. That's the beauty of it, that's the O-SEE phenomenon. This enthusiasm and joy with which we drive this project forward together, everyone who can contributes. In some way or another. Sponsors, host communities, helpers, and supporters alike. The result is truly impressive. And that's the only way to explain the gigantic effort that goes into making the O-SEE such a fantastic event. An extremely dedicated organizing team spent almost a week setting up the site, pushing themselves to their limits in the sweltering heat, supported by an impressive circle of friends and helpers. And despite the seriousness of the undertaking, everyone somehow managed to have fun, sitting by the lake in the evenings with a beer (and shisha) and a chat. Legendary are the pictures of the organizing team sitting at the O-SEE lake with beer garden tables and artificial flowers, seeking some respite from the heat after a hard day's work. Then came the actual competition weekend. Again, despite the immense pressure, everyone was relaxed, and the program ran almost flawlessly. Even the marathon awards ceremony under the futuristic sunshade remained entertaining. O-SEE fan and multisport athlete Jörg Schneider aptly described the atmosphere at O-SEE on his blog : https://adventureracing.wordpress.com/2015/08/18/o-see-challenge-xterra-germany-2015/

One aspect of O-SEE 2015 absolutely must be mentioned. For the first time, the organizing club itself is actively involved in the competition. The newly structured club, O-SEE Sports e.V., is poised to not only earn its reputation as an organizer but also to make its mark on the multisport scene; the name O-SEE Sports is appearing on the podium more and more frequently. Triathlon and multisport have finally found a sporting home at O-SEE. It took fifteen years... But good things come to those who wait.

Anything else new? Compared to 2015, nothing particularly significant; on the contrary, some of the innovations from 2014 were adopted and further developed. These include the beach start, the futuristic festival grounds roof, the Johannisstein hotspot, live broadcasts from Hochwald and Johannisstein, and the information brochure.

New features:

• Splitting the XTERRA start into 3 starting waves
• For the first time, there was a raffle, for which the high-end bicycle manufacturer "Whitestone" sponsored a high-quality carbon wheelset as the main prize.
• Free photos from "Blueberry-Photoart" at the Johannisstein hotspot for every athlete.
• A redesigned Expo, which again struggled with low visitor numbers. So, action is needed here as well for 2016.
• The catering rights were completely outsourced to an external caterer. That worked out well.
• Thanks to GEMTEC, the site was monitored day and night using cameras and sensors via a mobile surveillance unit, a proprietary development designed for large construction sites, etc.

Areas for criticism and improvement:

• The expo area needs to be brought closer to the competition/festival grounds area; further planning is required here.
• MTB finish and intermediate finish lines: The course layout should be made even more attractive and spectacular for spectators and athletes. Making use of the natural features offers definite possibilities.
• Due to logistical problems with the delivery, the planned visitor bridge at the finish line had to be abandoned at short notice. So, back to 2016…
• Creation of temporary water points on the site. At least the feasibility should be examined.
• The video and audio direction on the LED walls… There were a few embarrassing moments, but they were well covered up thanks to skillful moderation (su). We need to plan and coordinate these details even better in the future.

Regarding the number of participants: 1048 athletes from 17 nations (2014: 1458 participants from 31 nations). Excluding the exceptional circumstances of 2014, there was a 20% increase compared to 2013, which is mainly due to the rise in recreational sports competitions and the X'Kids category.

Regarding the supporting program: It was really good, at least comparable to 2014, with the open-air event being a highlight in its own right. The O-SEE is increasingly defining itself through its supporting program; in addition to the competition itself, the event aims to be a cultural highlight and an attraction for the whole family. The cool show by Chris Böhm (BMX & Breakdance), the dance performances by JRookerZ, and the estimated attendance of 12,000 confirm the concept's success.

Other news items:

• • Dr. Rößler (President of the State Parliament) appeared positively surprised as patron and was decidedly relaxed at the opening.
  • With Till Schenk, we once again had our "dream presenter" on hand, complemented by Martin, and at times by a chatty Benno. All in all, a successful and entertaining presentation that even managed to talk over some of the directorial mishaps.
  • A top X'Kids event with 237 kids! It was an open Saxony championship with international participation
  • Beautifully designed O-SEE finisher and helper shirts, unfortunately far too few, we have to reprint them, yet again…
  • Ten national flags were stolen after the open-air event.
  • A stage beautifully decorated with sunflowers, thanks to the Neumann nursery, also for the daily maintenance.

• A massive use of IV fluids among the construction team due to various heat-related circulatory collapses.
• Siv-Ann Hanke receives the Beißerwade award for her work as the heart and soul of SC Kottmar, the O-SEE, the O-SEE Camp and the KSB, as someone who does her job in the background in a rather inconspicuous but incredibly dedicated and reliable manner.

See you again at the 16th O-SEE CHALLENGE
from August 18th to 20th, 2016 !

Yours sincerely, Dr. "Benno" Klaus Schwager

One more to go – and so it was in 2016. Once again, the O-SEE set new standards, and once again numerous small but significant changes contributed to making the event even more attractive for athletes and spectators, solidifying its reputation as one of the best, if not the best, of its kind in Europe. Considering the overall package, I'm quite certain that the O-SEE sets the benchmark. And if the feedback from elite athletes is to be believed, we're also scoring points at a world-class level. Of course, the effort behind it is enormous, almost absurd. But we all want it this way; it has become our ambition to deliver "something big" every year on the third weekend in August – for ourselves, for the region, for the sport. And everyone who contributes in their various ways to realizing this truly high standard does so with a good feeling, experiencing joy and satisfaction when everything runs as smoothly as it did again this past weekend.

The weather – well, Sunday was okay… But the kids really enjoyed the water fight; thankfully, it was warm, and the turnout was decent despite the less-than-ideal weather. It's also fair to say that, thanks to its spectacular festival grounds roof, excellent stage, and numerous large tents, the O-SEE event has become considerably less dependent on the weather. The resulting overall setup on the north shore of the O-SEE is now truly impressive. The event thrives on this atmosphere, and we won't budge an inch from this spot. Should we have to – it would mean the end of the O-SEE Challenge. Everything there is now meticulously planned and thought through countless times. Every single change, no matter how small, is subjected to at least a two-year review process.

And O-SEE 2016 had another special feature: the XTERRA European Championship 2016, held over the XTERRA distance, essentially an upgraded XTERRA Germany race within this year's O-SEE Challenge. Some XTERRA athletes (with little connection to the region) might find it presumptuous to constantly and subtly prioritize the O-SEE label over the globally recognized XTERRA brand. I'm also unaware of any other event in Europe that employs such a strategy. Elsewhere, XTERRA events are simply competitions, usually organized by agencies, and not a festival. An agency wouldn't stand a chance of establishing an XTERRA competition as a standalone event here. The concept wouldn't work for us, due to the predominantly local sponsors, the lack of feedback from the community, and the lack of support from local politicians. Securing this support in the long term is a challenge and requires a thorough understanding of individuals and their interests. The O-SEE Challenge has steadily built this support, and it has also been used to establish the XTERRA brand at O-SEE. With its prize money and substantial licensing fees, XTERRA is an expensive undertaking for us organizers, but it's also the highlight of the O-SEE weekend, bringing international prestige and tailored marketing to the southern Upper Lusatia region, and a touch of Ironman and Hawaiian flair. And the XTERRA slogan "Live More!" is fitting – we live it extensively and without restraint during that weekend.

But back to the XTERRA European Championship: 43 elite starters, a total of 280 starters from 23 nations, although 325 had registered. There was a significant increase in this segment compared to 2015. That's encouraging. As already mentioned in 2015, we should aim for around 300 to 350 starters; then everything will be fine, and we're on the right track. 43 elite starters lined up at the starting line—that's a strong field. Virtually everyone who's anyone in Europe was there, along with stars from New Zealand, Mexico, and South Africa. But it wasn't the new European champions, Ruben Ruzafa (ESP) and Michelle Flipo (FRA), who were the stars of the European Championship. No, the star of the European Championship was the Spaniard Jose "Pepe" Ballesteros. In just over six hours, the athlete, who was blinded in an accident, battled his way through the XTERRA Trail. No athlete with such a severe handicap has ever attempted that before. The seriousness with which "Pepe" accepted and mastered this challenge was impressive; his crossing the finish line amidst the applause of many spectators and athletes was truly moving. The outstanding victory of his compatriot Ruben Ruzafa in the elite category almost became a side note.

Now, back to the O-SEE Challenge. This year, it arrived with quite a bit of media and local political fanfare, and conflicts surfaced that ultimately stemmed from the shortcomings of the regional tourism marketing concept. But ultimately, relatively unaffected, it once again demonstrated its scale and potential: The O-SEE is the antithesis of the ubiquitous, fervently cultivated "small-scale" projects. Everything is subordinate to the vision of "delivering something truly great" in order to represent the region with dignity and affection. There's a spirit of collaboration; everyone works calmly and solution-oriented, putting aside personal sensitivities. Problems are there to be solved; "can't be done" isn't an option. Teamwork is paramount, and communication across all channels is the key to success. And everyone who joins the team, whether as a sponsor, organizer, volunteer, athlete, or service provider, is swept up in this atmosphere. The resulting network is effective and efficient. It's simply fun, and the success speaks for itself. The O-SEE Challenge is the most effective and vibrant form of outdoor advertising for the nature park region, for Olbersdorf and Zittau, that I know of. Online articles like those from the Austrian agency Tri Your Life (http://triyourlife.at/o-see-challenge-crosstriathlonparty-der-superlative/ ) or MDR (http://www.mdr.de/sachsen/bautzen/o-see-challenge-em-100.html) underscore this, as does the weekly reach of our four Facebook pages, which for the first time has exceeded 100,000! And that brings me to another aspect that shouldn't be underestimated: The O-SEE Challenge brings an incredible number of people together – locally, regionally, internationally – even globally. No other event far and wide achieves this level of intensity.

New features: -> relatively many

• Numerous changes to the MTB trail in the area of ​​Mittelweg, Johannisstein, “Stern”, lead to a further increase in the trail proportion, making the MTB routes even more cross-country-oriented.
• The trail running route has been modified to incorporate the large earth pyramid and other terrain features. Why didn't we think of including the pyramid as a real eye-catcher sooner?!
• Finally, a functioning bridge solution in the start/finish area – runners now cross the spectator area. This allows visitors unimpeded access to the expo area, the starting area, or the cycling routes. However, due to its steepness, the structure was immediately dubbed "Benno's Last Revenge.".
• Change to the MTB entrance and exit to/from the O-SEE area.
• A truly successful renovation of the Expo area (how many years have we been experimenting here!).
• An attractive information point with a lounge.
• Finally, a custom finish arch with O-SEE branding.

Areas for criticism and improvement: -> relatively few

• Now that the video presentations are of high quality, the audio production needs to be improved. There were some glitches, especially during the award ceremonies.
• The audio section at the start needs "more power".
• The new MTB trail section at the beginning and end proves to be a "bottleneck", causing traffic jams.
• We also need a cool presenter for the kids, with Mino as co-presenter.

Regarding the number of participants: 1070 athletes from 23 nations (2015: 1048 participants from 17 nations). The rainy weather on Sunday cost us quite a few children; otherwise, a 10% increase compared to 2015 would have been realistic. The high number of last-minute cancellations at XTERRA was again surprising. Well over three hundred athletes had originally registered, but only 280 actually started.

Speaking of the supporting program: It was once again very elaborate. Chris Böhm was once again the star with his spectacular BMX and breakdance show. The concept of enhancing the event with a good supporting program is sound and successful. The O-SEE has definitely ceased to be a purely sporting event a long time ago; it's a folk festival and a piece of the region's cultural life. The evening open-air concert with two pretty loud bands and a final DJ set was once again "a blast"—see last sentence. Whether we can maintain all of this at this level will depend on future finances. If we manage it, great. But if our commitment is diametrically opposed to the public funding of the event, we'll have to cut back in that area first. Even if it hurts and would be a great shame.

Other news: -> quite a lot

• A visibly surprised and touched chief organizer when dozens of organizing team members and helpers/supporters stormed the stage in a flash mob-like fashion during the VIP reception on Friday and demonstratively stood behind the "doer".
• State Minister Markus Ulbig, as a deeply relaxed patron, who intoned the Hawaiian “Aloae” with the American Dave and the mayors present.
• Nico Zacek as presenter – a new addition. Praise all around – he's welcome back in 2017 – if he wants to ;-)
• Unfortunately, the X'Kids event was somewhat rainy, but 230 kids still participated
• Mayor Thomas Zenker was the first city or town leader to participate, and immediately as a team member in the MTB race; he performed admirably, as did the entire team…
• A first-ever athletes' prayer service took place on Thursday. It was surprisingly well-received, especially by spectators and beachgoers.
• Three “real men” from the vox series were at the start, two made it and want to come back.
• Ronny Helbig/Bäckerei Häntsch creates O-SEE fitness cookies in the shape of the O-SEE logo, absolutely delicious.
• Jörg “Joe” Teifel receives the Beißerwade award for his all-round sporting qualities, his work in building up the sports department of O-SEE Sports eV and for the first German Championship title he won for O-SEE Sports.
• An incredible after-race party, where the band performed the new O-SEE battle cry

O-SEE Challenge – Rock'n'Roll!!!

See you again at the 17th O-SEE Challenge from August 18th to 20th, 2017!

With warmest regards, Dr. "Benno" Klaus Schwager & THANK YOU to everyone for everything!!!

For Olbersdorf's mayor, it was the most colorful O-SEE Challenge "ever." The 2017 O-SEE Challenge has now fully realized what we always envisioned it to be: a world-class sporting competition, a cult event, a folk festival, a popular kids' race, a trendy meeting place (across Europe), a tourism trade fair booth, a party zone, and a family magnet. This constant fine-tuning and refinement of the concept is now paying off; it's now a cohesive whole. The reputation of the O-SEE, its flair, and the hospitality of the O-SEE family have become legendary, and the entire event is poised to become a classic. The event and everything that has developed around it throughout the year, and will continue to develop in the future, can now certainly be considered an economic factor for the region. This added value has now been examined in a diploma thesis and quantified annually at a mid-six-figure sum. This is no longer just "fun.".

The O-SEE 2017 didn't start off on the best of terms, as it had to compete with the ITU Cross Triathlon World Championships, which were taking place almost simultaneously in Canada, for the XTERRA Germany event. However, the feared exodus of elite athletes and ambitious age groupers failed to materialize. In fact, XTERRA Germany ultimately boasted a stronger field of 48 elite starters than the World Championships, thus proving its appeal. This was a huge surprise for us and for the XTERRA management team led by Nico Lebrun.

The weather forecasts three days before the O-SEE were simply disastrous. And what happened? Apart from a storm and torrential rain on Saturday night, which briefly turned the area into a war zone, we had perfect weather. The torrential rain, however, provided the racecourses with the finest mud conditions – just the way true cross-country athletes and photographers love it.

Before the O-SEE, we received almost daily bad news regarding the condition of the MTB trails due to ongoing forestry work. Indeed, the forestry service was working on large sections of the trails. Of course, we were aware of this and had coordinated with the city's forestry department beforehand, agreeing on a schedule. And it worked; the trails were completely restored and basically usable 14 days before the race. A big thank you to them as well. Perhaps in the course of future forestry work, we might even manage to move some sections of the trails away from the regular paths and create them as dedicated singletracks in the forest, since heavy machinery is already tearing everything up anyway. The highly successful SingleTrek project by the Czechs comes to mind… We should consider it together. After all, we want to become a classic, attractive enough to draw "crazy" riders from all over Europe.

Saturday's actual race day went off without a hitch; we were spared any serious accidents, and the men's race was actually quite exciting again. Even the seemingly endless awards ceremony proceeded relatively smoothly and in a completely orderly fashion. The open-air concert in the evening was also fantastic – a great atmosphere, a summer night party. The Irish band with its powerful frontwoman did a superb job. And the EXPO? Everything ran smoothly there as well. Since the new layout concept, which was first tested in 2016, the entire expo and leisure area has been developing rapidly. Spectators and athletes are embracing the expo area, exhibitors are increasingly enthusiastic and are already announcing their intention to return next year. We've rarely seen anything like it.

Innovations

• For the first time, we provided media coverage for "competition newcomers" as Rookies of the O-SEE Challenge, and we will continue to do so.
• The press conference was streamed live via Facebook, with considerable response
• Stylish new race number layout, matching the overall look including personalization (first name)
• Professional moderation at the X'Kids event, which the kids clearly enjoyed
• Two additional spectator stands were added at the finish line and service area. These were very well received.
• a second LED wall in the finish area
• Finally, a monitor at the finish line that documents the finishers and thus improves the commentary
• Modification of the XTERRA MTB trail in the Ochsenstein area with the aim of further increasing the trail proportion
• The O-SEE is to receive the Green Championships seal of approval, but the road to get there is long.

Areas for criticism and improvement: – > there's always room for improvement…

• A never-ending marathon of award ceremonies; streamlining is desperately needed
• The audio section at the start needs "more power" – it was better before, but still not quite…
• We had too few finisher medals in stock; the influx of kids far exceeded our expectations
• The bike wash area needs to be expanded in capacity; perhaps a "human wash area" should be added next to it?
• The quality of the finisher shirts' cotton wasn't "so great"
• There's no café where you can get a really good latte macchiato or espresso.

Regarding the number of participants: 1185 athletes from 24 nations (2016: 1030/23) were at the start, including 270 kids.

Speaking of the supporting program: The Zittau dance groups ZRookers and 1st RevoluZion, as well as the trial artists around Dresden's Sebi Hopfe, are already regulars at O-SEE; the Bertsdorf-based Circus Applaudino was also intended to join them. Their performance on Sunday was simply breathtaking.

Other news items:

• Signing of a three-page cooperation agreement between the organizing municipalities of Olbersdorf and Zittau and the organizing association O-SEE Sports.
• Ten yellow-painted bicycles distributed in Zittau and the surrounding area as advertising media for the O-SEE, thank you to the initiators!
• Finally, a cool beach bar with real flair, thanks to Seestern owner Heppi
• a big band on Friday evening and an enthusiastic Dave Nicholas, singing Frank Sinatra
• The O-SEE logo projected onto a curtain of water in the middle of the O-SEE lake – a wonderful idea by the lighting technicians, much better than fireworks…
• Benno's "biter calf" went to O-SEE Sports' "homegrown talent" Eric Friemelt

It was dusty, it was hot, it was extremely dry. The 18th O-SEE will go down in history as a desert rally (and hopefully remain a one-off...). An endless summer, lasting since mid-April without any significant rainfall, transformed the usually green Upper Lusatia region into a barren, steppe-like landscape. Lake O-SEE had a bathwater temperature of 26°C and a historically low water level. The usual discussions about whether to swim with or without wetsuits were nonexistent, as was the bike wash station, due to a strict ban on drawing water from lakes and rivers. But that wasn't a problem; the dust could simply be brushed off the bikes. Was there nothing else to report? Of course there was. Quite a lot, in fact. Most importantly: For the third time, after 2011 and 2016, O-SEE 2018 held the status of an XTERRA European Championship for the XTERRA competition. Accordingly, every effort was made in the organization and preparation, resulting in a complex "total work of art" with a press conference on Thursday, a grand opening, a dignified VIP reception on Friday, the O-SEE Challenge, the XTERRA European Championships, an expo and supporting program, the O-SEE After Race Open Air on Saturday, and the O-SEE X'KIDS Challenge and O-SEE Light on Sunday. Patron and triathlon legend Faris Al-Sultan added the necessary celebrity glamour. Indeed, the O-SEE Challenge, together with XTERRA Germany, has become a classic among cross-triathlon events. This was already subtly hinted at with the 2014 ITU World Championships, and now, after 18 years – practically upon reaching adulthood – I believe this event has finally achieved its status. The unique atmosphere at O-SEE and the quality of the trails, as well as the warmth of the O-SEE family and this probably unique combination of a weekend of recreational sports, an elite competition, and a family festival, have created a special event format, likely unique among XTERRA events. XTERRA European Champion Brigitta Poór raves about the bike course as the most varied and natural circuit in the XTERRA circuit. And Jörg Schneider, multisport athlete, Tritime editor, and blogger, even writes, "Seriously, folks: If you think you can handle a moderately challenging singletrack on a mountain bike, then you simply MUST XTERRA Germany in Zittau . The emphasis is on MUST! Otherwise, something is missing from your triathlon career." Great, great, I agree!

The O-SEE impresses with the many facets it presents. Everything is perfectly coordinated, stylish, and of high quality: from the competition itself to the supporting program, from the commentary to the festival grounds, from the awards ceremony to the course selection. You can see an incredible attention to detail and a drive for perfection in everything – without ever feeling sterile or overly commercialized. On the contrary: passion is evident everywhere. And you can feel it, everyone can feel it. Speaking of passion… For one weekend, the heart of XTERRA Europe beat at the O-SEE. But the event's influence has long since extended beyond just that one weekend, and even beyond Upper Lusatia. Regionally and nationally – and by that I mean across Europe – we are making a positive impact and promoting this fantastic sport and, even more importantly, fostering unity and collaboration among individual events and developments. After many years of fighting its way out of sporting and media obscurity, the O-SEE Challenge has now achieved a certain status and level of recognition that allows us to support and advise others in their development, or simply to demonstrate unity, whether it's a small local swim-run competition, an event on the XTERRA German Tour, or even the Europe Tour. The O-SEE, or rather XTERRA Germany, has become an institution, and the organizing club behind it, O-SEE Sports e.V., is equally well-received. Wherever O-SEE Sports appears at XTERRA events in Europe, it's greeted with a "hello" and often words of appreciation. The club is also increasingly making its mark on the sporting front. O-SEE Sports is represented in many results lists with increasingly high rankings in the age group categories, and it's only a matter of time before the first elite athlete competes under the O-SEE Sports banner. We should and must maintain this positive energy and promote the multisport concept, especially in Germany. Cultivating and living this lifestyle. That's XTERRA for you. It takes an incredible amount of work, which many don't see. What O-SEE Sport has been achieving for years is remarkable, something special. You can already sense this if you follow what happens throughout the year on our now five websites (O-SEE Challenge, O-SEE Sports, XTERRA Germany, XTERRA German Tour, O-SEE Open Water Race). The number of visits to the websites and Facebook accounts is constantly increasing; on the Monday after the O-SEE, our hosting provider had to block our access due to overload. This has never happened before, but it shows that the interactions are more intense than ever. This is how we are succeeding in giving cross-sports a media presence that we never achieved with public broadcasters as a so-called "fringe sport".

Now a word about Sunday's competition. While overshadowed by Saturday's main event, Sunday's events have seen year-on-year growth in both participants and spectators. This growth has been further boosted by the introduction of the beginner triathlon, the O-SEE Light. The inaugural event saw 62 athletes at the starting line. In total, 360 athletes participated in the competitions on Sunday. This means we are approaching 500 participants, a figure comparable to Saturday's. This is fantastic progress, and we are very pleased with it. At the same time, this growth presents us with new challenges regarding logistics, the number of volunteers and support staff, and spectator management. We must address these challenges and respond appropriately. This means strengthening the team, reviewing procedures, and optimizing the event area layout.

New features:

• For the first time in many years, there is a new competition – the O-SEE Light (0.4/10/5km). It is designed as an entry-level cross triathlon, for trying it out without performance pressure, therefore there is deliberately no awards ceremony.
• The running courses for Saturday's competitions were completely redesigned: two laps, no more circumnavigation of the lake – instead, more trail-like and spectator-friendly. After initial skepticism, the radical change was ultimately well-received.
• A cool new spectator hotspot with DJ and party atmosphere on the Steinigter Weg; the athletes really liked it.
• For the first time in many years, there were no finisher shirts, but instead very effective promotional towels in the O-SEE logo design.

Areas for criticism and improvement: – > there's always room for improvement…

• There's still no decent coffee shop?
• The lack of T-shirts for volunteers and athletes was sorely missed by many, especially the kids, who were disappointed. So, in the future, T-shirts will have to come back..
• An exceptionally long queue at check-in on Sunday, caused by the mandatory adjustments to the circuits required for the kids' games, resulted in delays and some frustration, but the presenter "Blümchen" very smoothly and efficiently resolved the issue. At least two more workstations will need to be set up here in the future. Many thanks to the coach of TSB Brannenberg, who spontaneously pitched in to help ease the situation.
• We should revive the spectator hotspot at Johannisstein in 2019; perhaps Oybin and/or Jonsdorf could take over this role and create a great atmosphere there. That would help us a lot, motivate the athletes, and perhaps we could even combine it with some self-promotion…

Regarding the number of participants: 1441 athletes, including 58 elite athletes from 26 nations (2017: 1185 participants from 24 nations). For the first time, the Saturday competitions were completely sold out three weeks in advance, and waiting lists had to be introduced. We are gradually approaching our limits…

Speaking of the supporting program: once again, it was incredibly successful and diverse: big band music, dance performances, slackline and trampoline shows, circus flair, a pop concert, DJs, top-notch hosting, and a children's program – a huge thank you to everyone involved! The highlight was undoubtedly the O-SEE After Race Open Air on Saturday evening. An incredible party atmosphere lasted until the morning, exuberant yet completely relaxed, culminating in the now-obligatory waving of all the national flags as an emotional high point. What a sight, what a message! Please forgive us if it was perhaps a little loud; after all, it only happens once a year.

Other news items:

• The number of bright yellow bicycles used as advertising displays in the city has increased to 22. A truly original idea with excellent visual impact. Thank you to the initiators.
• Finally, an awards ceremony that wasn't a boring, endless affair.
• With 125 teams, it's the strongest starting field ever, and the trend is still rising.
• A photo booth for cool instant photos behind the finish line, which was very well received.
• A short but intense storm on Friday night destroyed the brand-new helium-filled balloon donated by the main sponsor, MS. However, it did at least shine on opening night.
• The silhouette of a major fire at the "sheepfold" served as a very oppressive backdrop for the Saturday night party.
• The Cross Cup ranking is being quietly discontinued, as the effort and response were no longer proportionate. We ask for the understanding of the maximum of 5 athletes who would have even been eligible for the ranking.

See you again at the 19th O-SEE Challenge from August 16th to 18th, 2019!

With warmest regards, Dr. "Benno" Klaus Schwager & THANK YOU to everyone for everything!!!

A complete success, perfectly organized. Everything was great… What more can we say? Yes, in 2019 we once again lived up to the high standards now placed on our event. And yes, the O-SEE Challenge was a real hit again in 2019. “…The O-SEE Challenge is unsurpassed in terms of professionalism.” That's how former professional mountain biker Birgit Jüngst-Dauber, 2003 European Champion and ardent O-SEE enthusiast, summed it up perfectly in a Facebook post. The weather was also more than kind to us, considering that it poured all day Monday after the O-SEE… what more could you ask for? Despite all the euphoria, one thing is becoming clear: we have obviously reached the limits of the growth we've experienced over the years. The number of participants is stabilizing at a level of approximately 1300-1500 (which is really a lot for a cross-country event). The O-SEE is competing with over 500 triathlon/duathlon events in Germany alone, as well as countless small and large XTERRA events across Europe, all vying for participants. The many new multisport formats (and new ones are constantly being added), along with the popular obstacle races, offer a welcome alternative to cross triathlon for many. From this perspective, we, as an established event, are already well-positioned. However, the O-SEE Challenge brand, including XTERRA Germany and the underlying event concept, requires constant review and refinement, and the marketing for it must be omnipresent. And this is where I see the real leap in quality that distinguishes this year's O-SEE. Throughout the year, excellent public relations work has been conducted across all channels (and that now includes six websites with their associated social media accounts!), encouraging community interaction without it feeling forced. Consistently high-quality video and text content, stunning photos across all social media channels, targeted PR campaigns, and a successful press conference are testament to the excellent work being done by the effective PR team within the organizing committee. They now also collaborate closely with several agencies both domestically and internationally, such as ICARUS, which create and distribute high-quality video productions for the XTERRA European Tour.

That the O-SEE is a logistical masterpiece is beyond question (setting up and dismantling O-SEE City completely in one week). Nevertheless, there are countless opportunities to optimize the setup and dismantling process while simultaneously improving the overall appearance of the event area. And a great deal happened again in 2019. For example, the event's power supply now runs reliably via a newly laid underground cable, eliminating the need for cumbersome temporary emergency power supplies – a significant and sustainable milestone. Another example: the transport of equipment components from storage to the competition area and back has been further refined, and a portable bike wash station has been developed. However, the most visible expression of these efforts is the star of this year's O-SEE Challenge: the new finish tower. A masterpiece of craftsmanship, meticulously recreated in the traditional timber-framed architecture typical of Upper Lusatia, even incorporating the Moravian star. A real eye-catcher and the new landmark of the O-SEE. It also reflects our commitment to sustainability. Everything is designed for years of use; there are no more advertising banners or similar items, everything has a wood look, even the sponsor logos. A year of planning and construction, funded by a regional program of the Free State of Bavaria. A huge thank you to all the companies involved.

The O-SEE family grew noticeably in 2019: virtually (approximately 5,000 friends (XTERRA and O-SEE)), representing a 20% increase within a year. But family life also intensified in real life. Take, for example, the VIP reception on Friday: the number of participating guests of honor increases year after year, now well over 200. This demonstrates the great interest in the event and is an indicator of how many people are now involved in its success. The O-SEE Challenge is not just a sporting event; O-SEE is a social event, a piece of local culture. Our core values ​​– passion, perseverance, diversity – but also joie de vivre, fairness, tolerance, and cosmopolitanism – are sacred to us. It was no coincidence that the heart of the European Capital of Culture bid shone over the grounds that weekend. A clear message.

Another indication that a lot is happening behind the scenes: The O-SEE Headquarters, our now easily recognizable O-SEE House in Zittau, is increasingly becoming the hub and central office of the O-SEE family (comfortable photo op in front of the facade). The days when visitors from all over the world only arrived for one weekend a year are long gone. Now, there's a constant flow of people coming and going at the O-SEE House year-round: Athletes from near and far drop by to visit friends, take a vacation, or participate in a training camp. Sponsors stop by for a coffee or a chat, partner organizers like Radek Patrak from the Malevil CUP/CZ present their new projects, clubs from the Czech Republic or Poland get in touch wanting to establish joint training camps for their kids, and O-SEE Sports members meet with representatives from other clubs to coordinate training operations or refine new event concepts. We wouldn't be where we are today without our Headquarters and our fabulously efficient office manager. O-SEE Sports is a well-known and respected name in the sports scene throughout Europe. In short, you really get the feeling of being part of a large family, a family that is growing rapidly.

New features:

• Now there's a proper mountain classification for the XTERRA and ORIGINAL categories. The fastest mountain bikers to reach the Hochwald will be crowned. The record is 38 minutes. A challenging 500 meters of elevation gain awaits.
• Three significant changes have been made to the MTB trail, further increasing the amount of singletrack. I know it's now very challenging for the Reduced difficulty starters. We'll be monitoring the feedback and potentially make adjustments in 2020 (if the backlash becomes too intense). We have some ideas..
• The new finish line is the pride and joy of the organizers. It will be further refined next year.
• A stable power supply for the event thanks to a new power line, no more emergency generators – thank goodness!
• Finally, a decent espresso or latte on site – thanks to Kalle and the Coffee Bike!
• Finisher shirts for everyone again! ?

Areas for criticism and improvement: – > there's always room for improvement…

• There was a slight confusion with the swimming caps during distribution, as some of them suddenly disappeared (but were later found again...)
• We need to revisit the issue of waste reduction. Even compostable plastic cups aren't a panacea. And the amount of litter lying around... While there was less overall, it's still too much. We need to communicate this issue more proactively, including the importance of recycling.
• A live stream of the main competition, but due to the poor internet connection it wasn't really live.
• Some botched audio effects at startup (missing heartbeat, and it was generally very quiet again)
• There were a couple of minor glitches with the video overlays, but admittedly, it's quite a complex process.
• The event's appearance isn't very inviting when you enter the grounds from the south entrance (portable toilets are behind the stage). We can do better than that…

Regarding the number of participants: 1314 athletes, including 51 elite athletes from 23 nations (2018: 1441 participants from 26 nations), a slight decrease. Possible reasons: school enrollment in Saxony, no European Championships, as in 2018. Still a good result.

Speaking of the supporting program: it's become a real unique selling point of the event. Once again, it was very, very successful and diverse. We now have many partners, some of whom are practically fixtures, like the hip-hop group led by Jenny Kretschmer (ZRookers, 1st.ExplZion) and the children's circus Applaudino. Two trial riders from the Czech Republic entertainingly demonstrated what's possible with motorcycles and bicycles, besides just going straight. Musical accompaniment on Friday was provided by Heppy's Dixieland Band, and on Saturday by two excellent bands: AudioCity and Matija from Munich. But the emotional highlight began at 11 p.m. when DJ Robin & Co. started spinning. An incredible party atmosphere lasted well into the morning, complete with the now-iconic waving of all the national flags. And, yes, it was pretty loud again…

Other news items:

• A quick-witted patron, Heiko Krause, who, as befits his status, appeared at the press conference with an umbrella
• A marriage proposal on stage before the awards ceremony, very touching (I would never dare to do that, chapeau!)
• With Max Zielke, a new presenter (TV presenter, e.g. "ran"), who made a great contribution and will probably return..
• Cool "O-SEE" branded sunglasses as a giveaway.
• The new competition format O-SEE Light was again filled with 65 participants, so it has now established itself.
• Very well-attended yoga classes as part of the supporting program.
• A large and diverse expo and children's area, now with a cool bike course and biathlon range. Thanks to the Lückendorf local history society and FahrwerkB
• An exquisite O-SEE jewelry collection in silver from the Zittau goldsmith Baldauf (Christmas present?!)
• The helium balloon from sponsor MS Powergroup, which was destroyed by a storm last year, shone in the sky again. However, only for one evening; there was another leak somewhere, so that on the second day it hung quite limp in the sky and had to be retrieved.
• Benno's "biter calf" went to the charming Maria Döring, first elite starter for O-SEE Sports and ambassador of O-SEE, a gifted MTB rider.

See you again from August 14th to 16th, 2020 for the anniversary challenge and birthday party ! 20 years…

With warmest regards, Dr. "Benno" Klaus Schwager & THANK YOU to everyone for everything!!!

Yes! We've still got it. With a spectacular O-SEE Challenge 2021, THE event of the region has returned to the grand stage of Europe's top-class XTERRA competitions. No, that's not an exaggeration. It reflects what everyone saw and experienced: a perfect show – from Friday to Sunday. The O-SEE and the Zittau Mountains Nature Park played to their scenic trump cards, and even the weather, which had largely killed off summer this year, was nearly ideal. For a long time, it was uncertain whether the pandemic would even allow the event to take place – and if so, under what conditions. This uncertainty made the organizing team hesitate for a long time. Comparable events in Europe were being canceled one after another, and even traditional regional events like the Lückendorf Hill Climb and the Triangle Race capitulated. Then, in June, the team made a unanimous decision – "Yes, we'll do it!" Preparations then began feverishly under enormous time pressure, as they had to make up for a three-month backlog. But thanks to a level of cooperation between organizers, sponsors, institutions, supporters, helpers, and athletes that was unique in the region, they succeeded in presenting the O-SEE Challenge again in the expected quality.

And then, despite this truly challenging situation, they dared to "sew" a new competition format into the already jam-packed event schedule – the XTERRA Short Track. This format of sprint competition in a confined space is clearly also designed as a show, because spectators can follow the entire race live at the venue. With reasonable technical effort, it's also possible to record the race with multiple cameras and stream the signal online or make it available to television broadcasters. For example, MDR broadcast the entire race at the premiere at Lake Constance (O-SEE). The concept is comparable to biathlon competitions in stadiums, cross-country skiing along the Elbe River, or cyclocross series. Now, Lake Constance (O-SEE), with its panoramic views, also serves as a stage for such a spectacular show.
However, the planning turned out to be more complex than initially anticipated. But the year-long enforced break was cleverly used to devise and lay out the courses, and to plan and build the wooden obstacles that transformed the bike track into a veritable obstacle course. And when it was all set up – amazement everywhere. Wow – a huge 180° turn right by the water, massive ramps and berms on the large grassy area, steep bridges over the paths, newly created natural trails in the small woods. Every natural feature was cleverly integrated into the course. The result brought broad grins to the faces of the elite riders and officials alike. The young guns on the organizing team were bursting with pride, because it was especially their brainchild. A new generation of organizers is making its mark. The premiere on Friday at 3:30 pm was an absolute smash hit. 27 elite men and 18 elite women from all over Europe put on an impressive display of their skills. This marked a new level of quality in the development of the O-SEE Challenge.

The fact that some of these elements were also integrated into the MTB course on Saturday caused some of the more recreational participants to feel a bit uneasy, as these ramps and curves were only encountered shortly before the finish line, when they already had several kilometers of tough MTB riding in their legs. But it worked out, everyone made it through safely and was full of adrenaline afterwards – including, for example, Zittau's mayor, who started in a team with Mr. O-SEE and the mayor of Jonsdorf.

And the spectacular 180° curve right by the O-SEE is now the new landmark of the event.

Patron Michael Kretschmer was visibly impressed by what he saw and, after attending the opening, returned again on Saturday with his children. Speaking of the opening: it, too, was a highlight in itself. Numerous dignitaries, sponsors, and celebrities accepted the invitation, and many good conversations took place in a wonderful atmosphere. Olbersdorf's mayor, Andreas Förster, cleverly used this relaxed atmosphere to publicly express his displeasure to the state premier about the slow processing of the funding application for the renovation of the O-SEE area on the north shore. They promised to look into the matter… It would be nice if the power of the images generated by the O-SEE Challenge made such an impression on the state premier that he would follow up with the relevant officials.

It was also great that almost 200 kids found their way to the O-SEE again and completed their own challenge on Sunday, and it was also nice for the organizers and helpers that the dismantling afterwards could take place without rain.

Speaking of dismantling: Setting up O-SEE City takes five days. Thanks to heavy machinery, numerous helpers, and a sophisticated plan, everything is dismantled within just eight hours, returning the beach to its original state. By 9 p.m. on Sunday, all the equipment is already packed away in storage: the bicycle bridge, finish gate, walkway, the huge new wooden curve, inflatable arches, countless banners and flags, tents, bike racks for 800 bikes, numerous trailers with various equipment, computer technology, kilometers of cable, fences, and much, much more. Only the giant umbrella remains standing alone and is dismantled by a specialist company on Monday. A logistical masterpiece that I admire every single time.

And we owe all of this to a bet made over 20 years ago. This is also commemorated in the anniversary brochure, which was belatedly published to mark the (unfortunately cancelled) 20th anniversary in 2020. A particular highlight: The five heroes from 2000 posed again 22 years later, recreating the original photo. You really have to look closely to spot the differences. ;-) In any case, this lovingly designed brochure, published in a small print run, will surely be worth its weight in gold in 20 years.

I can only repeat myself: It was a fantastic weekend. I also think it was simply the highlight of the year in the region. Our courage, our willingness to take risks, and our unwavering determination to persevere were rewarded. We brought smiles to the faces of many people for whom sport, for whom the O-SEE and their home region mean something. It was simply the challenge of spreading big smiles.

Thanks to all sponsors, helpers, supporters, and service providers; it was a fantastic team effort. A huge thank you to the host municipalities and the district for their consistently positive view of our event concept, for their diverse support, and for the pleasant cooperation. It's simply a lot of fun…

New features:

• Of course, the introduction of the XTERRA Short Track
• Three changes to the MTB trail have further increased the amount of singletrack. Challenging for the Reduced Trail starters, I know. But next year the Reduced Trail should be rerouted back to the Körtingweg, once the city of Zittau has finally completed its repairs. I promised them that…
• A new (rather high) cycle bridge, solidly constructed of metal but designed to resemble a traditional timber-framed house, similar to the finish line gate. Another eye-catching feature. The project was made possible thanks to funding from the Free State of Bavaria.

Areas for criticism and improvement: -> there's always room for improvement…

• The toilet situation… Our new toilet container with its built-in 10 m³ tank filled up in no time due to excessive water usage at the sinks. We'll probably have to switch to self-closing faucets and really need a wastewater line down there…
• The signage on the running course needs improvement. We thought it was foolproof, but again there were some who missed the transition to the second lap and had to be sent back onto the course after reaching the finish line.
• The short track concept still needs some optimization here and there (spectator management, improving bypasses around the chicanes for the timid, etc.).

Regarding the number of participants: 810 participants from 19 nations (2019: 1314 athletes, including 51 elite athletes from 23 nations), a huge decrease due to the pandemic, especially in the number of teams. Still good.

Regarding the supporting program: due to the pandemic, it was reduced to a minimum – no bands, no trial demonstrations, no children's circus. This prompted many questioning and sad looks. At least Zittau's dance company 1stRevoluZion gave a short performance. And DJs Robin & Nico once again celebrated the O-SEE OpenAir, and everyone enjoyed it.

Other news items:

• Jiz50 moderator Michal Mazac as German-Czech moderator and Steffen “Blümchen” Blümke as the ideal choice for the X’Kids moderation.
• XTERRA presenter Chun de Stockel, who was totally thrilled with the event, wants to return with his band in 2022.
• A really well-stocked O-SEE merchandising stand and online shop; thanks in particular to Franzi from FM-Style, the product range has been greatly expanded, O-SEE is becoming a lifestyle brand
• A superbly edited event video – thanks especially to Carel du Plessis and Philipp Herfort
• Benno's "biter calf" award went to Marcel Dextor, a consistently helpful and proactive guy who was also extremely dedicated to the short track concept and its implementation. A gifted snowboarder, downhiller, and mountain biker – a cool guy.

See you again from August 19th to 21st, 2022

Yours sincerely

Dr. Klaus “Benno” Schwager aka Mr. O-SEE & THANK YOU to everyone for everything!!!

"Will it be erected again as a highly visible landmark of the O-SEE, or not?" Yes – it will! I had to answer this question countless times beforehand. And so, as hoped, the large weather canopy stood punctually on August 18, 2022, on the north beach of the O-SEE, majestically watching over the weekend's events. After the turmoil at the beginning of the year due to the unexpected withdrawal of a main sponsor, the financing seemed to be in jeopardy – but all's well that ends well, because a wave of helpfulness and support ensured that this gap could be quickly closed. And so it once again formed the central point of the event – ​​"our" futuristic weather sail, providing shelter from rain and shine, serving as a party location, a meeting point for athletes' briefings, an open-air restaurant, a public viewing area in front of the LED screen, a venue for the many O-SEE ceremonies, an effective and stylish advertising medium for the event and the main sponsors – and, of course, as a landmark. An O-SEE without a canopy in the future – unthinkable, as we all now know. How important this component is for the success of the event becomes particularly clear in inclement weather.

And we had that in 2022. After weeks of stable, high-summer weather, the overall weather pattern changed drastically over the weekend; it was supposed to get really wet. The forecast predicted 40 liters of rain per square meter. It wasn't quite that bad, though. Friday went off without a hitch with another spectacular short track race in perfect weather, and the VIP reception and opening ceremony also took place in a balmy summer evening atmosphere. But things started to get serious around 9 p.m., and the umbrella had to prove its worth. It rained all night and half of Saturday. Then, on Sunday night, it poured. For the athletes, it was great fun, as the many pictures of mud-caked, happy bikers and runners show. Not so much for the spectators, and not so much for us organizers either, but thanks to the umbrella, it was bearable. Especially since Sunday was better, and the sun even came out again in the afternoon. But first, the organizing team had to pull off the "straw act" again on Sunday morning. It hadn't been necessary since 2014. And it goes like this: Two large bales of straw are crumbled all over the muddiest spots; under the canopy, it looked like a circus ring afterward, and the kids had a blast. But the end justifies the means. There was hardly any mud left; that had only been there on Saturday night, and plenty of it. The O-SEE Open Air ended—as you might have guessed—as a gigantic mud party à la Woodstock or Wacken, only with the finest techno music. I've never experienced anything like it in 22 years of O-SEE.

Otherwise, the O-SEE 2022 ran smoothly and with the usual high quality. Hats off to the team – you did a great job again. After the premiere in 2021, the Short Track concept was further refined, especially the media coverage. This year there was really nothing to criticize; the livestream and the special broadcast on MDR's "Sport im Osten" were worth watching and excellently moderated. Olympian and triathlon veteran Maik Petzold even joined as a co-moderator. I think this is a glimpse into the future of XTERRA and a good concept for raising the profile of cross triathlon in the media and among viewers.

All in all, O-SEE 2022 once again lived up to its excellent reputation as a great event and festival. Admittedly, a few more spectators would have been nice, but the weather just didn't cooperate. 2023 will be better, if the statistics are to be believed. But they can't be anymore – I know. So, we're hoping and praying for 2023 and are full of anticipation. And if I had one wish for 2023: If someone could be found who could repurpose the umbrella on Sunday evening, I'd be delighted. It's always taken down on Monday morning and is therefore simply there on Sunday evening – paid for. A classical concert, a film screening, a theatrical performance, or anything else – anything goes. As I said, the umbrella is there, the seating is there, as are the electricity, audio, and lighting equipment. The catering facilities could be repurposed by separate arrangement. There is only one restriction: This must be organized with our own people and must not lead to any additional workload for the core team; the Challenge team is always completely exhausted on Sunday evenings…

Thanks to all sponsors, helpers, supporters, and service providers; it was once again a pleasure to celebrate the O-SEE with you all (yes, I like to use that word in this context). A huge thank you to the host municipalities and the district for their diverse support and pleasant cooperation. And of course: thank you to the emergency services who have remained so loyal to us all these years and support us, mostly on a voluntary basis.

New features:

• None, right? Well, there is one: for the first time, finisher medals are made of wood, for sustainability reasons.

Areas for criticism and improvement: -> there's always room for improvement…

• The toilet situation (and showers) has improved compared to 2021, but is still "tense" – a fundamental solution is needed to build the necessary infrastructure with reasonable effort: a regular wastewater connection for the site. However, this is only feasible with a sewage pumping station. We are dependent on external support for this.
• The overly English-heavy commentary on Friday during the Short Track race and on Saturday during the main race caused displeasure among some spectators. The concept of multilingual commentary needs to be better choreographed, including the provision of informative background information.
• The registration tent was somewhat smaller than usual this year – that's unacceptable; the minimum size of 15 x 20 meters must be ensured to guarantee its proper functioning. This caused some displeasure and frustration…

Regarding the number of participants: almost identical to 2021, 900 registered, but the event started due to the weather, with only just under 800 participants from 21 nations actually taking part. The forecasts and the persistent rain deterred numerous athletes, and the number of late registrations for children was relatively low.

Regarding the supporting program: For the first time, the open-air event featured DJs instead of bands. Kyau & Albert, a prominent and internationally successful duo from the techno scene, were secured for the event. The Family Area impressed with a wide range of activities (biathlon, surf simulation, Mr. Snow, and children's entertainment). Several performances by the dance groups from GAV Zittau (1stRevoluZion, Little ExploZion, Dashbones) and DIRECTIONS ensured a lively atmosphere and plenty of variety. The expo was once again impressive. The O-SEE-Sports merchandise shop is increasingly becoming the flagship attraction.

Other news items:

• A remarkable effort by the municipality of Olbersdorf, which quickly built a replacement bridge/crossing over the Grundbach stream when it became clear that the wooden bridge was no longer safe for traffic and had to be closed – thank you for that!
• A short-term route change for the MTB trail on the Hochwald due to construction work. For the first time, the Hochwald Tower was not included in the route and the refreshment point was moved to the mountain hut.
• A cool photoshoot on Friday evening at the 180° curve, using colored fog, water fountains and numerous elite athletes who repeatedly raced through the banked curve, resulted in fantastic pictures that immediately went viral.
• Chun de Stockel, the crazy Belgian, rocks the hosting duties; "our" Martin hardly gets a word in edgewise
• Steffen "Blümchen" Blümke and Martin Ansorge are the perfect pairing to host X'Kids on Sunday. The story of the penguin family is becoming legendary... If you don't know it yet, come along next year, or at the Ultratrail in autumn, where Blümchen will surely tell it again.
• Benno's "biter's calf" went to Heike Eickert – the mother of the company, or rather, of O-SEE Sports. Heike is the heart and soul of the club; the club office she manages has become the hub for all O-SEE Sports activities, be it event preparations, active member work, or the logistical organization of a diverse training program.

See you again from August 18th to 20th, 2023 – in the Zittau Mountains Nature Park
Warmest regards,
Dr. Klaus “Benno” Schwager aka Mr. O-SEE & THANK YOU to everyone for everything!!!

How often have we wondered if further improvements are possible, only to discover with amazement – ​​yes, they are – if the weather cooperates. And that's exactly what happened in 2023. A picture-perfect summer weekend, okay, maybe a little too hot… But compared to the weeks before, we were incredibly lucky, and we certainly made the most of it. In other words: the preparation, execution, and dismantling of the O-SEE Challenge went off without a hitch once again.

In the highly recommended podcast "Klartext Triathlon Race Talk #7" with the new German Cross Triathlon Champion Sebi Neef and American Eric Lagerstrom ("The Most Brutal Bike Course – XTERRA Germany"), who competed in our race, this was also convincingly communicated. Eric is a professional, primarily competing in the Ironman 70.3 distance, and together with his partner Paula Findlay, also a professional triathlete, he runs his own YouTube channel, "that triathlon life," with 56,000 subscribers. His conclusion: Cool trails, legendary after-race party. Let's leave it at that. Thanks, Eric, thanks, Sebi. And thanks to the 200 participants in an online survey we initiated, in which 95.5% would definitely recommend the O-SEE Challenge.

New features:

• Returning the Reduced and Classic MTB routes to their original pre-2010 layout, thereby reducing the physical demands of both distances – the response has been overwhelmingly positive.
• A completely new audio concept, including two new 8m high speaker towers – as a new landmark and advertising and information medium.

Areas for criticism and improvement: -> there's always room for improvement…

• It's really just "minor stuff," and the perennial issue – sanitary facilities. Unfortunately, we still don't have a sewage connection at the festival grounds, so the entire sanitary infrastructure had to be kept to a minimum again. Now we're hoping for 2024…
• And another perennial issue: the marathon awards ceremony. But in the online survey, over 60% found the procedure acceptable and not too long.

Regarding the number of participants: the trend is upward: 1020 registered, 952 participants from 23 nations started. Nearly 300 kids participated. The elite field of 64 starters at XTERRA Germany is particularly noteworthy.

Regarding the supporting program: The event kicked off successfully with an activity week featuring yoga, Zumba, and more.
Musically, Friday evening's sponsor reception featured swing music by "Klangfarben eV," while Saturday evening's O-SEE OpenAir offered a contrasting techno program with DJ Robin & Nico and DJane Ani.
Expo: A well-stocked expo, with the O-SEE-Sports merchandise shop as its main attraction, made the event worthwhile for spectators and guests alike.
Show acts: Several performances by the dance groups from GAV Zittau (1stRevoluZion, Little ExploZion), Dashbones, and Directions, as well as a noteworthy breakdance performance, provided a great atmosphere and entertainment for the audience. The Applaudino children's circus delighted the kids with their performance on Sunday.

Other news items:

• Elon Musk's Starlink satellite network is tapped to ensure sensational internet reception during the event, or a digital 3D model is created to calculate the optimal acoustics of the sound systems.
• “Ran” moderator Max Zielke and the Burglengenfeld ex-XTERRA pro Tom Kerner provided excellent moderation; in particular, Tom Kerner’s expertise in triathlon and elite check was a real asset.
• Steffen "Blümchen" Blümke's hosting of the kids' show on Sunday was legendary once again, as legendary as his passionately told story of the penguin family... If you haven't heard it yet – come along next year!
• With Maria Döring, O-SEE Sports once again has a German champion in cross triathlon
• Benno's "Biter Calf" award went to René Zischow and Janet Wokal. Both have been deeply involved with the O-SEE for almost 20 years and have been committed to the event ever since. René is responsible for the MTB trails, and Janet is in charge of merchandising. They are both extremely active athletes themselves and always there for others, for example as coaches or instructors.

See you again from August 16th to 18th, 2024 – in the Zittau Mountains Nature Park
Warmest regards,
Dr. Klaus “Benno” Schwager aka Mr. O-SEE & THANK YOU to everyone for everything!!!

What a relaxed and cool O-SEE Challenge 2024! Perfect and, above all, stable summer weather, even during the setup week, created a cool and almost laid-back atmosphere. Added to that was the encouraging development in registration numbers: almost all available starting places were sold out. A pleasing number of teams registered, and their participants always bring that festive, community spirit. The well over 100 teams more than compensated for the decline in participation at the XTERRAs.

Speaking of XTERRA: The O-SEE wasn't an XTERRA World Cup race this year, so only 26 elite riders lined up at the start. The reason for the downgrade was that the Multisport World Championships were taking place simultaneously in Townsville, Australia. Nevertheless, some elite riders were still drawn to the O-SEE, such as the two Frenchmen Maxim Chané and Arthur Serrieres, and the New Zealander Lizzie Orchard.

Nevertheless, it should be noted that the XTERRA segment saw a decline in participation numbers in 2024, particularly regarding the proportion of international athletes. Cross-triathletes from Italy and France were few and far between at the O-SEE. There is also considerable room for improvement in the number of Polish athletes, our neighbors. The Czechs are traditionally more dominant here; for many, it's practically a home race anyway. The proportion of German athletes competing in the XTERRA distance, however, remained stable, which may be due to the German Championship status for German participants.

In addition to the XTERRA ranking, the O-SEE 2024 also hosted the German Cross Triathlon Championships. The President of the German Triathlon Union (DTU), Prof. Dr. Martin Engelhardt, arrived as the association's representative on Thursday (after welcoming the Olympic relay team in Frankfurt) and was thus able to participate in the traditional press conference. There he stated verbatim: "What Roth is for the long distance and Hamburg for the sprint distance, Zittau, or rather the O-SEE, is for cross triathlon." A clear statement, a clear ranking.

Otherwise, the O-SEE Challenge 2024 showed no weaknesses in its execution, and the response was consistently positive – as was also reflected in the subsequent online survey: a whopping 99% would recommend the event.

New features:

• Introduction of the Team Sprint race format instead of the XTERRA Short Track race on Friday
• New moderation concept with significantly improved commentary of the events on the LED screen

Areas for criticism and improvement: – > there's always room for improvement…

• Once again we had too few T-shirts, and we were also missing a few medals; the rush for starting places surprised us
• As already mentioned: the still unsatisfactory situation regarding toilets and showers

Regarding the number of participants: including late registrations, there were 1,356 participants. Finally back to pre-COVID levels!

Speaking of the supporting program: varied and successful. The cool cover band "Fake for Real" played at the open-air event, and Robin & Nico were the tried-and-tested party DJs. The family area impressed with a very wide range of activities (biathlon, Mr. Snow, children's entertainment). Several performances by the dance groups Dashbones, 1stRevoluZion, Little ExploZion, as well as the trial show by Jan Sladky (CZ), ensured a great atmosphere and plenty of variety. The expo was once again impressive and well worth a visit. The O-SEE-Sports merchandise shop is increasingly becoming the flagship of the event.

Other news items:

• For the first time, a helicopter was deployed due to a serious fall in the mountains. Thankfully, everything turned out alright.
• At 25.5 °C, the warmest O-SEE ever – which means, of course, there was a wetsuit ban again, without any doubt.
• Tim Wehinger and Tom Kerner made a very well-matched presenting duo. I think we'll see each other again in 2025
• A wild bee nest on the bike rack and a rescue operation by a beekeeper from Olbersdorf
• Benno's "biter calf" award went to two newer team members, Uwe Brockelt and Swen Hübschmann. Both have managed to make themselves almost indispensable within just two years. Helpful, proactive, team-oriented – but also sociable. Whether it's a challenge, an ultra trail, summer camp, or training – you'll see them everywhere.

See you again from August 15th to 17th, 2025 – in the Zittau Mountains Nature Park
Warmest regards,
Dr. Klaus “Benno” Schwager aka Mr. O-SEE & THANK YOU to everyone for everything!!!

25 years of the O-SEE Challenge. A quarter of a century in which an idea has gradually become what we are privileged to experience today at the O-SEE. In 2025, this anniversary finally took center stage, after previous milestone birthdays could not be celebrated as planned. And I think it's fair to say: it was the right moment to pause and reflect on what has been achieved over all these years.

With this 25th edition, the O-SEE Challenge has finally reached a new dimension.

Held for the first time as the XTERRA O-SEE Challenge, it has an international focus, featuring several championships, and yet is deeply rooted in the region. This connection has always been our aim: development, yes, but not at any cost.

What particularly pleased me was the way this anniversary was celebrated. By an organizing team that has grown over the years and constantly re-evaluated its approach. By volunteers who pitched in with such natural ease, as if it were their own event. By partners, sponsors, institutions, and supporters who have accompanied this journey. And by athletes and spectators who brought the whole thing to life.

With 1,550 participants, a new record was reached in 2025. At the same time, it became clear that we had reached a limit that we consciously do not want to push any further. The size must be appropriate to what we can offer here: safe processes, fair competitions, and above all, an experience that lives up to the event's standards.

This also applies to innovations introduced in 2025. Things like live tracking or adapted procedures for the elite don't make big headlines, but they show that the event is evolving without losing its focus. At the same time, there remains enough room to take a critical look at the whole, because the drive to improve never ends.

Many things that seem obvious today are the result of a long process. Procedures mesh seamlessly, the interplay between competitions and the supporting program works perfectly, and the grounds are vibrant throughout the entire weekend. You can see in many places that 25 years of experience have gone into this, often in small details that aren't immediately apparent.

The supporting program has once again confirmed the importance the O-SEE Challenge has attained. The mix of sport, social interaction, and shared experiences, from the activity week to Saturday evening, has become an integral part of the event. For many, it has long since become more than just a competition weekend.

For me personally, this 25th edition marked a turning point, because after all these years as team leader and inspiration, the time seemed right to hand over responsibility – not a decision made overnight, but the result of a longer period of reflection. And I am grateful that the next generation is ready to take on this demanding task and make their own mark.

At the same time, I remain closely connected to the event. The team's appointment as patron for life is a gesture that I greatly appreciate and which shows me that our time together has left its mark. In this role, I will continue to support and contribute my experience.

Looking at this anniversary edition, I see many individual milestones coming together. A lot of work, many discussions, but also many right decisions. And above all, I see that what was started once is now on solid ground and can continue to develop.

That's reassuring. And it also motivates me to remain a part of it in the future, even if in a different role.

The O-SEE has once again demonstrated what is possible when many people think and act in the same direction. That was precisely the idea from the beginning. And that is precisely what will make the difference in the future.

See you again from August 14th to 16th, 2026 – in the Zittau Mountains Nature Park
Warmest regards,
Dr. Klaus “Benno” Schwager aka Mr. O-SEE & THANK YOU to everyone for everything!!!