Hannes Hawaii Tours since 1987
1978 - first exposure to triathlon
The first IRONMAN in Hawaii took place in 1978 but a detailed report of this exceptional endurance event was only broadcast on European television during the 1982-83 winter. This report drew the attention of then-student Hannes Blaschke: the national squad racing cyclist started training for the other two sports and finished his first triathlon shortly after.
Triathlon trailblazer in Germany
Races in Roth and Immenstadt (Hannes' hometown) were organised for the first time ever in those days. The few athletes who pursed triathlon knew each other for the most part and tried to perfect training, equipement and race preparation together.
Hannes in Hawaii
It is as a trailblazer that the then 24-year-old took part in his first Hawaii IRONMAN in 1984. There he became acquainted with the race organisers as well as all triathlon greats, fellow athletes. His debut in Hawaii was followed by numerous other participations to international IRONMAN races. In 1985 he was 4th overall in Hawaii and best German, his greatest personal achievement in triathlon sports.
Teacher or passion
The close friendships formed in Hawaii and his talents as an organiser quickly led Hannes Blaschke's friends and acquaintances to ask him to help them organise their trip to the Hawaii IRONMAN.
What started out as a favour soon became a part-time job and more. After finishing his studies and given the still-increasing number of participants, Hannes Blaschke decided against teaching and in favor of a career as a full-time Tour Operator for IRONMAN races.
Hannes Hawaii Tours is born
In 1987, Hannes Blaschke organised a trip to the Hawaii IRONMAN for the first time under the name "Hannes Hawaii Tours". 30 athletes placed their trust in him. European triathlon races gained in popularity and the number of trip participants quintupled in the next years.
Hannes Hawaii Tours Heute
Over the years, Hannes Hawaii Tours has become the European contact of choice for all matters related to IRONMAN. Besides trips to the most scenic and main IRONMAN qualifying races, the company provides race entry slots, sponsors talented newcomers, organises events like the Allgäu Triathlon and training camps on Fuerteventura and Mallorca.
HHT is present at the Expo of European IRONMAN races. From its beginnings, the company has always been successfully oriented towards customer requirements. That is why the small Tour Operator of the founding years became a full-service provider for European triathletes.
Impressions of Hannes Hawaii Tours history
