Hamburg, an international triathlon hotspot.

Sport was the name of the game in Hamburg on 14 July 2024, as thousands of athletes from all over the world gathered for the Suzuki World Triathlon Hamburg, where they swam, cycled and ran as part of this challenging multisport event. The German Triathlon Union e.V. (DTU), which has been the official representative body for the triathlon in Germany since 1985 and includes more than 59,000 club members, oversaw the organisation of the event. Konrad Straube, Head of Event Organisation at the DTU, describes the event’s significance as follows: “Hamburg offers a setting that is unforgettable for participants and spectators alike. The route runs through the city centre and shows that triathlon is an event for the general public.”

A sporting spectacle in the centre of Hamburg

The athletes set off into the Alster river early in the morning, followed by a challenging cycling route through the historic warehouse district and HafenCity quarter. The final section of the race, which saw the athletes running through the city centre, took the racers to their limits. Supported by crowds of enthusiastic spectators and classic Hamburg weather conditions – a cloudy 22 °C with a light breeze from the southwest – the athletes were able to complete each stage in satisfactory conditions. Konrad Straube says, “An event in Hamburg’s city centre is challenging, but the incredible response and enthusiasm on the part of the spectators show that it’s worth the effort.”

Top logistical performance thanks to STILL

The athletes put in an incredible performance at this major triathlon event, but the logistical precision that goes into it is also a highlight. And STILL had a central role to play in organising the event as a provider of pioneering forklift and logistics solutions. Timo Gubernatis, the regional rental manager at STILL who also served as a contact for the use of rental forklifts during the triathlon, recaps the logistical challenge as follows: “Our forklifts were crucial in setting up the stands, fences and other event structures. They not only served as a means of transport, but also as mobile barriers during the event. To do this, the trucks had to be at the right place at the right time and, of course, perform reliably.”
Specific measures also had to be put in place so they could be used in the historic city centre, as the sensitive cobblestones on Hamburg’s market square – the hub of the event – required special protection. “So we used specially equipped forklifts with pneumatic tyres that are suitable for sensitive surfaces. We are able to be very flexible in this regard, which makes us a valuable partner for the DTU,” Gubernatis adds.

Rental forklifts: big players at major events

In fact, a major event like the Suzuki World Triathlon Hamburg would be very difficult to carry off without the flexible rental solutions from STILL. The robust forklifts are in constant use almost everywhere you look – whether for setting up and dismantling stands, securing routes or transporting equipment. “In addition to the flexibility we need, the rental forklifts from STILL also give us the confidence that everything will run smoothly,” attests Konrad Straube. This type of rental allows organisers to use forklifts only as and when needed. As they are generally only required temporarily for major events, there is no need for storage, maintenance and long-term investment. “This saves us a significant amount of fixed costs while also giving us access to state-of-the-art equipment,” says Straube. The contract is designed to be flexible, so costs can be clearly calculated – a major advantage when planning events.

Flexibility for changing requirements

Depending on the type and size of the event, organisers require different types of forklift. Heavier loads and off-road capability are key for concerts or festivals, for example, while triathlons like the one in Hamburg require special tyres to protect sensitive cobblestones. Timo Gubernatis emphasises the diversity that STILL has to offer in this respect: “We offer solutions for every scenario – from conventional front loaders to specialised equipment. Our customers can choose between models for indoor and outdoor use, which makes rental a particularly attractive option.”

Maintenance and repair service included

From the organisers’ perspective, however, renting also means that they don’t have to think about maintenance and repairs. STILL provides these services throughout the entire rental period and ensures that the forklifts are ready for use at all times. If a truck malfunctions, a replacement is immediately available. These services reduce the risk of delays and interruptions, an important factor in event logistics. “With a service partner like STILL, we don’t have to worry about downtime,” confirms Straube.

Rapid availability and customisation

The option to hire additional forklift trucks at short notice is essential, especially when unexpected requirements arise, such as additional safety measures or higher structures. STILL offers a rapid response and the option of adding to or adapting equipment on a flexible basis. “This flexibility is invaluable at major events,” explains Gubernatis. One phone call is usually all it takes, and the trucks are ready for use within a short time.

Modern trucks with the technological edge

Rental forklifts give organisers access to the latest technologies and machines without having to think about constantly updating their fleet. Thanks to innovative features and ergonomic designs, the forklifts can be operated more safely and efficiently – a big advantage for staff. Konrad Straube says: “Modern forklifts that are easy to operate and especially efficient are naturally our first choice at our events.”

The future of event technology: rentals for flexibility

Given these factors, renting forklifts has long been more than just a pragmatic solution – it represents a strategic decision that allows companies to operate with maximum efficiency and flexibility at major events such as the Suzuki World Triathlon Hamburg. That’s why the DTU and STILL are planning to continue their successful partnership in future and are looking to deploy these proven solutions at other events – such as in Dresden or other German cities. “This shows that our forklifts are an indispensable player in event logistics,” sums up Timo Gubernatis. “By teaming up with us, organisers can be confident that everything will run smoothly – no matter how big the challenge.”