Magnus Ditlev will chase a third successive Challenge Roth title this season, after the Danish star was announced as the leading star in a stacked men’s field bound for Bavaria on July 7.
After defending his title in emphatic fashion last season, Ditlev went on to finish on the podium at the IRONMAN World Championship. So far in 2024, the uberbiker has not set a foot wrong, winning the first T100 Tour race of the year in Miami.
Joining Ditlev in Roth on the men’s side is a start list full of top names, such as last year’s runner-up Patrick Lange, who is returning to race in front of a home crowd one year on from running a mind boggling 2:30 marathon off the bike.
“This race holds such a special place in my heart”
For Ditlev, Roth is a very special place and after his wins in 2022 and 2023, the PTO World #2 admitted it was impossible to resist the allure of returning for a shot at the three-peat in 2024.
“I’m happy to announce I will have a go at a three-peat at Challenge Roth this summer! This race holds such a special place in my heart, the amazing atmosphere, the great people of Roth and of course, a fast and challenging course that suits me. I can’t wait to toe the line again against a stacked field and give my best once more.”
For Lange, the race has a similarly magical hold on him, with the two-time IRONMAN World Champion ready to give it his all in three months time to upset Ditlev and give the home crowd a major cause for celebration.
“40 years of triathlon in Roth. Of course I will be there. This race holds a special place in my heart since 2021, and I can’t wait to dive into the incredible atmosphere with dedicated volunteers, a roaring fan crowd, and flawless organization.”
Limitless competition for the podium
What makes Challenge Roth so special is the incredible fields the race manages to attract year after year, with 2024 no exception. On the men’s side, there are at least ten world class athletes capable of finishing on the podium on their day.
American Rudy von Berg, fourth at the IRONMAN World Championship last year, is one such athlete, as is Daniel Baekkegard, who narrowly missed out on the podium with a fourth place finish last year.
Pieter Heemeryck, a true fan favourite and one of last year’s biggest stars, will also start in Roth. Other top professionals such as Frenchmen Leon Chevalier and Clement Mignon will also be looking to make an impact.
Finally, British former short course athlete Tom Bishop will compete in his second ever full distance event. After a DNF at Challenge Almere last year, the Derby native will hope he can put together the type of performance he is capable of in Roth and if he does, could be a dark horse for the podium.
