Search
shop

Alistair Brownlee on Switzerland start list as Nice options go down to wire

The double Olympic champion still has to book his IRONMAN World Championship place - can he do the business in Thun on 9 July?
News Director
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Alistair Brownlee is one of 56 names on the provisional start list for IRONMAN Switzerland on 9 July, which is now held in Thun.

The double-Olympic champion has entered various long-distance races this season – including IRONMANs South Africa, Hamburg, France and Austria – but has yet to toe the line.

He made an encouraging return from injury when he was right in the mix at the stacked PTO European Open in Ibiza before fading slightly on the run and finishing sixth. And he followed that a week later with victory at XTERRA Weston Park.

Advertisement

Last chance saloon

Ahead of a potential appearance at IRONMAN Hamburg he posted: “I entered the race to give myself an option and I’ve been doing everything I can to get Ironman fit since the European Open.

“After a tough few weeks, my body has struggled to be ready in time for this race. My focus now shifts to a later Ironman which I’ll confirm soon.”

Alistair Brownlee Kalmar 2022 win photo credit Getty Images for IRONMAN
Brownlee’s last IRONMAN saw him win in Sweden [Photo credit: Getty Images for IRONMAN]

IRONMAN Switzerland is the last European-based race which has spots (two) on offer for the IRONMAN World Championship in Nice, for which Brownlee is yet to qualify.

Last year he left it to the last possible opportunity too when he won IRONMAN Kalmar in Switzerland in superb style and with the fastest full-distance time by a British athlete.

While injuries have proved frustrating, his full-distance record is seriously impressive – four races and three wins, with the sole exception his only appearance to date in Kona back in 2019.

Who are his potential opponents?

The course in Switzerland – especially the bike, which is described as ‘hilly’ – should play to his strengths.

However it’s a strong start list, with the likes of world #9 Daniel Baekkegard, World Long Distance champion and last weekend’s IRONMAN France winner Clement Mignon and even pro biker Cam Wurf also on it.

That trio have already qualified for Nice though and there must be doubts about them all lining up – especially Wurf who has already raced four IRONMANs this season.

Jonathan Turner
Written by
Jonathan Turner
Jonathan Turner is News Director for both TRI247 and RUN247, and is accustomed to big-name interviews, breaking news stories and providing unrivalled coverage for endurance sports.  
Discover more
TRI247 podcast p/b Challenge Family episode 2
Go behind the scenes at Challenge Roth with the latest episode of the TRI247 podcast
Cadomotus Chronos triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Challenge Family Roth
Five things you need to know about the Challenge Roth bike course
Challenge St. Pölten 2024 - image credit Jose Luis Hourcade / Challenge Family
Expert swim coach on the three most common swim mistakes age group triathletes make (and how to fix them!)
TRI-FIT VANGUARD tri suit review
The entry-level tri suit with a serious amount of performance for the price point – TRI-FIT VANGUARD review
latest News
Anne Haug wins Challenge Roth 2024 [Photo credit: Simon Fischer | Challenge Roth]
Anne Haug on inspiration ahead of comeback, sub-eight and no intention of retiring just yet
Caroline Pohle Ironman 70.3 Zell Am See 2024
CHAOS as Lena Meissner wins amazing sprint finish to become 70.3 European Champion and is then DEMOTED
Alistair Brownlee Nathan Edmondson Oxenhope Straw Race 2025
Olympic legend Alistair Brownlee dons Trump costume and downs pints in fundraising Oxenhope Straw Race
Sam Laidlow joy Challenge Roth win 2025
Challenge Roth hero Sam Laidlow thought he was in front for HOURS before taking lead
Sam Laidlow celebrates Challenge Roth win 2025
Challenge Roth 2025 men’s results: INCREDIBLE comeback win for Sam Laidlow
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

Share to...