Search
shop

Alistair Brownlee out of IRONMAN Hamburg showdown with Jan Frodeno

Alistair Brownlee has withdrawn from IRONMAN Hamburg on Sunday but hopes to be back in action in the near future.
Staff Reporter
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Double Olympic champion Alistair Brownlee has withdrawn from the men’s Ironman European Championships at IRONMAN Hamburg where he had been set for another battle with great rival Jan Frodeno.

Brownlee, who last month finished sixth at the PTO Tour European Open in his first race of the season, and has since won XTERRA Weston Park, revealed on social media that not racing in Germany had always been an option.

After missing IRONMAN South Africa at the start of the season, Brownlee will now have to reassess his racing options, with the IRONMAN World Championships in Nice fast approaching.

Advertisement

Showdown will have to wait

With another highly-anticipated head-to-head between Brownlee and Frodeno expected in Hamburg, fans will most certainly be left disappointed by the absence of the Brit, who explained his decision on Instagram.

PTO European Open 2023 Ibiza - Alistair Brownlee
[Photo credit PTO / Darren Wheeler]

“Unfortunately, I won’t be racing in Hamburg on Sunday. 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.”

Where next?

With the next potential races on the calendar with slots at the IRONMAN World Championships close to home looking like IRONMAN Austria and IRONMAN France in Nice, which have two and three places respectively, Brownlee will hopefully be back on a start line sooner rather than later.

Neither start list has yet been officially released but it would be a surprise if Brownlee’s name doesn’t feature.

And he’s not the only high-profile absentee from Hamburg, with the PTO European Open winner Max Neumann also electing to swerve the race and instead travel back to Australia, saying: “Couldn’t get the body into Ironman shape post Ibiza and a small niggle so we decided to head home.”

Tomos Land
Written by
Tomos Land
Tomos Land is a triathlon & running journalist whose expertise lies in the professional world of short course & long distance triathlon, though he also boasts an extensive knowledge of ultra-running.
Discover more
Challenge Sardinia location
Let’s race… Challenge Forte Village Sardinia
Are calf sleeves actually worth it for triathletes? How many watts aero calf compression sleeves could save you
Laura Siddall Patagonman Xtreme Triathlon 2023
PremiumAre we in a triathlon boom, or hurtling towards burnout? Laura Siddall on the growth of the sport
Is sports nutrition bad for you? Ultra-processed foods are under siege, and athletes are caught in the cross fire – but should we be worried?
Challenge Barcelona 2023 - Photo Credit: Jose Luis Hourcade
The ultimate city break triathlon race-cations: from Challenge Barcelona to Singapore T100 these are the best city centre races to combine multisport with sightseeing
latest News
Tommy Fury T100 French Riviera 2025
The curious case of Tommy Fury and the T100 triathlon – or should that be T70?
Fenella Langridge 2 winning GWM IRONMAN Western Australia 2023 photo credit IRONMAN
Good vibes only from Fenella Langridge as comeback from surgery gathers pace
Matt Hauser podium WTCS French Riviera 2025
Matt Hauser right where he wants to be as he closes in on first world title
Marten Van Riel 703 Ironman Nice win 2025
“I couldn’t let IRONMAN World Champs happen without me” – Marten Van Riel is BACK
Hayden Wilde WTCS French Riviera run 2025
‘Anything is possible’ says Hayden Wilde after epic shot at T100 and WTCS double header
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

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

100+ new articles/month

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

100+ new articles/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...