Search
shop

‘I had to fight’: Haug reflects on Challenge Roth battle

It didn't start well, but Anne Haug reflects on fighting back to retain her Challenge Roth title on home soil in Bavaria
Chief Correspondent
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Two seconds behinds Great Britain’s Fenella Langridge in the swim at DATEV Challenge Roth last year, that deficit was exactly seven minutes more today in Bavaria for repeat winner, Anne Haug.

That put her on the back foot from the start, something she noted shortly after adding another impressive victory to her C.V.

Advertisement

‘I gave everything I had’

“I really had to fight today. I didn’t have the swim that I would have wished for and it made me in a position where I had to push a bit on the bike,” she explained.

“And then the run was really hard. I felt okay until the half marathon and then I had a bit of a down phase. I got a bee sting in my neck, so it was mentally a bit tough for me, but in the end I’m super happy with my performance. I gave everything I had today and you have to be happy with that.”

Haug reduced the deficit slightly with a 4:33:45 bike split, but she would still start the run with more than five-and-a-half minutes to make up. Did she feel she could catch the Brit?

“You never know, because you can’t influence how good the others are, you can just influence your own performance. I tried my very best and I saw that on the run I can get closer and I calculated that maybe I can catch her around the half marathon – but then you go in the lead and mentally it’s a lot tougher than if you are chasing.

“So I just focussed on myself, tried to stay as relaxed as possible, make my nutrition right and do everything that I can. I’m super happy to see the finish line.”

Home comforts

While she won the race last year, COVID restrictions at the time meant far less of the crowds that Challenge Roth is renowned for. They were back in force – and for Haug, a year on from her own pandemic-related health issues – that added to her feelings today.

“It was tough, but I felt better than last year because then I had the COVID disease in the background and I didn’t feel well on the run at all.

“Today it was a bit better and it is always great to be in front of a home crowd, it makes it very special for me. I’m super happy.”

DATEV Challenge Roth 2022 - Anne Haug finish line
All smiles this year for Anne Haug [Photo Credit: Lars Pamler / Challenge Roth]
John Levison
Written by
John Levison
TRI247's Chief Correspondent, John has been involved in triathlon for well over 30 years, 15 of those writing on these pages, whilst he can also be found commentating for events across the UK.
Discover more
tri-fit vortex tri suit review
TRI-FIT VORTEX tri suit review – race day approved performance
Maja Stage Nielsen Kat Matthews Jocelyn McCauley IRONMAN Texas 2023 podium photo credit IRONMAN
PremiumRacing to keep up: Is social media making us train harder?
Cadomotus chronos aero triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Wahoo ELEMNT RIVAL
PremiumTraining to heart rate vs power on the bike
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumHow to pace a triathlon to leave it all out there WITHOUT blowing up
latest News
Hayden Wilde wins T100 London 2025
T100 French Riviera 2025: Date, start time, who’s racing and how to watch live
Jeanne Lehair Georgia Taylor Brown Fanni Szalai Supertri Chicago
Supertri Chicago 2025 women’s results: Lehair holds off Olympic star Taylor-Brown
Alberto Gonzalez Garcia wins Supertri Chicago
Supertri Chicago 2025 men’s results: Speedy Gonzalez Garcia STUNS the big names
Jeanne Lehair Supertri Chicago 2025
WATCH AGAIN: Supertri Chicago 2025 as Lehair and Gonzalez Garcia take the wins
Tim Don Supertri Toronto 2025
Tim Don: Watch out for Jonny Brownlee bounce back and Fanni Szalai at Supertri Chicago
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...