Search
shop

‘Vikings are on fire’: Runner-up Lange hails Ditlev’s Roth display

German star underlines return from injury with record-breaking run to claim second place at Challenge Roth
News Director
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Much of the talk after a dramatic Challenge Roth centred around the withdrawal early on the run of Jan Frodeno in what was his first race of an injury-blighted 2022.

The modern day GOAT had been going toe-to-toe with eventual winner Magnus Ditlev at the head of the race before his unfortunate exit.

But gracefully powering through the field and into the runner-up spot thanks to a new record marathon time at Roth of 2:35:10 was another legendary German, who also ticked the boxes of multiple IRONMAN World Championship winner and defending Challenge Roth champion.

Unfortunately Patrick Lange also had another thing in common with Frodeno too – battling back from injury, after a bike crash earlier in the year saw him undergo surgery on his shoulder.

Advertisement

Digging deep

Thankfully he was able to make it to the finish line and in some style too, which bodes well for the rest of his 2022 campaign.

DATEV Challenge Roth 2022 - Patrick Lange finish line
[Photo Credit: Lars Pamler / Challenge Roth]

Talking to Belinda Granger afterwards on the race’s live broadcast he admitted: “It was a tough day from the start and I had to give it everything. I don’t think I have ever had to dig so deep.

“In the swim I was a little bit cold and got tight hip flexors. The first hour on the bike I pushed more watts than I normally would but was still losing time to the front group.

“I’ve had no racing experience this year because of the shoulder injury so it was hard to know what to expect and I think what was missing was the toughness from the races and right now I can’t move my arm over 90 degrees, which shows how tight the schedule was.

“But we had this plan and even if I was isolated I just stuck to it and did whatever I could – and I made sure I gave any thoughts of giving up no space, but instead just kept pushing.”

‘The Vikings are all on fire’

It was on the run that Lange cut through the field but there was no getting to impressive winner Ditlev, who finished nine minutes ahead of him.

And Lange was full of praise for the 24-year-old Dane’s performance, putting it very much in the same bracket as those we’ve seen in the last 12 months from fellow Scandinavian and current IRONMAN World Champion Kristian Blummenfelt.

Lange said: “Nobody in the world would have beaten Magnus today. This is really the most insane performance in triathlon I have ever seen.

“He is definitely the big guy for the future. He’s super smart – he’s almost like a scientist, but I love that. The Vikings are all on fire!”

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
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
Laura Philipp celebrates Challenge Roth win 2025
Challenge Roth 2025 women’s results: World Champion Laura Philipp a class apart
Sam Laidlow Challenge Roth run 2025
WATCH AGAIN: Challenge Roth 2025 as Philipp and Laidlow take centre stage
Julie Derron wins T100 San Francisco 2025
Olympic medallist and T100 winner reveals she’s stepping up to full distance next
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...