Search
shop

Laura Philipp says Roth 2024 is a ‘better challenge’ now as she relishes big Anne Haug showdown

They were both on the podium last year and Laura Philipp is looking forward to another great battle with Anne Haug on Sunday.
News Director
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Laura Philipp says the late decision of Anne Haug to add her name to the Challenge Roth start list has made it a “better challenge”.

A week ago, world number six Philipp looked the overwhelming favourite for a first Roth victory on what will be her second attempt at the race. Els Visser – at #20 in the PTO rankings – was her only rival in the top 20.

That was in stark contrast to last year when Philipp was third in one of the greatest races in women’s long-distance triathlon history.

Daniela Ryf was a class apart that day as she rewrote the Ironman record books by taking nearly 10 minutes off the previous best full-distance time set by Chrissie Wellington way back in 2011.

But two-time Roth winner Haug in second (8:21:09) and Philipp in third (8:25:31) more than played their part too.

‘Looking forward to this second chance’

Ever since that memorable day, Philipp has been looking forward to a return.

She said at the pre-race press conference: “This race is highly important to me. It’s my first season highlight and I’ve been looking forward to it since I crossed the line last year.

“Preparation has been good, and I have trained well; I’ve gone through some races this year, and that helped me to gain mental strength from race to race, and now I’m really looking forward to my first long-distance of the year. I’m interested to see what my form will be.”

Her form at middle distance has certainly been impressive. Four races and not once out of the top four, with a win at IRONMAN 70.3 Kraichgau where she defended her title and then a third behind Taylor Knibb and Kat Matthews last time out at T100 San Francisco.

Since then, things have gone like clockwork: “Everything has been planned and I’ve done some relaxation in the lead-in and I’m wanting to see how I can perform.

“I’m grateful that I’m here back again, healthy and happy, and I’m looking forward to this second chance.”

Win ‘would be worth even more’

Philipp remains the highest-ranked athlete in the women’s race at Roth but the addition of Haug, #8 in the standings, adds a different dynamic to the race – and one which Philipp is relishing.

She said: “I’d like to win of course, but the winning chances were diminished by Anne starting.

But the challenge has grown because of this and it has become a better challenge.

“So if I was able to earn a victory it would be worth even more with Anne in the field. I’m looking forward to a very special race.”

Laura Philipp Challenge Roth press conference 2024 Photo credit: Heike Liedtke Challenge Roth
Laura Philipp chats to the media [Photo credit: Heike Liedtke | Challenge Roth]
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
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumTriathlon’s mid-season report card: Tim Don on who’s raising the bar this triathlon race season
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
Hayden Wilde bike supertri Boston 2024 photo credit supertri
Premium10 ways to make your road bike faster and more aero for triathlons
Kristian Blummenfelt photo credit: PTO Canadian Open
PremiumIs your gut health impacting your performance? The untapped potential of good gut health for triathletes
Laura Philipp and Kat Matthews on the run at the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship
PremiumHas triathlon reached peak performance? Tri experts and legends on how much faster triathletes could get
latest News
Sam Laidlow celebrates Challenge Roth win 2025
IRONMAN Leeds 2025: Date, start time and how to follow live
Anne Haug wins Challenge Roth 2024 [Photo credit: Simon Fischer | Challenge Roth]
Triathlon legend and current world record holder Anne Haug announces her retirement
Lovseth Perterer Sanchez IRONMAN Lake Placid 2025
Rising Norwegian star underlines Kona claims and says that’s now the big goal
Vincent Luis San Francisco 49ers tri suit 2025
Short-course triathlon great Vincent Luis is OUT of T100 London
Marquardt Hogenhaug Foley IRONMAN Lake Placid 2025
‘World Championship level’ – Marquardt says bike bar was raised at Lake Placid
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.

£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

£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...