Search
shop

Challenge Roth 2024: ‘I’ve been training all year for the three-peat’ says Danish superstar Magnus Ditlev

Great Dane looking to create more Roth history on Sunday by becoming only the third man to notch three straight wins.
News Director
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Magnus Ditlev has made Challenge Roth his own in the last two seasons and on Sunday he’ll bid to be only the third man to win three straight titles after Chris McCormack and Lothar Leder.

Leder was the first man to break eight hours for a full-distance triathlon when winning Roth in 1996 but Ditlev’s display last year took it to another level.

He clocked 7:24:40 – a world record full-distance time if we were to discount Kristian Blummenfelt’s 7:21:12 when winning IRONMAN Cozumel in 2021 when there was a strong downstream current for the swim.

None other than the legendary Sebastian Kienle, who will be commentating on Sunday, described that as triathlon’s “moon landing moment”.

Advertisement

‘No easy task’ for great Dane Ditlev

This season has been an up-and-down one for the great Dane. It started with a brilliant victory in the opening T100 race in Miami but a bike accident in the build-up to T100 Singapore ruled him out of that and he came fourth on his return to action last month at T100 San Francisco.

But there was no disguising his delight at being back at Roth when he was the focus of attention at Thursday’s men’s press conference.

He said: “I love everything about this race, it’s my favourite race on the calendar. I feel so welcome and that really helps me perform and it’s an amazing field that Felix [Walchshöfer, the race director] has created so it’s definitely not going to be an easy task.

“It’d be amazing to get the three-peat and that’s definitely what I’ve been training for for the entire season.

“This is my first highlight of the season. Ever since I crossed the finish line last year I’ve been wanting to return. The entire atmosphere here is amazing and coming back to the same lovely homestay family and seeing the familiar faces.”

Euro 2024 pointer?

Home favourite Patrick Lange has been runner-up to Ditlev in each of the last two years but is hoping Germany’s weekend win over Denmark at Euro 2024 last weekend is an omen for this Sunday.

Ditlev though put that result down to the referee and added: “We’ll see if anyone can beat me on Sunday.”

Magnus Ditlev Challenge Roth pre race press conference 2024 photo credit Challenge Roth
Magnus Ditlev (centre) and Patrick Lange (right) at the press conference [Photo credit: Challenge Roth]

The head-to-head score between the duo is 5-1 in Ditlev’s favour, though the only reverse came last time they met at the IRONMAN World Championship in Nice when they were second and third behind Sam Laidlow.

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
Frederic Funk finish line Challenge Samarkand 2023 photo credit Challenge Family
Challenge Roth 2025: German star goes into the unknown in iconic triathlon showdown
Challenge Barcelona 2023 - Photo Credit: Jose Luis Hourcade
‘It’s going to be an absolute firecracker’ says Cam Wurf after booking IRONMAN World Champs spot
Maya Kingma Karlovy Vary win 2024
Two-time Olympic triathlete joins top pro cycling team – and is set to race in Giro d’Italia
Oliver Conway World Triathlon Cuo win Saidia 2025
Breakthrough World Cup win – and Brownlee Racing spot – in memorable week for British youngster
Lionel Sanders wins 70.3 St George 2025 photo credit Getty Images for IRONMAN
Triathlon superstar Lionel Sanders moving again but taking it step by step in injury battle
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...