Among the strong German contingent chasing a home victory at Challenge Roth this weekend, two athletes at very different stages of their careers will be hoping to upset the odds and write their own chapters in this iconic race’s rich history.

The contrast between Patrick Lange and rookie Rico Bogen could hardly be greater. On the one hand, you have a 39-year-old triathlon legend who has won three IRONMAN world championships, took the tape at Roth in 2021, and followed that up with two second-placed finishes in 2022 and 2023.

And then there is Bogen. Fourteen years younger than his more illustrious compatriot, this impressively quick middle-distance specialist is now making his debut not only at Roth but also at a full-distance triathlon.

Can the master and apprentice spring a surprise?

A real ‘master and apprentice’ scenario: they both arrived in Bavaria this week knowing that in many ways – and yet in very different ways – the pressure was off.

Bogen said as much in his pre-race interview on Thursday, explaining that not even he had any preconceived expectations of glory… although he did then cheekily predict Monday’s newspaper headlines hailing the rookie’s shock victory.

Lange, too, has something of a free pass this weekend. With all eyes on the expected battle between Kristian Blummenfelt and Sam Laidlow, the 2017, 2018 and 2024 world champion arrives in Roth somewhat under the radar.

Indeed, as he met the press on Thursday, it was almost as though he felt that he needed to remind everyone of his achievements and the fact that he has a handy knack of putting in a decent performance when lining up against the big boys.

‘It’s good to dream about it and make it a reality’

He has seen many changes to the sport during his long and successful career but is proud of the fact that he has been able to adapt and continue to challenge at the very top of the sport.

“It’s been proven that I always perform in the most stacked field,” he said. “I’m pretty sure I’m the only one here with three world championship titles to my name – it’s good to dream about it and make it a reality on Sunday.

“The key is being prepared to question what used to work well and adapt to an event that keeps developing, and every year it’s getting better and every year you ask, ‘How is this even possible?’

“The Norwegians are the pioneers in this area, and if you’re not prepared to put this level of effort in, you’ll fall behind. ‘Driven’ is the right word.”

And his love for the sport is showing little sign of waning, even as he approaches his 40th year.

‘It’s always been my dream to be here’

“I’m unbelievably grateful that I’ve been able to experience this for nearly 30 years,” he added. “It’s always been my dream to be here. I fell in love with the sport 30 years ago at my first triathlon, and when you’re sitting eating pizza and enjoying family time, and the children are playing triathlon in the garden, you know you have succeeded.

“This is what I really enjoy and what gets me in the water every morning to train.”

As for Bogen, he arrives for his first taste of Roth, eager to enjoy and make the most of what he expects to be an incredible experience.

“I’m here as a rookie, but I have my own strengths, and I think I can be part of the field – I don’t have to be part of the podium; I don’t have to win. I’m just going to enjoy it,” he said. “I’m not too nervous; I have respect for the distance, and I don’t know what to expect, but I’m not putting myself under that much pressure, and I’m looking forward to taking in the vibe of the race.”

And his suggested headline for Monday’s newspapers? “The rookie takes the long-distance win!”

Now that really would be a great story.