Search
shop

Daniel Baekkegard relives ‘pure mayhem’ in Roth as he tried to match insane Ditlev bike split

The bike leg in Roth was one for the ages...
Staff Reporter
Last updated -
STRENGTH. ENDURANCE. PERFORMANCE.

For those watching Magnus Ditlev tear apart the competition at Challenge Roth last month, it was likely a relief to be spectating from the comfort of their own homes rather than just metres away from the Danish star’s wheels.

Compatriot Daniel Baekkegard experienced Ditlev’s incredible bike split up close and personal after he rode with his countryman and Sam Laidlow for much of the leg before a mechanical forced him to lose a significant amount of time.

Reflecting on the epic race, Baekkegard recounted just how crazy it felt riding with Ditlev at that record-breaking race was, and the thoughts going through his head at the time.

Advertisement

“Magnus comes by and I was like f***”

Daniel said that after starting with a solid swim, it was a shock to be caught so soon by Ditlev on two wheels as he launched a massive attack.

“Coming into transition, I was just in the zone, getting through as quick as possible, getting on the bike and getting going.

“Five minutes in, ten minutes in, hell knows, Magnus comes by and I was like f***, holy s***, this is going to be a tough one and I’m pretty sure Sam [Laidlow] felt the same.

“Basically in that moment I just made the decision to race, went with him and Sam and I felt like I got my legs ripped off a couple of times!”

The pace never dropped

Such was the intensity of those initial stages on the bike, Baekkegard was certain he just had to hold on until the pace slowed, something that eventually he realised was never going to happen.

Daniel Baekkegard - IRONMAN 70.3 Lanzarote 2023 - bike
Photo Credit: IRONMAN

“When I was there, I thought okay it’s probably just going to be a couple more minutes, of intense hurt, then we will take it down a notch, but that moment just didn’t come.

“In some ways, you question if you can push that amount of watts for the full 180km. The first hour was just pure mayhem, but it was nice to be in the mix.”

After a mechanical at the top of Solar Hill, Baekkegard fell back and lost valuable time trying to solve his bike issues. Despite having to navigate an extremely stressful period, he managed to stay in control and finished the race strong.

Tomos Land
Written by
Tomos Land
Tomos Land is a triathlon & running journalist whose expertise lies in the professional world of short course & long distance triathlon, though he also boasts an extensive knowledge of ultra-running.
Discover more
Dave Ellis / Luke Pollard - World Para Triathlon Championships Pontevedra 2023
Golden opportunity – British Triathlon launches search for LA2028 paratriathlon guides
IRONMAN Lanzarote 2024 - Anne Haug on run course
Best marathon shoes for Ironman – the ‘legal’ super shoes you CAN wear to level up your run split
Challenge Sanremo 2024 - Photo: Jose Luis Hourcade
How to fuel your triathlon training: Expert nutritionist tips to help you nail every session
swim start IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2024 photo credit Tony Svensson IRONMAN
Level up your Ironman swim split – must-read tips from an expert swim coach
Ironman gear guide – everything you need to get to the finish line of a full distance triathlon
latest News
Richard Varga Jonny Brownlee Arzachena
Triathlon legend Jonny Brownlee reveals ‘Last Dance’ motivation behind latest challenge
IRONMAN Kona 2022 Age Group Results
How will “re-imagined” IRONMAN World Championship at Kona actually look for Age Groupers?
Lucy Charles-Barclay IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2023 Finish
IRONMAN World Championship goes ALL IN on Kona again with men and women to race on same day from 2026
Laura Philipp and Kat Matthews on the run at the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship
Nice gets consolation prize of 70.3 Worlds after IRONMAN World Championships return to Kona
Kona scenic 2022 photo credit Getty Images for IRONMAN
The survey results which prompted IRONMAN’s dramatic Kona U-turn
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...