Search
shop

Daniel Baekkegard says ‘it f***ing sucks’ as illness rules him out of IRONMAN World Championship

Devastating news for the great Dane
Editor-In-Chief
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

A stellar field for Sunday’s IRONMAN World Championship in Nice lost one of its most exciting talents on Tuesday with the news that Denmark’s Daniel Baekkegard will miss the big race.

The 27-year-old Scandinavian star would have been one of the major players in a terrific line-up, headed by Jan Frodeno as the German great takes in his ‘last dance’ as a professional triathlete.

But Baekkegard announced on Tuesday that he has not recovered from the illness he contracted while taking part in the PTO Asian Open in Singapore last month. He eventually finished sixth behind Kristian Blummenfelt in the big 100km showdown, but is still now feeling the impact of the trip.

Advertisement

Baekkegard on IMWC Nice KO

Writing on Instagram, he told his 52k followers: “I’ll unfortunately not be able to start Ironman World Championships on Sunday. I picked up sickness and infection in Singapore and haven’t been able to get fully back into training yet.

“It f***ing sucks to be sidelined for the culmination of my season and especially on a spectacular course like Nice. It gave me butterflies in my stomach when I did the recon together with @canyon in June! Unfortunately moments like these are the other side of the medal. I look forward to what I hope will be pure fireworks on race day!”

While Nice may have been one of the defining goals of the 2023 season for Baekkegard, he is hopeful there will still be a big day or two still to come before the campaign ends.

“I strive to get over this in time for some racing later this season. We’re not done yet.

Huge shoutout and lots of love to my amazing partners, my team and all of you rooting for me going into Nice! It’s been really amazing to feel your support🫶🏽”

Graham Shaw
Written by
Graham Shaw
Graham has been involved with TRI247 & RUN247 since the summer of 2021. Since then he has provided strategic direction for all news and is passionate about the growth of triathlon as a fan sport.
Discover more
tri-fit vortex tri suit review
TRI-FIT VORTEX tri suit review – race day approved performance
Maja Stage Nielsen Kat Matthews Jocelyn McCauley IRONMAN Texas 2023 podium photo credit IRONMAN
PremiumRacing to keep up: Is social media making us train harder?
Cadomotus chronos aero triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Wahoo ELEMNT RIVAL
PremiumTraining to heart rate vs power on the bike
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumHow to pace a triathlon to leave it all out there WITHOUT blowing up
latest News
Sam Laidlow IRONMAN World Championship 2023 Nice finish line celebration
Title favourite Sam Laidlow focusing on the mind as well as the body ahead of Nice showdown
Kat Matthews wins IRONMAN 703 Swansea 2025 finish line
IRONMAN 70.3 Zell am See-Kaprun 2025: Date, start times and how to watch live
Chrissie Wellington 2023 photo credit: Challenge Roth
IRONMAN legend Chrissie Wellington shortlisted in BBC vote for ‘UK Sportswoman of the 21st Century’
Alex Yee Cassandre Beaugrand gold medals supertri Boston photo credit supertri
WTCS French Riviera 2025: Date, start times and how to watch Yee and Beaugrand in races of the season so far
Georgia Taylor Brown T100 London 2025 bike
Olympic superstar GTB looking to learn from London at T100 French Riviera
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.

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£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

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£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...