Search
shop

Ryf reckons world record bonus beckons for Challenge Roth winner

The stakes couldn't be much higher in the women's race at Challenge Roth - and Daniela Ryf believes that will spark a record time.
News Director
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

“Whoever wants to win the race will probably have to break the world record.”

That was the view of five time IRONMAN World Champion Daniela Ryf as she looked ahead to Sunday’s mouthwatering women’s race at Challenge Roth.

All the Kona champions from 2015 onwards – Ryf, Anne Haug and Chelsea Sodaro – will line up.

As will Laura Phillip, who has come closer than any of them to beating Chrissie Wellington’s fastest-ever full-distance time, with her 8:18:20 in Hamburg last year just seven seconds away.

‘I’ll need to have the perfect day’

So no wonder Swiss star Ryf feels the record is not just under threat but more than likely to be broken.

“The focus for me will be to beat the ladies sat next to me,” said Ryf at Thursday’s press conference – with the panel completed by Brit Fenella Langridge, who was third on her Roth debut in 2021 and second last year after leading for much of the way.

Women press conf Challenge Roth 2023
Sunday’s race promises to be a special one [Photo credit: Challenge Roth]

“I’m in the shape I need to be but will need to have the perfect day,” added Ryf.

And in common with the four women sat alongside her, she relished the fact that the best were racing the best and taking each other to new heights.

It’s about going beyond yourself – getting the very best out of yourself is a wonderful feeling that I can’t even describe.

Best bring best out of each other

That was very much echoed by Haug, who is looking for a third straight and said: “I think whoever wins this almost has to break the world record.”

And we chatted to reigning Kona champ Sodaro to get her perspective on what is both a stellar race and vintage time for women’s racing, with all the big guns more than happy to square up to each other.

That in-depth interview will appear shortly but she told us: “Of course there can only be one winner on Sunday, but I think that there can be more than just one really phenomenal performance.”

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
Paris 2024 Women's Triathlon podium - Cassandre Beaugrand, Julie Derron, Beth Potter
GOLDEN opportunity for the sport as first medals of LA2028 will be women’s triathlon
Gordon Ramsay 703 Luxembourg 2025
‘I’M BACK and Cooking!’ – Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay celebrates triathlon return
Danielle Lewis (USA) takes the win in Lake Placid.
Start list for IRONMAN Lake Placid REVEALED – and it’s stacked with world class names
Julie Derron wins T100 San Francisco 2025
IRONMAN Vitoria-Gasteiz 2025: Olympic star wins by MORE than half an hour for first full-distance win
Matt Hauser Linn Jeffcoat Willian Australia win Mixed Relay WTCS Hamburg 2025
WTCS Hamburg 2025 Mixed Relay World Championship: Hauser anchors Australia to glory
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

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...