Search
shop

Frederic Funk hungry for more success after third at The Championship

Frederic Funk reflects on his third place finish at The Championship.
Staff Reporter
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Rising star Frederic Funk was happy with his performance at The Championship last weekend, where he finished in third, but for the 25 year old, there are bigger results on the horizon.

Ranked PTO World #11 for a reason, the German was third at last year’s World Long Course Championships and fifth at both the PTO Canadian Open and IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships.

Coached by Dan Lorang, Funk held nothing back in his assessment of the race in Slovakia, acknowledging that it was a step in the right direction after a disappointing Ibiza, but also hinting that this was just the start of a special season.

Advertisement

Šamorín always surprise me”

Reliving the brutal nature of The Championship, Funk shared that the conditions, along with the demands of the flat and fast bike course, made for incredibly tough racing.

The Championship 2022 Frederic Funk swim
Photo Credit: Jose Luis Hourcade

“It was really really hard, once again. It was my fifth time here at Šamorín, but it still surprises me every year how hard it is.”

Breaking down the race, Funk highlighted how difficult it was to get going in water temperatures that just topped 14 degrees celsius.

“The swim was in really cold water, it was tough for me at the start to get my cadence up in my arms but eventually I came out in a good position and with a good group.

“On the bike, it was about working my way up to the front. I caught them after about 20km, I struggled a little with my back to keep my position to be honest, so still have to work on that for the season.

“When I came off the bike, I was surprised how good I felt, because I struggled a little like I said, but luckily my legs came around and compared to my best times in Šamorín it was definitely my best run performance.”

“I do want to keep pushing on”

Whilst third is still a very respectable result, Funk, who had a great training block over the winter, has big ambitions for the rest of the season, especially once he translates his bike form from training to racing.

“It was not what I wanted to do on the bike, but it is okay. It is similar to what I did last year in my performances throughout the season really.

“I actually improved a lot on the bike over the winter and I really wanted to show that, but it is only May and I still have more chances to do so.

“I do want to keep pushing on and do even better this season, like I said I feel like I have progressed, and I am ready to do better, but I still have plenty more chances. For now I am happy with third place, but there’s more to come.” 

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
TRI-FIT VORTEX men's tri suit
Beyond marginal gains: A deep dive into the making of TRI-FIT’s most ambitious and advanced tri suit to date
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumHow to pace a triathlon to leave it all out there WITHOUT blowing up
Castelli Aero Pro 8S women's cycling jersey
Castelli Aero Pro 8S cycling jersey review: can this ultra-aero jersey turn watts into speed without dialling down on comfort?
Wahoo ELEMNT RIVAL
PremiumTraining to heart rate vs power on the bike
Alistair Brownlee bike penalty T100 Ibiza 2024 Photo credit PTO
PremiumWhat’s the most aero way to carry water on your triathlon bike?
latest News
Hayden Wilde New Plymouth 2023 photo credit Cameron Mackenzie / World Triathlon
Olympic and then world title on home soil for Hayden Wilde in 2028? It’s come a step closer…
Matt Hanson IRONMAN Cairns run 2025
American star on the costly lessons learned from THREE Ironmans in FIVE weeks
Sam Laidlow bike IRONMAN Leeds 2025
Laidlow and Skipper hail anti-drafting progress – but highlight bigger issues
Julia Skala end of Norseman 2025
“A fight for self-worth, strength and healing,” Julia Skala on world’s toughest triathlon
Steve McKenna got the win at the 40th edition of IRONMAN New Zealand.
Star IRONMAN athlete clocks a sub-2:20 marathon – and says there’s more to come
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...