Search
shop

Gustav Iden gives his verdict on Sam Laidlow’s ‘truly insane’ IMWC Nice performance

There's been huge mutual respect between the last two IRONMAN World Champions
News Director
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Gustav Iden has called Sam Laidlow‘s IRONMAN World Championship-winning performance “truly insane” and says he can’t wait to resume their rivalry next year.

The Norwegian star set a course record time when winning on his debut in Kona in 2022, overhauling Laidlow late on the run, but could only watch and admire from the sidelines last week in Nice as the Frenchman claimed his crown.

Advertisement

‘A champion in all respects’

This year has been hugely difficult for Iden, both on a personal and professional level, and he ended it early to re-focus on 2024.

The Paris Olympics have been his stated aim but it sounds like it won’t be long before he again moves back up in distance.

Writing on Instagram, alongside the photo below, he said: “Everybody is working hard, but it takes a lot of courage to win the @ironmantri World Championship.

“To attack the course like @samlaidlow did, especially after a challenging season is truly insane.

“A champion in all aspects of the word. Looking forward to battle him and the rest of the guys next year :)”

Sam Laidlow / Gustav Iden - IRONMAN World Championship 2022
Sam Laidlow and Gustav Iden at Kona in 2022 [Photo Credit: Glen Murray for KoruptVision/IRONMAN]

‘Let’s put on a show’

The “challenging season” for Laidlow has included a DNF after leading IRONMAN Lanzarote due to gut issues and a liver infection, a torn calf muscle at Challenge Roth when in a similar position and then a bout of COVID just three weeks before Nice.

All of which made his victory all the more impressive and he was one of the first to respond to the post, matching Gustav’s sportsmanship by saying: “You raised the game mate. Don’t forget that. Let’s put on a show 🫱🏼‍🫲🏽”

As well as the mutual respect it was also good to hear that Iden, who added some fantastic insights from the commentary booth in Nice, is now relishing a return to the race arena as he signed off his post with: “Very motivated to get back to it now, but courageous enough to keep the off-season going for a bit longer.”

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
TRI247 podcast p/b Challenge Family episode 2
Go behind the scenes at Challenge Roth with the latest episode of the TRI247 podcast
Cadomotus Chronos triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Challenge Family Roth
Five things you need to know about the Challenge Roth bike course
Challenge St. Pölten 2024 - image credit Jose Luis Hourcade / Challenge Family
Expert swim coach on the three most common swim mistakes age group triathletes make (and how to fix them!)
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
latest News
Anne Haug wins Challenge Roth 2024 [Photo credit: Simon Fischer | Challenge Roth]
Anne Haug on inspiration ahead of comeback, sub-eight and no intention of retiring just yet
Caroline Pohle Ironman 70.3 Zell Am See 2024
CHAOS as Lena Meissner wins amazing sprint finish to become 70.3 European Champion and is then DEMOTED
Alistair Brownlee Nathan Edmondson Oxenhope Straw Race 2025
Olympic legend Alistair Brownlee dons Trump costume and downs pints in fundraising Oxenhope Straw Race
Sam Laidlow joy Challenge Roth win 2025
Challenge Roth hero Sam Laidlow thought he was in front for HOURS before taking lead
Sam Laidlow celebrates Challenge Roth win 2025
Challenge Roth 2025 men’s results: INCREDIBLE comeback win for Sam Laidlow
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...