Search
shop

Gustav Iden thinks “the age of the superbikers is gone” in triathlon with complete race needed

Gustav Iden on the IMWC and what it takes now to win at the highest level
Staff Reporter
Last updated -
STRENGTH. ENDURANCE. PERFORMANCE.

Gustav Iden, the 2022 IRONMAN World Champion from Kona, watched from the sidelines last weekend as the man he caught in the dying stages of the marathon 11 months ago claimed his first world title.

Sam Laidlow, who came so close before being run down by the Norwegian on the Big Island last October, was utterly dominant across the board this time around, as he took the win by almost four minutes.

Commentating on the live broadcast during the race, Iden noted that the era of the “superbiker” now seems to be all but over, with Laidlow, despite his dominant display on two wheels, still having to run a 2:41 marathon to hold off Patrick Lange for the win.

Advertisement

Iden on ‘superbikers’

Making his comments whilst discussing Magnus Ditlev, Iden noted that the Dane seemed to have transitioned from relying on his bike prowess to becoming the complete triathlete, with his focus now on putting together the best complete race possible.

“I don’t think Magnus [Ditlev] is aiming for the fastest possible bike split, I think he is thinking more like a triathlete and I think the age of superbikers is gone, you have to run so fast these days to perform at the end of a triathlon.

“No-one is really looking at the fastest bike split anymore, it’s just about who crosses the finish line first. I really hope that Magnus is being smart and not over-pacing himself and then we will see maybe his best marathon ever.” 

Ditlev did indeed end up running his second fastest marathon split outside of Challenge Roth, with winner Laidlow going more than three minutes quicker than his next best performance in an Ironman.

Sam Laidlow / Gustav Iden - IRONMAN World Championship 2022
Photo Credit: Glen Murray for KoruptVision/IRONMAN

Perhaps showing signs of the dawning of a new era, Laidlow split the fifth fastest swim, fastest bike and sixth quickest run to win in Nice.

The Frenchman’s strength across the board, and his ability to put together such a tremendous run off the bike, is a real indicator that the level just keeps on increasing every year at the IRONMAN World Championship.

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
Taylor Knibb 2024 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship Taupo New Zealand
US triathlon phenom Taylor Knibb hails great rival Kat Matthews for record-breaking IRONMAN Texas win
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
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...