Search
shop

‘I want it to blow real bad’ – Ditlev on how wind could decide Kona

The PTO World #2 has detailed how the conditions will have a role to play on the Big Island
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Magnus Ditlev believes strong winds during the IRONMAN World Championship will boost his chances of victory.

The Dane comes into the Kona race with several strong performances under his belt this year, picking up second at IRONMAN Texas and the PTO US Open, either side of a statement victory at Challenge Roth.

Although he is debuting in the iconic event, Ditlev, who one of the strongest cyclists in triathlon, says his first impressions of the bike course have left him feeling largely confident.

Advertisement

Well suited

“I feel it suits me quite well actually,” the PTO World Ranked #2 told Bob Babbitt on the iconic ‘Breakfast with Bob from Kona’ (embedded below).

“I would have liked maybe a little more elevation on the bike course but if the wind really blows then that could make up for some of it.”

However, one aspect that surprised the 24-year-old was the amount of climbing involved in the 180km route.

“But the bike course is actually harder than I had expected and what you’ll see when you watch the broadcast doesn’t look that hilly as it is,” he noted.

“But especially when you’re climbing up Hawi and going back again and also just on the way back on the Queen K [Highway], it just goes up and down the whole way.

“I think if you have a bad day then it can be a really lonely and tough ride back from Hawi.”

“It just continues and continues. I can’t see why there shouldn’t be some
quite large gaps, especially if the wind blows.”

Wind wishes

And strong winds are exactly what Ditlev is hoping for on Saturday, as such conditions would allow him to further utilise his ability on the bike and enhance his chances of a dream win.

“I want it to blow real bad,” he laughed. “I’ll sort of optimise my setup on the bike towards crosswinds, so I believe if there is a crosswind then I will be quite fast.

Magnus Ditlev wins DATEV Challenge Roth 2022
Magnus Ditlev claimed victory at Challenge Roth in July. [Photo Credit: Lars Pamler / Challenge Roth]

“That’s what I’m racing for, so I’ll try to race for the win and if I end up winning
or not, it’s what I’m always aiming for.”

Despite harbouring hopes of clinching the title, Ditlev recognised that there is a formidable array talent across the men’s field at Kona and asserted that he will be focused on his own race.

“Of course, I know it’s going to be extremely difficult.”

“I’ll probably have more than 10 guys that say they want to win – and can win on paper.”

“So, I don’t try to focus too much on necessarily the win but during the race, executing all my small tasks and nailing the nutrition and the pacing plan and the strategies around that, and then I know if I do that then I will end up in a good spot.”

Record under threat

While he is hoping for wind to benefit his own performance, Ditlev claimed that a calmer day will undoubtedly see the course record – a 7:51:13 set by Jan Frodeno in 2019 – broken.

“If it’s calm conditions then the record will fall for sure,” he stated. “That’s definitely 100% sure.

“But if the wind blows, it can be really windy here, I experienced that myself the other day and then it’s difficult to predict how much it affects the overall times.”

Olly Green
Written by
Olly Green
Olly is is been the content lead for RUN247, is a regular contributor to TRI247 and keeps an eye out for content that appeals to both audiences including interviews with pro Heather Jackson.
Discover more
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumHow to pace a triathlon to leave it all out there WITHOUT blowing up
FORM Smart Swim 2 PRO lens close up
FORM Smart Swim Pro 2 Goggles review: can these high tech goggles actually help you to train smarter and swim faster?
Premium‘The difference from triathlon is so big – there’s no comparison’: Maya Kingma on life in the Women’s WorldTour peloton
Laura Siddall Challenge Roth 2025 finish line
PremiumLaura Siddall: 10 things I’ve learned from my professional triathlon career
TRIFIT VORTEX tri suit
The small but mighty tri brand you NEED to know about: Why TRI-FIT are on a mission to disrupt the triathlon apparel scene
latest News
Sam Long St George 2024 photo credit Getty Images for IRONMAN
‘Yo Yo Yo – London is calling’ – Sam Long the latest big name added to stellar T100 start lists
Kristian Grue wins Norseman 2025
Norseman 2025: Grue and Skala conquer ‘Zombie Hill’ and the world’s TOUGHEST triathlon
Hayden Wilde happy T100 Singapore 2025
Hayden Wilde – is he BACK for T100 London after injury nightmare?
Sam Laidlow run Roundhay Park IRONMAN Leeds 2025
‘I’m ready for it’ – Sam Laidlow on why triathlon is hitting new heights in 2025 ahead of IRONMAN World Champs
Alistair Brownlee Olympics Triathlon London 2012 Podium Gold
Olympic icon Alistair Brownlee reveals most British thing ever when it comes to fuelling recovery
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

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...