Search
shop

IRONMAN explain reasons for Justine Mathieux DQ in South Africa

IRONMAN have explained why Justine Mathieux was disqualified after originally finishing third in South Africa
News Director
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Justine Mathieux was disqualified for an infringement on the bike after originally finishing third behind Laura Philipp and Fenella Langridge at IRONMAN South Africa on Sunday – and the organisers have today revealed exactly why.

The Frenchwoman led the chase group early on the bike in pursuit of Philipp, Langridge and Jade Roberts and by T2 was a clear second behind Philipp.

She crossed the line in third, 52 seconds adrift of Langridge, to register what would have been a hugely significant result in the relatively early stages of her career.

But not long after the finish she’d disappeared from the IRONMAN tracker and she didn’t feature on the podium.

Organisers reveal reason for DQ

She posted herself on social media later calling it an “injustice” (see below) and we contacted IRONMAN to establish exactly what had led to the disqualification.

And an IRONMAN spokesperson told us: “Justine Mathieux was issued a penalty on the bike course by a referee for an incomplete pass.

“Justine failed to serve the penalty on the bike course but instead served the penalty mid-way through the run leg which led to her being disqualified.

“Justine was not immediately stopped as athletes are entitled to complete the entire course, and lodge an appeal post-race.”

Mathieux calls it an ‘injustice’

“There is a first time for everything, and this is the first time in my short career that I have suffered such injustice,” wrote Mathieux on her Instagram page within hours of the DQ.

“On the bike when I tried to pass the group to escape at the end of the first lap, I didn’t, in other words, pass fast enough (I was last in the group at the time, as I had just dropped my nutrition and was planning to go back up the front).”

She added that she felt the referee didn’t flag the penalty at that point – in what were tough rainy and windy conditions – and said she only heard of the disqualification when crossing the finish line.

That prompted us to reach out to IRONMAN to establish the exact process from their perspective.

The consequences of a disqualification are severe for Mathieux. The prize money for third was $9,000, there were automatic qualification slots for the IRONMAN World Championship for the top four, plus PTO rankings points and much more.

Her removal from the results meant Penny Slater moved up to third and Laura Zimmerman took the fourth Kona spot despite finishing well over five minutes adrift of Mathieux.

Philipp Langridge Slater IRONMAN SA podium 2023
Mathieux was conspicuous by her absence from the podium shots [Photo credit: IRONMAN South Africa]
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
Triathlon superstar Hayden Wilde to make shock comeback at London T100
Lionel Sanders wins 70.3 St George 2025 photo credit Getty Images for IRONMAN
‘Intimidating’ to go into Worlds after four months off – but Lionel Sanders up for the challenge
Georgia Taylor-Brown Alex Yee Super League Triathlon Malibu 2021
Triathlon’s most decorated Olympic duo now honoured by their former University
Olav Aleksander Bu Photo credit: Roj Ferman | Surpas
Top triathlon coach Olav Aleksander Bu says it’s all about the team after Uno-X bag first Tour de France win
Danielle Lewis (USA) takes the win in Lake Placid.
IRONMAN Lake Placid 2025: Date, start time, how to watch and who’s racing
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...