The big showdown at IRONMAN Texas 2025 next weekend just lost another superstar.

Patrick Lange came into 2025 on the crest of a wave after producing that epic run to glory to claim a third IRONMAN World Championship title in Kona, Hawaii last October. But so far the new season is not going according to plan.

When the German superstar arrived at IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside for the season opener, he felt a slight pull in his adductor. He would still make it to the start line with treatment, but eventually finished 17th with ‘compromised run form’.

Since then Lange has been receiving treatment after an initial MRI on arrival in Texas produced a diagnosis of adductor longus tendonitis. But late on Friday he provided a further injury update, and the news sadly was not good.

Lange confirms IRONMAN Texas KO

Writing in a post on his Instagram account, he said: “Not the update I was hoping to share, but it’s the right one with a long season ahead.

“I’ve decided to withdraw from @ironmantri Texas. After more than three weeks of pain in my leg and barely any run training, I had an MRI and consulted with medical professionals. The scan showed inflammation in the adductor tendon and it became clear that racing isn’t an option. The risk of turning this into a long-term issue is simply too high.

“It’s a tough decision, but it’s the right one. Health comes first.

“Thanks for all your support. We keep building. 🙏🏼”

Texas field losing big names

Lange’s withdrawal is the latest blow for what looked set to be an absolutely stellar field at The Woodlands next Saturday.

The first hit had come late last week with the news that Canadian superstar Lionel Sanders was out. He revealed that he had gotten sick the night after his brilliant Oceanside win and had been struggling with a bad cough since.

Norwegian greats Kristian Blummenfelt and Gustav Iden, both former IRONMAN World Champions, will now head the field in the Lone Star State.