Laura Philipp has raced the IRONMAN World Championship three times before and she’s never been out of the top four – but has yet to stand on the top step of the podium.
However all those were in Kona so could the event’s first visit to Europe play to her strengths, especially the bike course in the hills around Nice?
That was the first question put to her in Friday’s press conference and the German star agreed it presents a real opportunity.
‘Great chance to play catch up’
She said: “For sure, if I look at the Kona course and the Nice course, on paper, I would definitely always choose a course like this.
“This is what brought me into cycling. I just enjoy climbing and descending, and I think this is also what the majority of my training playgrounds look like. I love to train in the mountains and also where I live in Germany, it’s quite hilly, so I’m kind of used to that.
“So for me it’s actually a bigger challenge to prepare for a super flat course [like Kona] so I’m definitely looking forward to the bike course on Sunday.”
In terms of tactics, she explained: “I definitely think you need to risk something at some point in order to come to the front of the race and the bike course is definitely a great opportunity to do so. But of course you also want to come down to Nice again healthy and in one piece to be able to run.
“But it’s no secret that I will probably be a bit further back after the swim and then I do think that this bike course is a great chance to play catch up.”
Enjoying the journey
Asked what it would mean to win a first IRONMAN World Championship title, she added: “I don’t think I can put it into words until it might happen.
“I think this course is a great opportunity, but you just have to look to my left and right to see all this super strong competition, and we are all dreaming of succeeding here.
“And for me, it’s not only about winning a World Championship title or a race. It’s also about the journey and every obstacle that I’ve had to overcome over the years and just personal development while preparing for those big races.
“I think it’s also super important to just enjoy the way to the start line and then try to enjoy the race. And this will hopefully bring the best out of me.”
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