Search
shop

Season over: Cold puts paid to Frodeno IM South Africa bid

Jan Frodeno's 2021 season is over after a lingering cold forced him to give up his bid to race at IRONMAN South Africa on November 21.
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Jan Frodeno says his 2021 season is over after a cold put paid to his hopes of racing at IRONMAN South Africa later this month.

The German superstar had settled on Nelson Mandela Bay in Port Elizabeth on November 21 as his backup plan after the cancellation of IRONMAN California last month.

Frodeno had been lined up to take on IRONMAN 70.3 World Champion Gustav Iden in Sacramento as the Norwegian made his eagerly-awaited full-distance debut. But a ‘bomb cyclone’ in the area caused the race to be called off just an hour before the scheduled start.

Iden and Lionel Sanders – who had also been set to take part in Sacramento – moved on to IRONMAN Florida, which takes place on Saturday at Panama City Beach.

Frodeno though needed to return to Europe for the SGRAIL100 race he staged in his European base of Girona last weekend. So instead South Africa became the new focus as he sought to fit in one more full-distance race in 2021.

Advertisement

Frodeno sad to miss IM SA

It was not to be though, as a lingering cold has left him less than 100 percent, and as a result having to call time on his season.

Speaking in an Instagram video, he said: “What a couple of weeks it has been. Sacramento, the lead-up, picking up a cold somewhere Stateside. And then sort of getting a little bit better, making my way back into training.

“But unfortunately I got struck down by a cold and I’m still not 100 per cent. I’ve decided to call it quits on the season. A little bit sad not to make it to South Africa – I really did want to have a crack at a good race there.

“But that’s the way sport sometimes works. It’s time for an off-season for me, family time. And then getting into the season of 2022, two World Championships, really looking forward to it.”

The unbeaten run goes on

Frodeno’s year, despite the frustration of Sacramento, was (again) a perfect one from a results perspective. He remains unbeaten in any race since 2017.

He started with wins at Challenge Miami and Challenge Gran Canaria in March and April, before setting the fastest ironman time ever (7:27:53) in his Tri Battle Royal vs Sanders in Germany in July.

What turned out to be Frodeno’s final race of the year came at the inaugural Collins Cup, when he set the fastest time of the day in defeating the two Sams – Appleton and Long.

Now the German’s attention will turn to defending his IRONMAN World Championship title in St George in May 2022, followed we hope by that return to Kona in October.

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
Challenge Sardinia location
Let’s race… Challenge Forte Village Sardinia
Are calf sleeves actually worth it for triathletes? How many watts aero calf compression sleeves could save you
Laura Siddall Patagonman Xtreme Triathlon 2023
PremiumAre we in a triathlon boom, or hurtling towards burnout? Laura Siddall on the growth of the sport
Is sports nutrition bad for you? Ultra-processed foods are under siege, and athletes are caught in the cross fire – but should we be worried?
Challenge Barcelona 2023 - Photo Credit: Jose Luis Hourcade
The ultimate city break triathlon race-cations: from Challenge Barcelona to Singapore T100 these are the best city centre races to combine multisport with sightseeing
latest News
Jeanne Lehair Supertri Toulouse proposal 2025
Star triathlete wins biggest race of her career – and then accepts marriage proposal on podium!
Jeanne Lehair wins Supertri Toulouse 2025
Supertri Toulouse 2025 women’s results: Jeanne Lehair wins race and title – and then says YES to marriage proposal
Lehmann Rider Vilaca podium Supertri Toulouse 2025
Supertri Toulouse 2025 men’s results: Lehmann lands title in PERFECT style at Grand Final
Toulouse Supertri 2025 combined podium
WATCH AGAIN as Lehair and Lehmann sweep the board at Supertri Toulouse Grand Final
Alistair Brownlee T100 Ibiza 2024 run photo credit T100
Olympic legend Alistair Brownlee to test his limits at “world’s most extreme triathlon”
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.

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£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

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£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...