Search
shop

British triathlon star Joe Skipper explains why he’s NOT targeting the IRONMAN Pro Series

Too much travel and not enough money are both factors says Brit as he puts his focus elsewhere this season
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Joe Skipper bounced back from a disappointing 2024 with a blistering second place at IRONMAN New Zealand earlier this month, his first podium finish since 2023.

But the Norwich native, who says he contemplated retirement after a DNF at Lake Placid last July, will not be targeting the Pro Series this season.

Skipper, 36, claims there’s “too much travel” and that “the money’s not that great” because he could easily come out making a loss at multiple Pro Series races where there isn’t enough financial incentive if you don’t finish in the top five.

Advertisement

“Chasing your tail”

In a new YouTube video which is embedded below, he said: “There’s a few reasons really. I was thinking about doing the Pro Series but it would probably be too much with the travelling. There’s just so much travelling.

“I just don’t like the way the schedule fits together. You find yourself chasing your tail going here, there and everywhere.

“Another reason is, I don’t think the Pro Series is that good financially unless you podium overall. If you do, the money’s great – $200,000 for first, $130,000 for second… That’s great if you get that. But if you get sixth place the money’s not that great.

Joe Skipper press conference 2023 Roth [Photo credit: Challenge Roth]
[Photo credit: Challenge Roth]

“If you finish in sixth in some of these races you’re probably only walking away with $3-4,000. Minus the tax on your prize money in some of these countries you’re walking away with $2,000. It’s cost you over $2,000 to travel to the race, for accommodation. So you’re going away with a loss.

“You’re banking on being top five. If you’re not, it doesn’t really work out. You get sixth place in a Pro Series race, you’re probably not getting any bonuses from your sponsors. It’s a big gamble.

“I’m here to make money”

“It doesn’t make financial sense to me to gamble on that. It is a job at the end of the day and I’m here to make money. Winning in New Zealand would make me considerably more money than a fourth place at a Pro Series event. So it just makes more financial sense.

“If I do well in these normal races, it could be a good little earner. I don’t see the point of making a loss at multiple races. You’ve got a family. A limited number of years in the sport.”

Skipper’s decision means he’ll be swerving ISUZU IRONMAN South Africa on March 30, but he will be competing at the IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside on April 5 because it’s a Pro Series event he has already committed to.

He said: “My next big full distance which I’m targeting is IRONMAN Austria on June 15. I’m going to get a good block of training for that. Then I need to check the calendar but potentially IRONMAN Leeds (on July 27). That could be one that I go to.”

Skipper, who spent six weeks out of the water over the turn of the year due to injury, has already qualified for the IRONMAN World Championships in Nice in September.

Paul Brown
Written by
Paul Brown
Discover more
TRI-FIT VORTEX men's tri suit
Beyond marginal gains: A deep dive into the making of TRI-FIT’s most ambitious and advanced tri suit to date
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumHow to pace a triathlon to leave it all out there WITHOUT blowing up
Castelli Aero Pro 8S women's cycling jersey
Castelli Aero Pro 8S cycling jersey review: can this ultra-aero jersey turn watts into speed without dialling down on comfort?
Wahoo ELEMNT RIVAL
PremiumTraining to heart rate vs power on the bike
Alistair Brownlee bike penalty T100 Ibiza 2024 Photo credit PTO
PremiumWhat’s the most aero way to carry water on your triathlon bike?
latest News
Matt Hanson IRONMAN Cairns run 2025
American star on the costly lessons learned from THREE Ironmans in FIVE weeks
Sam Laidlow bike IRONMAN Leeds 2025
Laidlow and Skipper hail anti-drafting progress – but highlight bigger issues
Julia Skala end of Norseman 2025
“A fight for self-worth, strength and healing,” Julia Skala on world’s toughest triathlon
Steve McKenna got the win at the 40th edition of IRONMAN New Zealand.
Star IRONMAN athlete clocks a sub-2:20 marathon – and says there’s more to come
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
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...