Search
shop

No middle ground: Nieschlag set to drop back in distance after Kraichgau win

All the reaction after an impressive success for Justus Nieschlag, with his rivals admitting he was too good
News Director
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Having made the 70.3 world sit up and take notice on Sunday, Kraichgau winner Justus Nieschlag admits it may be a while before he lines up for another middle-distance event.

Nieschlag has again starred in the super short format of Arena Games Triathlon this year so Sunday was a marked step up in distance, following his previous attempt back in 2020 in Mandelieu, France.

But he led all the way at IRONMAN 70.3 Kraichgau and stayed strong throughout as he claimed a clear-cut win from Frederic Funk.

Advertisement

‘A long day for me’

And Nieschlag said afterwards on the IRONMAN live broadcast: “I really enjoyed the race from the beginning. It was tough on the bike – maybe I went a little bit too hard early on.

“I also found it hard on the first loop of the run and had a bit of cramp and it was a long day for me!

Justus Nieschlag Kraichgau podium Photo Credit Andre Trunk for A-Team Sportsmanagement
[Photo Credit Andre Trunk for A-Team Sportsmanagement]

“I’m usually doing draft-legal racing so I was happy about the non-drafting today and just tried to keep the pace as high as possible – I was not waiting for anyone else!

“I didn’t know quite what to expect as my last middle-distance race was a couple of years ago and there were some strong guys here today so I’m quite satisfied with the race and happy to bring it home to the finish line.”

But when asked when we’ll see him at 70.3 again he admitted: “Probably not again this year, but maybe next year. Let’s see how the Olympic qualification works and then we’ll see.”

Reflecting on the race a little later, he added: “It was a successful trip to the middle distance, but also really a long, hard day.

“I wasn’t 100% in control of the nutrition, but the great atmosphere on the side of the course made me mobilise the last reserves! The support from the outside was really awesome. A very special thanks goes to my partners and sponsors for the great support!”

Mutual respect

Nieschlag certainly earned the plaudits from fellow Germans Funk and Ruben Zepuntke who joined him on the podium.

Justus Nieschlag Frederic Funk Kraichgau podium Photo Credit Andre Trunk for A-Team Sportsmanagement
Justus Nieschlag and Frederic Funk [Photo Credit Andre Trunk for A-Team Sportsmanagement]

Funk said: “First thing to say is huge respect to Justus for this performance.

“He just pushed it from the beginning and then we just couldn’t catch him. And we weren’t slow on the bike, we were pushing really hard – and the same on the run.

“I had a really good performance overall, but just no chance against Justus today and I have to be happy with second.”

That was echoed by Zepuntke, who said: “The swimming was full gas and the bike was super-hard, I was just hanging on. And on the run I had cramps and was just trying to stay alive!

“I’m really happy with that performance and the podium but for sure I want to progress.”

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
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
Gwen Jorgensen reflective World Triathlon Cup Vina del Mer 2023
Olympic champ says “story isn’t over” after surgery to remove Haglund’s deformity
Hayden Wilde New Plymouth 2023 photo credit Cameron Mackenzie / World Triathlon
Olympic and then world title on home soil for Hayden Wilde in 2028? It’s come a step closer…
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
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...