Search
shop

Kat Matthews targets Long Distance world title in Ibiza

Kat Matthews has decided to go for a Long Distance world title for Great Britain rather than the PTO European Open in Ibiza this weekend.
News Director
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Kat Matthews has announced she will race in the World Triathlon Long Distance Championships in Ibiza on Sunday rather than the PTO European Open which takes place on the island the day before.

The British star crowned an incredible comeback when she won IRONMAN Texas on April 22nd, less than seven months after an horrific collision with a car when on a training ride in the Lone Star State.

Ranked #8 in the world, Matthews is currently the only athlete from the top 10 in the women’s standings not lining up in the PTO event.

Advertisement

Compelling case

But as she explained in a post on Instagram, the fact she’s still recovering from those Texas exertions – where a 2:49 marathon saw her power through the field to take the win – means any racing this weekend had been in the balance.

Matthews started her post by reflecting on her victory in the ETU Middle Distance Triathlon European Championships in 2019, calling it “an honour” to represent Great Britain.

Kat Rye European Championships 2019 Photo credit: Ceci Frascoroli
Matthews – then Kat Rye – at the European Championships back in 2019 [Photo credit: Ceci Frascoroli]

This year’s World Triathlon Long Distance Championships will feature a 3km swim, 120km bike and 30km run, so effectively in between the half (or PTO 100km races) and full IRONMAN distances.

That wasn’t the case last year when the event featured a GB winner in Lucy Charles-Barclay, in what was her first race back after injury.

And after addressing the fact that the range of distances and Championships can be confusing for those not immersed in the sport, Matthews said: “So why less popular than Ironman? It doesn’t hold the same attraction to amateurs because it’s not “an Ironman” 😱.

“AND ‘we’ look to the Professionals. If they don’t race it, then it holds less prowess.

“Traditionally, it hasn’t attracted the top Professionals because it has less prize money, it’s of less interest to partners because of rules around branding, 🔄 and less amateur attraction.

‘I will be there’

“Therefore… is it a cycle we can affect for the positive?
“Is it worth it? 🐎
“The PTO have offered decent ranking points to the race.
“The prize money is decent.
“Media wise: It’s the 2nd year it’s been within a big festival of the sport.
“Most importantly: It holds credibility. Fair, governed racing.

“I chose to race for my country 🇬🇧 in an Official World Championship when the opportunity presents itself.

Kat Matthews takes the plaudits at IRONMAN Texas 2023 [Photo credit: Kyle Rivas / Getty Images for IRONMAN]
Kat Matthews takes the plaudits at IRONMAN Texas 2023 [Photo credit: Kyle Rivas / Getty Images for IRONMAN]

“Racing at all this weekend was “out of the question”, 2 weeks after an Ironman, ha!
“However, when an opportunity to race for “a” World Championship title presents and I physically can. I will be there.”

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
TRI247 podcast p/b Challenge Family episode 2
Go behind the scenes at Challenge Roth with the latest episode of the TRI247 podcast
Cadomotus Chronos triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Challenge Family Roth
Five things you need to know about the Challenge Roth bike course
Challenge St. Pölten 2024 - image credit Jose Luis Hourcade / Challenge Family
Expert swim coach on the three most common swim mistakes age group triathletes make (and how to fix them!)
TRI-FIT VANGUARD tri suit review
The entry-level tri suit with a serious amount of performance for the price point – TRI-FIT VANGUARD review
latest News
Gwen Jorgensen reflective World Triathlon Cup Vina del Mer 2023
‘Unbreakable’ Gwen Jorgensen ‘bruised’ after bike crash but vows to bounce back
IRONMAN CEO Scott DeRue Women For Tri 2024
IRONMAN announce new age-group qualification system for Kona and 70.3 Worlds
IRONMAN World Championship 2019 / Kona 2019
IRONMAN’s new age-group system for Kona – all the big questions answered
Frederic Funk finish line Challenge Samarkand 2023 photo credit Challenge Family
Challenge Roth 2025: German star goes into the unknown in iconic triathlon showdown
Challenge Barcelona 2023 - Photo Credit: Jose Luis Hourcade
‘It’s going to be an absolute firecracker’ says Cam Wurf after booking IRONMAN World Champs spot
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

Share to...