Reigning women’s IRONMAN world champion Laura Philipp is targeting a first victory at Challenge Roth, which takes place on July 6 this year.
The German was third in 2022 and then runner-up last year as first Daniela Ryf and then Anne Haug broke the world record for the fastest-ever full-distance time in the iconic event around Roth.
Philipp put on a masterclass of her own to win the IMWC in Nice last September, seeing off Kat Matthews in tremendous style on the Cote d’Azur.
Laura will try her luck again
Talking about Roth, Philipp said: “3, 2, ? – do good things come in threes for me in Roth? I would like to try my luck again.
“It’s the event in Germany and the most atmospheric triathlon in the world. I’m looking forward to the race!”
Philipp may have finished nearly 12 minutes behind Haug at Roth last year but her time of 8:14:13 was a personal best – and the third quickest in history for a 3.8km swim, a 180km bike and a 42.2km run.
Race director Felix Walchshöfer said: “Laura is an incredible athlete with a fantastic development over the last few years. With her victory in Nice, she has finally put the crown on her head.
“And she has also proven her top class in Roth in the last two races. We as the organisers are proud she will compete with us again, and the triathlon district and all fans of the sport can look forward to an absolute world-class competition in Roth once again.”
Among Philipp’s rivals are Britons Fenella Langridge, Nikki Bartlett and Laura Siddall.
Royle’s full-distance bow
And on the men’s side it has been announced that top Australian athlete Aaron Royle will compete in his first long-distance event on the legendary course in Franconia.
The 2016 Olympian has moved up to middle-distance in recent years and said: “‘I am extremely excited to race my first full distance at Challenge Roth this year.
“Roth is a bucket list race so for it to be my first full distance is providing great motivation to make it a memorable one. I can’t wait to experience the many good things I have heard about it this July.”
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