It has been confirmed that Laura Philipp will defend her Challenge Roth title in July on home roads in Bavaria in what promises to be another special women’s race.

Roth has been synonymous with world record full-distance times on the women’s side – in 1991, Thea Sybesma became the first woman to break nine hours, triathlon legend Paula Newby-Fraser then went on to set new fastest times in 1992 and 1994 but it was Chrissie Wellington’s time of 8:18:13 set at Roth in 2011 which really too things to new heights. And that would stand an incredible 12 years before Daniela Ryf took nearly 10 minutes off it with her 8:08:21 in 2023.

Just a year later Anne Haug obliterated that with a 8:02:38 and the two women who have since gone closest to breaking that mark – and pushed each other along the way – are Philipp and Britain’s Kat Matthews, who will compete at Roth for the first time this year.

Matthews and Philipp have already had some epic battles, most notably the IRONMAN World Championship in Nice in 2024 and then IRONMAN Hamburg last year, both of which were won by the German star.

‘More than just a race’

Philipp was third to Ryf and runner-up to Haug in those record-breaking 2023 and 2024 Roth races and then claimed a first title last year in what was her third appearance.

She was widely expected to return to defend that crown and that news was confirmed on Tuesday [March 3rd], with Philipp saying: “After experiencing last year how good it feels to win in Roth, I will give my all again this year to be at the top.

“Roth is more than just a race. It’s almost a whole week of excitement and triathlon celebrations. When I competed for the first time, I was overwhelmed, but now I look forward to it because it’s so fulfilling and creates so many wonderful memories.

“This will be my fourth start and every year has been unique. Last year was of course the crowning achievement for me.

“I believe I have never smiled so much over eight hours and I hope I can have another wonderful day this year – this is a race that means an incredible amount to me.”

‘A great gift’

Last year, Philipp took the lead from Alanis Siffert on the bike course and was on her own from that point onwards, crossing the finish line in the Roth Triathlon Stadium in 8:18:18.

But with Matthews in the line up this year there is already plenty of speculation that the eight-hour mark could be broken for the first time ever in women’s full-distance racing.

And race director Felix Walchshöfer is delighted about the return of the defending champion, saying: “Laura put in an impressive performance last year, having come close to victory several times in previous years.

“Not only is she a world-class athlete, but her passion also makes her a perfect fit for Roth. Her return as defending champion sends a strong signal and is a great gift for all triathlon fans.”