Search
shop

“I lost it mentally” – Magnus Ditlev reveals why he was shown red card at IRONMAN Frankfurt

It was one of the big talking points from Frankfurt and now we know why Danish powerhouse was initially disqualified
News Director
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

It was one of the big talking points in one of the best races of the season and now Magnus Ditlev has given his reaction to that red card he was shown – and which was later rescinded – at IRONMAN Frankfurt on Sunday.

Ditlev, ranked number four in the world and the winner of IRONMAN South Africa earlier this season, had moved up to second early on the run behind Kristian Høgenhaug.

But at around the 8km mark an official rode rode up to him and showed him a red card.

How it played out

On the broadcast, Ditlev could clearly be heard saying: “What the f*** are you doing? You can’t disqualify me.”

He continued running – as he was allowed to do – and the coverage later suggested that an initial yellow card might have been imposed (but not served) for littering outside of an aid station.

But 40 minutes later news came through that the red card had been quashed and the race – which also featured penalties for the likes of Høgenhaug and reigning IRONMAN World Champion Patrick Lange – played out to a conclusion.

However Ditlev would fade into eighth late on as Kristian Blummenfelt powered past Høgenhaug to defend his title in style.

Magnus Ditlev - T100 San Francisco 2024 run
Magnus Ditlev [Photo Credit – PTO]

‘I was quite taken aback’

And after the dust settled, Ditlev took to Instagram on Monday to give his version of events.

He wrote: “What an eventful day yesterday… During the run segment I was given an immediate red card (disqualification) for disposing of an ice cup too late through an aid station. I was told I could still continue to run and that they would discuss the DQ.

“At the time I was running well, in 2nd position, and feeling very strong.

“As people that watched the broadcast could see I was quite taken aback by the whole situation and didn’t really know what to do. I lost it mentally and started to fade later on.

“I was later informed that the DQ had been cancelled and today I’m happy that I at least got to finish the race and also witness some insane performances at @ironmantri Frankfurt.

“Congrats to @mr_hoegen with a crazy strong day and to the two Norwegians on the podium @kristianblu and @casperstornes.”

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
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumTriathlon’s mid-season report card: Tim Don on who’s raising the bar this triathlon race season
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
Hayden Wilde bike supertri Boston 2024 photo credit supertri
Premium10 ways to make your road bike faster and more aero for triathlons
Kristian Blummenfelt photo credit: PTO Canadian Open
PremiumIs your gut health impacting your performance? The untapped potential of good gut health for triathletes
Laura Philipp and Kat Matthews on the run at the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship
PremiumHas triathlon reached peak performance? Tri experts and legends on how much faster triathletes could get
latest News
Marquardt Hogenhaug Foley IRONMAN Lake Placid 2025
‘World Championship level’ – Marquardt says bike bar was raised at Lake Placid
Solveig Lovseth wins IRONMAN Lake Placid 2025
IRONMAN Lake Placid 2025 women’s results: Løvseth shows she’s the real deal and next Norwegian superstar
Matthew Marquardt wins IRONMAN Lake Placid 2025
IRONMAN Lake Placid 2025 men’s results: Marquardt wins as defending champ EXPLODES on the run
Matthew Marquardt IRONMAN Cairns 2025 Finish Line
WATCH AGAIN: IRONMAN Lake Placid 2025 as Løvseth and Marquardt bag brilliant wins
Ruth Astle
Triathlon star Ruth Astle says injury hell has her on the brink of QUITTING
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...