Challenge Roth have sprung another surprise with the news that three-time men’s winner and course record holder Magnus Ditlev will line up in Sunday’s race.

The Dane has enjoyed his biggest successes in the legendary Bavarian race, winning three years on the trot from 2022 and setting the best time ever there of 7:23:24 in the last of those appearances in 2024.

He went on to finish runner up in the IRONMAN World Championship that year but since then – bar an IRONMAN South Africa victory at the start of 2025 – he has endured a frustrating time with injury and illness.

‘Racing Roth makes so much sense’

The bike section is usually his great strength but he struggled in that discipline at IRONMAN Frankfurt on Sunday in what was his first appearance of 2026.

However he did battle hard on the run to finish 11th and earn the sixth and last spot on offer for this year’s IRONMAN World Championship in Kona.

That Frankfurt race was shortened – 125km rather than 180km on the bike and 21km rather than 42km on the run – because of the searing hot temperatures and Ditlev, like many others, looked shattered crossing the finish line.

But the fact it was closer to a 70.3 rather than a full-distance race has clearly opened up the possibility of racing again just seven days later and he explained his thinking in the Instagram post embedded below.

He said: “If you’ve followed me this year you’ve probably noticed that the year so far has been a huge struggle and not what I was planning for.

“But after talking on the phone with Felix yesterday [Felix Walchshöfer is Roth’s charismatic race director] I was immediately convinced that racing Challenge Roth this year for me makes so much sense. I cannot wait to get back on the start line in Roth.”

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Strongest men’s field ever?

The news of Ditlev’s return to Roth comes just 24 hours after it was confirmed that 2019 winner Lucy Charles-Barclay will take on favourite Kat Matthews in the women’s race.

Ditlev will line up against Kristian Blummenfelt, Patrick Lange, Sam Laidlow and Jonas Schomburg in one of the strongest-ever men’s fields.

Walchshöfer is delighted by the Dane’s confirmation, saying: “We’re absolutely thrilled that Magnus has agreed to take part at such short notice. Over the past few years, he has become an integral part of the Roth family and has put on some unforgettable races here.

“I wouldn’t have thought it possible, but with him on board, an already exceptionally strong men’s field is set to get even stronger. Our fans can look forward to one of the most exciting professional races we’ve ever seen in Roth.”