Search
shop

Matt Hanson reflects on a tough day out at the IRONMAN World Championship

Matt Hanson reflects on his day at the 2023 IRONMAN World Championships.
Staff Reporter
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Matt Hanson, one of the best runners in long-distance triathlon, struggled through to a 21st-place finish at last weekend’s IRONMAN World Championship as the American continues to search for the winning formula at major races.

Having finished 29th at the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Lahti last month, the Boulder-based pro has had a hard time finding his feet in Europe this season, with a DNF at IRONMAN Hamburg and 19th at “The Championships” his other two results on the continent.

Reflecting on his result in Nice, the 38-year-old acknowledged this result wasn’t what he came for, but was the one he deserved on the day against a world-class field.

Advertisement

Impressive racing up front

Giving credit to the guys at the front of the race who make the biggest events so competitive, Hanson thanked his team for their support and gave a quick recap of the race.

ST GEORGE, UTAH - MAY 07: Matthew Hanson / Matt Hanson of the United States competes in the bike portion during the 2021 IRONMAN World Championship on May 07, 2022 in St George, Utah. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images for IRONMAN

“Finished 21st in the world today. Not the result I wanted, but the one I earned on the day. Will give a full debrief soon, but short and sweet for now. Thanks to all my family, friends, and team of coaches/sponsors who support me every step of the way. Congrats to all the boys up front on some impressive racing.”

Running the second fastest marathon time with an incredible 2:36:29 clocking, Hanson just didn’t have the bike power required to stay in contention, riding more than half an hour slower than race winner Sam Laidlow and was one of only a handful of athletes to ride over five hours.

Moving forward, the American knows where his weaknesses lie and will have to address them if he hopes to replicate his success on the domestic scene at the biggest races.

Tomos Land
Written by
Tomos Land
Tomos Land is a triathlon & running journalist whose expertise lies in the professional world of short course & long distance triathlon, though he also boasts an extensive knowledge of ultra-running.
Discover more
tri-fit vortex tri suit review
TRI-FIT VORTEX tri suit review – race day approved performance
Maja Stage Nielsen Kat Matthews Jocelyn McCauley IRONMAN Texas 2023 podium photo credit IRONMAN
PremiumRacing to keep up: Is social media making us train harder?
Cadomotus chronos aero triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Wahoo ELEMNT RIVAL
PremiumTraining to heart rate vs power on the bike
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumHow to pace a triathlon to leave it all out there WITHOUT blowing up
latest News
Georgia Taylor Brown smiles Supertri Toronto 2025
‘It might take a miracle but I’ll give it my best shot’ – can GTB repeat Supertri Chicago win?
Sam Renouf CEO of the PTO
T100 Valencia replacement announced as PTO chief acknowledges “challenges” with 2025 calendar
ironman hamburg 2025 podium laura philipp kat matthews solveig lovseth
Matthews and Løvseth clash again in star-studded IRONMAN 70.3 Zell am See
Jonny Brownlee with bike transition Supertri Toronto 2025
Supertri Chicago 2025: Date, start time, how to watch live and who’s racing
Frederic Funk media day Challenge Roth 2025
IRONMAN Switzerland starts ‘Road to Kona 2026’ for Funk and co
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.

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£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

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£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...