Patrick Lange’s decision not to race IRONMAN 70.3 Western Australia next weekend could cost him a cool $130k, but he’s cool with that.
The German superstar was simply spectacular last month as he claimed a third victory in the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona. That epic run to glory in Hawaii also sent him to the top of the IRONMAN Pro Series standings – with a $200k end-of-season bonus now within touching distance.
But as we reported in the aftermath of Kona, sealing that pot of gold would likely mean he needed to toe the line in Busselton on Sunday December 1. Patrick though will stick to his principles and call it a season, even though it means he could end up being dropped to fourth in the rankings, with the bonus dropping to $70k.
As race day Down Under approaches fast, the 38-year-old German has re-iterated why money isn’t his prime motivator, and why he has taken this choice.
Lange on Busselton DNS
Writing in a post on his Instagram account, he explained: I won’t be racing at 70.3 Western Australia, and while it might be a $130,000 gamble to skip it – because staying on top of the Ironman Pro Series is unlikely without competing – I believe it’s the right call.
“This season has been incredibly long: four long-distance builds (even without finishing one race) pushed me to my limits – and beyond. Lesson learned. 😊
“I’ve always prided myself on being smart about my body and the stress I put on it. At 38, I’m still competing at the highest level, and that’s no coincidence. Avoiding burnout and injuries has always been key. Taking on another race, more travel, and another intense build just wouldn’t align with those principles right now.”
Lange admits this wasn’t a call he made lightly, but says it was one which also factors in his life and his career when off the course.
“This decision wasn’t easy. But another important factor is how valuable this post-Kona time is – not just for training but for my sponsors, the media, and my team commitments,” he reasoned.
“This moment is a unique opportunity to solidify my presence outside the triathlon world, build recognition, and explore potential new partnerships for the future. Balancing the “marathon after the marathon” of winning Kona with a trip to Australia and a top-level preparation simply felt like too much.
“Looking ahead, I’m focused on 2025, including another shot at the Ironman Pro Series. Sometimes, saying no is just as important as saying yes.
“Thanks for your understanding and support – big things are on the horizon! 🌟”
How does the IRONMAN Pro Series work?
It’s the first year of the lucrative IRONMAN Pro Series, which sees that $1.7million up for grabs in end-of-season bonuses.
A maximum five races count – three of them full distance, with the biggest points on offer at the IMWC where Lange collected 6,000 to put him onto a grand total of 18,623.
The 70.3 Worlds also have an inflated points tally compared to other 70.3 races – 3,000 to the winner rather than the regular 2,500 which will be on offer at the penultimate Pro Series race, IRONMAN 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championship Western Australia.
Lange wasn’t qualified for the 70.3 Worlds but had he headed to Western Australia there was the potential to increase his own points tally by 885 with a win as 2,500 points would have replaced his 1,615 score from 70.3 Oceanside.
However he’s made the call to end a memorable season at this point and neither Matt Hanson in second (not enough room for improvement) nor Bradley Weiss in third (not qualified for Taupo, not enough points in Western Australia) can overhaul him whatever happens.
Who can overtake Patrick Lange?
But Matthew Marquardt (16,582), Gregory Barnaby (16,559) and Kristian Høgenhaug (16,291) all can.
They currently sit in fourth, fifth and sixth respectively in the standings and all have a slot on the Taupo startlist if they want it. Just as crucial is the fact that all three have just done the four races so far and are missing a second 70.3 event which means every point they earn from that will be added to their current total.
For example, the gap between Marquardt and Lange is 2,041 points which effectively means the American needs to finish within 958 seconds of the winner in Taupo to leapfrog Lange – that’s 15 minutes and 58 seconds so very much do-able.
And both Barnaby and Høgenhaug are also on the startlist for 70.3 Western Australia, with the former saying on Instagram after Kona where he finished ninth, he said: “This race was definitely the hardest – maybe even the cruelest – I’ve ever experienced in nearly 20 years of triathlon.
“Now, I’m focused on recovering as quickly as possible, as the updated ProSeries ranking is encouraging me to race again in a few weeks at the 70.3 in Western Australia.”
With 2,500 points in that event, he needs 2,065 to usurp Lange which gives him the target of getting to within seven minutes and 16 seconds of the winner in Busselton.
And in terms of the impact on prizemoney for Lange, he’ll net the $200,000 if he stays in top spot, will receive $130,000 if he’s relegated to second, $85,000 for third and $70,000 for fourth so the difference is considerable.
However as he says “finding the right balance is key” and his choice has to be fully respected.
