Search
shop

Patrick Lange reveals IRONMAN Texas heartbreak but applauds fight against doping after FINALLY being awarded victory

Lange is your champion at last, but it doesn't make the heartbreak any less.
Editor-In-Chief
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Patrick Lange is, finally, your IRONMAN Texas Pro Men champion for 2024 – but this wasn’t the way he wanted it to happen.

The two-time Kona king was retrospectively awarded the W this week – almost five months after the action ended at The Woodlands – on the back of the two-year ban handed to Mexican Tomás Rodríguez Hernández for an anti-doping rule violation.

Rodríguez Hernández took the tape back in April, completing his win with an astonishing 2:34:14 marathon.

But on August 6 the news came out of the International Testing Agency (ITA) that he had returned an Adverse Analytical Finding for Clomifene (S4. Hormone and Metabolic Modulators). The sample was collected during an in-competition test at that IRONMAN Texas race on April 27.

Then, on Friday, the case was resolved with the Mexican being handed a two-year ban from competition.

Advertisement

Lange on ‘bittersweet’ victory

Friday’s news meant the 38-year-old Lange was at last handed what was rightfully his, but it did not get back his moment at the top of the podium. Not surprisingly the German superstar described the feeling as “bittersweet”.

Writing in a heartfelt post on his Instagram account, Lange said: “Sometimes, victories can be bittersweet. After @ironmantri Texas in late April, I was officially awarded the win today following the positive doping test of the “athlete” who initially crossed the line ahead of me.

“This is my second victory in Texas from two starts. The race in The Woodlands has a special place in my heart because it’s been my first ever Ironman. So winning here means a lot to me! But it’s not how I wanted to achieve it. It’s heartbreaking to have that magical moment of crossing the finish line as the winner taken away in such an unfair way. For my team, my partners, and me, those moments of success are irreplaceable.”

German applauds fight against doping

While Lange felt that emptiness of having the moment of victory taken away, he did have much more positive thoughts on the commitment to fight doping in triathlon.

“I completely distance myself from the actions and shortcuts my opponent took, and I stand firmly for clean sport. Reaching the top takes years of dedication and hard work, but it’s absolutely possible to get there clean.

“No one becomes a champion overnight. I’m proud of my performance and grateful to Ironman for their commitment to fighting doping. Believe in yourself and in the value of honest competition.”

Graham Shaw
Written by
Graham Shaw
Graham has been involved with TRI247 & RUN247 since the summer of 2021. Since then he has provided strategic direction for all news and is passionate about the growth of triathlon as a fan sport.
Discover more
TRI247 podcast p/b Challenge Family episode 2
Go behind the scenes at Challenge Roth with the latest episode of the TRI247 podcast
Cadomotus Chronos triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Challenge Family Roth
Five things you need to know about the Challenge Roth bike course
Challenge St. Pölten 2024 - image credit Jose Luis Hourcade / Challenge Family
Expert swim coach on the three most common swim mistakes age group triathletes make (and how to fix them!)
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
latest News
Kat Matthews IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship Taupo New Zealand 2024
WATCH LIVE: IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea as Kat Matthews bids for win on home roads
Leonie Periault wins WTCS Hamburg 2025
WTCS Hamburg 2025 women’s results: Periault outruns Olympic champ Beaugrand for gold
Matt Hauser repeat win WTCS Hamburg 2025
WTCS Hamburg 2025 men’s results: Aussie Matt Hauser rules again as he takes big step to first world title
Matt Hauser wins WTCS Hamburg 2025
WATCH AGAIN: WTCS Hamburg 2025 as Hauser and Periault notch brilliant wins
Olympic bronze medallist almost called it quits ahead of Challenge Roth debut but now “exactly where I’m supposed to be”
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

Share to...