Search
shop

Two-time IRONMAN World Champion happy with first podium of the season at IRONMAN Texas

Patrick Lange (GER), the two-time IRONMAN World Champion, now leads the IRONMAN Pro Series rankings after a second place finish at the IRONMAN North American Championship in Texas.
Staff Reporter
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Patrick Lange bounced back from a tough day out at IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside earlier in the month with a strong showing at IRONMAN Texas, the site of his first full distance victory in 2016.

The German, a two-time winner in Kona, finished second behind Tomas Rodriguez Hernandez in a close fought run race, having come off the bike with a substantial deficit to the front.

Looking back on his race, the 37-year-old admitted that the race had been hard going at times, but that he was pleased with the outcome and happy to put on a show for the crowd.

Advertisement

“Texas is a great place for me”

Reflecting on his history at IRONMAN Texas, Lange spoke fondly of the Lone Star State after lining up at the iconic race for the first time in nine years.

DATEV Challenge Roth 2022 - Patrick Lange
Photo Credit: Challenge Roth Media

“Texas is a great place for me, it’s where I took my first victory, in my first IRONMAN race in 2016 and I really love to come back here and it was my first time back racing Texas since that win.”

Candid in his assessment of the race, he added that despite struggling at times, he was happy to say he got the most out of himself on the day.

“I had a really rough day to be honest, but I am happy with the outcome, second place is more than I can ask for and I extracted the most that I could out of this day.”

“I am more than happy with my result”

On a day with difficult conditions across the board, the PTO World #5 was able to call on his trusty run speed to reel back a podium position off the bike.

Patrick Lange IRONMAN World Championship 2023 Nice finish line celebration
Photo Credit: Donald Miralle for IRONMAN

“I had an okay swim, but really struggled on the bike as it was so windy, and for a lighter athlete like me that makes it more difficult, but after that run I am more than happy with my result.

“I’m used to it [being down on the run] and I think it is also cool for the spectators, because they know that when I am in the race, it won’t be won until the finish line and I have the foot power to run myself up into a great position. In the end, it’s the total time that counts and that’s always my tactic.” 

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
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
Gwen Jorgensen reflective World Triathlon Cup Vina del Mer 2023
‘Unbreakable’ Gwen Jorgensen ‘bruised’ after bike crash but vows to bounce back
IRONMAN CEO Scott DeRue Women For Tri 2024
IRONMAN announce new age-group qualification system for Kona and 70.3 Worlds
IRONMAN World Championship 2019 / Kona 2019
IRONMAN’s new age-group system for Kona – all the big questions answered
Frederic Funk finish line Challenge Samarkand 2023 photo credit Challenge Family
Challenge Roth 2025: German star goes into the unknown in iconic triathlon showdown
Challenge Barcelona 2023 - Photo Credit: Jose Luis Hourcade
‘It’s going to be an absolute firecracker’ says Cam Wurf after booking IRONMAN World Champs spot
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...