Two-time champ Patrick Lange has shared his excitement to be racing at the men’s IRONMAN World Championship in Nice this weekend, as the German star attempts to wrestle back the crown that he last won in Kona five years ago.
After a rollercoaster season which has at times been hampered by sickness, the 37-year-old German seems to have progressed slowly but efficiently in the build up-to Nice, with a win at the Allgäu Classic Triathlon two weeks ago a good indicator that training has been going well and Lange is firing on all cylinders.
Posting on his social media account four days out from the big dance, the German star revealed that he feels fit and healthy to race, adding that mentally he is more excited that ever to take on the new challenges that a different course and venue will present on Sunday.
“World Championships are always a thrill”
Having finished second at Challenge Roth behind a flying Magnus Ditlev in his only full distance race of the year so far, Lange has a good idea of who his main rivals for the win will be this weekend. However, no matter who he lines up against, the PTO World #12 appears to be ready to take on the best.
“Final days to race day in Nice! World Championships are always a thrill, but this one feels extra special. New challenges, new chances. Ready to embrace the sun and lifestyle of Côte d’Azur while gearing up for the big race on Sunday. Feeling fit, ready and healthy.”
At Challenge Roth, the German ran an incredible 2:30:27 marathon split and will be widely regarded as the main threat off the bike on Sunday. The run course in Nice, which is pancake flat and consists of four out and back loops, will favour the faster runners and allow Lange to track the deficits to his rivals throughout the race.
If he can stay in contention through the swim and the challenging bike course, which the likes of Ditlev will hope to use against him, he is one of the favourites to take the win and at the very least a podium, especially when considering that both of his last two full distance run splits (Roth and Israel) have been 2:30:xx.
If Lange can take his third World Championship title, on a course that better favours some of the other main contenders, he will surely go down in IRONMAN history as one of the best one-day racers, an athlete who can consistently put together their greatest performances on the biggest stage.
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