Three-time IRONMAN World Champion Patrick Lange has been forced to pull out of today’s race on the Big Island – bringing a sad end to his illustrious Kona career.
The German was visibly emotional as he exited the course at the turnaround point of the 180km bike leg, climbing out of his saddle at the top of Hāwī and holding his head in his hands.
Winner in 2017, 2018 and 2024, the Kona course record holder had stopped earlier on the ride and was clearly struggling at more than ten minutes off the leaders when he called an end to his efforts.
Devastating end for former champion
Lange announced earlier this year – after competing at Challenge Roth – that he would be retiring at the end of this season and confirmed this week that this weekend would be his ‘last dance’ in Hawaii.
Posting on Instagram ahead of the race, he said: “Still unreal that tomorrow will be my last dance with this incredible island. Wishing everyone out there a great race! Enjoy it.
“I also want to say a HUGE mahalo to each and every one of you for all the incredible support and love I’ve felt throughout race week. The number of messages, hugs, and cheers I’ve received has been overwhelming, and it’s honestly hard to put into words. WOW! ❤️
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart. It truly means more to me than you can imagine. 🙏🏽🌺”
An incredible champion; it was a desperately sad way for him to bow out.
Fellow German and former champ Jan Frodeno later confirmed while presenting on the live IRONMAN YouTube feed that Lange had been struggling with cramps.
“He is devastated; it’s his last ever appearance, and he says that he just kept drinking and kept drinking, but that he also kept cramping… he is looking for answers at this stage; it is so raw when you have to pull out of a race like that. It’s tough seeing a three-time champion walking a very humble walk.”
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