Search
shop

Sickness forces Patrick Lange to withdraw from PTO European Open

Two-time IRONMAN World Champion announces he'll miss the PTO European Open because of sinusitis and a persistent cough.
News Director
Last updated -
Redefining Triathlon For Every Athlete

Two-time IRONMAN World Champion Patrick Lange has been ruled out of Saturday’s PTO European Open because of illness.

The German won IRONMAN Israel at the end of last season thanks to a 2:30 marathon and is currently ranked #12 in the world.

Advertisement

Learning from past mistakes

But on Tuesday evening he posted on Instagram: “Unfortunately and with big disappointment, I have to announce that I won’t be able to race PTO European Open in Ibiza this weekend due to sickness.

DATEV Challenge Roth 2022 - Patrick Lange finish line
[Photo Credit: Lars Pamler / Challenge Roth]

“I have been battling with sinusitis and a persistent cough since Thursday last week, which has left me unable to prepare for the race. Since there is no hope to get healthy until Saturday, me and my team have decided to withdraw from the race.

“As disappointing as it is, I’ve learned from my past mistakes – particularly my DNF in Kona 2019 – that health comes first. I won’t make the same mistake twice.

Olympic showdown

“I’m focusing on getting back to being healthy as quickly as possible and wishing all athletes who are competing a great race. I’ll be cheering you on from the TV!”

Lange’s absence is clearly a blow but stellar fields for both the men’s and women’s races are still in prospect.

All the men’s Olympic champions since 2008 – Jan Frodeno, Alistair Brownlee and PTO #1-ranked Kristian Blummenfelt – are on the start list while in the women’s nine of the top 10 in the world line up.

Jonathan Turner
Written by
Jonathan Turner
Jonathan Turner is News Director for both TRI247 and RUN247, and is accustomed to big-name interviews, breaking news stories and providing unrivalled coverage for endurance sports.  
Discover more
Ironman gear guide – everything you need to get to the finish line of a full distance triathlon
What is Heart Rate Variability? How triathletes can use HRV to optimise their training
On Cloudmonster Hyper running shoes
On Cloudmonster Hyper running shoes review – worth the hype?
sports supplements for endurance athletes
Sports nutrition supplements – which supplements are actually worth taking?
Challenge Sanremo 2024 - Photo: Jose Luis Hourcade
How to fuel your triathlon training: Expert nutritionist tips to help you nail every session
latest News
Lionel Sanders IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside 2025 celebration finish line
Triathlon superstar Lionel Sanders confirms next race as he recovers from IRONMAN Texas KO
Cassandre Beaugrand wins T1 Indoor Triathlon World Cup Lievin 2025
Olympic champ Beaugrand tops amazing Yokohama start list – featuring every WTCS winner for last two years
IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship Finish Line Kat Matthews Taylor Knibb
IRONMAN Texas: Date, start times, previews and how to watch live
Alex Yee thumbs up Paris Olympics 2024 photo credit world triathlon
London Marathon 2025: Triathlon superstar Alex Yee admits he feels like a novice again
Sam Laidlow wins T100 London 2024 photo credit PTO
IRONMAN World Champion Sam Laidlow gets grim reality check as ‘full health and fitness’ still seems far away
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...