Search
shop

US triathlon star overcomes bee stings and big battles to take first podium of 2024 at iconic Challenge Roth

American Rudy von Berg was able to overcome setbacks during race week and on race day to clinch a first podium of the season with a third place finish at Challenge Roth.
Staff Reporter
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Rudy von Berg took third place and a big confidence boost at Challenge Roth on Sunday, as the American clinched his first podium of the season in style.

Coming home in 7:38:30, his second fastest time over the full distance, the PTO World #9 overcame a bizarre bee attack during race week and a tough battle on the run to hold on for a top finish.

After a rollercoaster start to the season on the T100 Triathlon World Tour, the 30-year-old looks poised for even better performances as the crux of the season approaches.

Advertisement

Swim-bike-stung?

Despite crashing in the buildup to the race following two suspected bee stings, von Berg managed to dust himself off and make it to the start line in one piece for his debut in Roth.

Rudy Von Berg finishing Challenge Roth 2024
Photo Credit: Christoph Raithel / Challenge Roth

From the gun, the 2023 IRONMAN World Championship fourth place finisher was battling it out for the podium, and he gave a rundown of his day in the post-race press conference.

“The beginning of the swim was quite hard but then when we came back, I don’t know if it was the current or something, but it felt really easy, so that was pretty nice.

“Then on the bike, I love courses like this with a bit of a technical aspect, some ups and downs and after getting to Roth ten days out, I knew the course quite well by race day.

“We were rolling quite nicely and then the run was okay, it’s always painful and very difficult in your head to do a marathon, so that got a little ugly in the end.” 

Digging deep on the run

Going into more detail about the dark moments on the run, the American full distance record holder admitted he had to go face-to-face with some demons in order to hold on to third place after an early battle with Tom Bishop for second.

Men's Pro podium at Challenge Roth 2024 - Magnus Ditlev, Tom Bishop, Rudy Von Berg
Photo Credit: Christoph Raithel / Challenge Roth

“I thought I had it under control, I thought second was pretty much in the bag, and I hadn’t faltered at the end of the marathon last year, so I thought I was good, but then all of a sudden my quads by 27km completely seized up and it was so painful. 

“When I was in third, I could see the guys coming behind me, and that made something switch in my head, I don’t know if it was ego, but I just thought ‘I am staying on this podium’.

“It’s easy when you’re in so much pain to let go and accept that they were going to pass me, and that just finishing in sixth would have still been very painful, but I had a mental switch and I went beyond the pain to hold on.” 

Coming home with a 2:43:25 marathon, von Berg finished just 27 seconds ahead of fourth place finisher Jan Stratmann, with only 77 seconds separating Bishop in second and Leon Chevalier in fifth.

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
Challenge Family Jort Vlam CEO
“It’s not just for nutty people who train 40 hours a week!” Jort Vlam on taking triathlon mainstream and why he’s still inspired to keep growing the sport
Chain hanging to dry after waxing
PremiumSwitching to a waxed chain could take minutes off your Ironman bike split, without riding any harder – and here’s why
PremiumAre women better than men at long distances? We uncover the truth once and for all
Castelli Aero Pro 8S women's cycling jersey
Castelli Aero Pro 8S cycling jersey review: can this ultra-aero jersey turn watts into speed without dialling down on comfort?
Sian Rainsley Vitus
PremiumThreshold or VO2 max? The best type of intervals for triathletes who want to get faster
latest News
Team Ramsay T100 London 2025
Olympic swimming legend Adam Peaty stars for Team Ramsay on debut triathlon
Billy Monger T100 London 2025
‘I’ve got big goals’ – Billy Monger on LA2028 after first sprint triathlon at T100 London
Lucy Charles Barclay T100 London celebrations 2025
T100 win confirms the numbers – and now Lucy Charles-Barclay sets sights on Kona and more
Alex Yee London Marathon 2025
Alex Yee sets stunning new PB for 5,000m at international meet in Belgium
Hayden Wilde finish line T100 London 2025
‘He’s a superfreak’ – Jan Frodeno hails INCREDIBLE Hayden Wilde comeback
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

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

100+ new articles/month

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

100+ new articles/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...