Search
shop

Sam Laidlow added to Challenge London start list as French star ‘comes home’

Sam Laidlow has been put on the start list for Challenge London next month.
Staff Reporter
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

PTO World #4 Sam Laidlow has been added to the start list for the first edition of Challenge London, with the 2022 IRONMAN World Championship runner-up looking to kickstart his season after some tough days out.

Having faded after sharing the lead with Magnus Ditlev off the bike at Challenge Roth, not finishing at IRONMAN Lanzarote and withdrawing from the PTO Tour European Open, Laidlow will hope for some more luck in Central London.

Despite taking a first middle-distance win at Challenge Gran Canaria at the start of the season, Laidlow hasn’t been able to build on his stellar 2022 campaign, but will be the top-ranked athlete in a 20 strong pro men’s field in the British capital.

Advertisement

Laidlow ready for redemption

Sharing the reason behind his snap decision to race in London, on a course which takes in the Big Ben, the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament, Laidlow revealed he couldn’t resist a ‘home race’ (he was born in the UK).

Sam Laidlow run IRONMAN Lanzarote 2023 photo credit James Mitchell Club La Santa IRONMAN Lanzarote
[Photo credit: James Mitchell / Club La Santa IRONMAN Lanzarote]

“It’s a bit of a last-minute decision for me but I couldn’t resist going back to my home country to race in one of the best venues in the world.

“I raced the Olympic distance here as a junior and got my ass kicked, so now it’s time to come back and claim that win.”

The Frenchman will take on athletes such as home favourite James Teagle, South African Matt Trautmann and one of the highest ranked athletes on the Challenge Family World Bonus rankings, Aussie Caleb Noble.

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
Lionel Sanders at the press conference ahead of 70.3 World Championship 2023
Huge injury update as Canadian triathlon superstar Lionel Sanders confirms brutal diagnosis
Sam Dickinson second place ironman 703 jonkoping 2025
British Olympic hero Sam Dickinson bidding for home glory at IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea
Kat Matthews IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship Taupo New Zealand 2024
IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea: Date, start time, who’s racing and how to watch live
Laura Siddall Challenge Roth run 2023 photo credit Challenge Roth
Laura Siddall signs off amazing pro career in fitting place at beloved Challenge Roth
Kristian Blummenfelt wins 703 Aix en Provence 2025
Triathlon rival accepts superstar Kristian Blummenfelt’s challenge with cheeky Insta message
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...