2023 IRONMAN World Champion Sam Laidlow has confirmed that his long-awaited return to competitive action will take place at Challenge Roth on July 6.
The French superstar has spent the majority of the winter battling an unknown illness that left the 26-year-old unable to train sufficiently, commenting that his ailment felt like “someone had unplugged him” during a torturous offseason.
His issues arose following his epic blow-up at the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona in October 2024, and he had questioned whether or not he’d ever return to the start line of a professional triathlon.
The charismatic talent was forced to miss Challenge Sir Bani Yas due to his continued fitness woes, but now has his eyes on taking part at Challenge Roth in July, with the ultimate goal of repeating his IRONMAN World Championship Nice victory two years ago.
Laidlow buoyed by training block
Posting on his Instagram page about the prospect of competing at Challenge Roth, Laidlow expressed his optimism following a sustained training block:
“After four weeks of consistent training, I’m grateful to say that I’ll be on the start line at Challenge Roth this year, as originally planned, just under two months from now.
“There were moments earlier this season when I didn’t know if I’d even be able to start racing at all. But through all the uncertainty, I kept picturing Roth, the crowds, the atmosphere and the energy, as the place I’d “come home” to racing.
“Can’t wait to experience it again, I’ve got unfinished business!”
The French star previously raced the German event back in 2023 against a star-studded field including Denmark’s Magnus Ditlev, who claimed victory, current IRONMAN World Champion Patrick Lange, British star Joe Skipper and German legend Sebastian Kienle.
Laidlow finished a creditable eighth, showcasing his exceptional swim and biking skills before blowing up on the run – recording a 3:00:48 marathon.
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