Search
shop

Sam Laidlow heads into the unknown as IRONMAN World Championship Nice beckons

Sam Laidlow is unsure of his fitness ahead of this weekend's clash at the men's IRONMAN World Championships in Nice.
Staff Reporter
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Sam Laidlow does not expect a repeat of last year’s shock Kona second as he prepares for another shot at IRONMAN World Championship glory in Nice this weekend.

The French star comes into the biggest race of the year on the back of a rollercoaster campaign, punctuated by multiple issues with injury and illness.

After winning Challenge Gran Canaria at the start of the season, Laidlow was a late withdrawal from the PTO Tour European Open and then also failed to finish at IRONMAN Lanzarote with stomach issues.

In June, having looked on track for a podium in Challenge Roth, the Frenchman sustained a calf injury which saw him sidelined for a number of weeks.

After Roth, Laidlow bounced back and took the win at Challenge London, before the bad luck continued and he contracted COVID-19 at the PTO Tour Asian Open in Singapore three weeks ago.

Now, with a question mark over his health, it remains to be seen how well he will go on home soil this weekend.

Advertisement

Sam Laidlow on IMWC Nice prep

Breaking down the build-up to Nice, the PTO World #10 admitted that the weeks leading into the race hadn’t gone the way he would’ve envisaged. As a result, he is very much managing his own expectations.

“It hasn’t been the ideal prep, obviously, after I decided to go to Singapore and picked up Covid, then arrived back here and it has not been the prep I would have envisaged a year out from Nice.

“It will take something really special for me to win. I know on my day I am amongst the best or even the best, but for now we will just have to see.” 

“I have many years ahead of me”

Despite the misfortune which has derailed his training over the past few months, Laidlow takes solace from the fact he is very much part of the younger crop of professional long-course athletes with a bright future ahead of them.

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

“At the end of the day, I am 24, I have a faster time at Kona by almost five minutes over all the other guys here and I have all the sponsors in the world.

“I am where I want to be, and I have many years ahead of me to get better still so I think the pressure should be on the guys with only a couple of years left.”

Explaining how he thinks the race will play out, Laidlow, who is not known for his running prowess, shared his belief that not many people can beat him on the run, adding that he believes the win will come down to who wants it more from the front group in Nice.

“I think there are only a few people who can outrun me. I think I am worth a 2:36 or 2:37 and whilst Patrick [Lange]can go 2:30, I think I can put more than six minutes into him on the bike.” 

“The situation I see coming in is that Jan [Frodeno], Magnus [Ditlev] and me come off the front, with Cam [Wurf] maybe a little further off the front and then it will come down to who is having a good day and who wants it more.” 

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
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumHow to pace a triathlon to leave it all out there WITHOUT blowing up
FORM Smart Swim 2 PRO lens close up
FORM Smart Swim Pro 2 Goggles review: can these high tech goggles actually help you to train smarter and swim faster?
Premium‘The difference from triathlon is so big – there’s no comparison’: Maya Kingma on life in the Women’s WorldTour peloton
Laura Siddall Challenge Roth 2025 finish line
PremiumLaura Siddall: 10 things I’ve learned from my professional triathlon career
TRIFIT VORTEX tri suit
The small but mighty tri brand you NEED to know about: Why TRI-FIT are on a mission to disrupt the triathlon apparel scene
latest News
Kristian Grue wins Norseman 2025
Norseman 2025: Grue and Skala conquer ‘Zombie Hill’ and the world’s TOUGHEST triathlon
Hayden Wilde happy T100 Singapore 2025
Hayden Wilde – is he BACK for T100 London after injury nightmare?
Sam Laidlow run Roundhay Park IRONMAN Leeds 2025
‘I’m ready for it’ – Sam Laidlow on why triathlon is hitting new heights in 2025 ahead of IRONMAN World Champs
Alistair Brownlee Olympics Triathlon London 2012 Podium Gold
Olympic icon Alistair Brownlee reveals most British thing ever when it comes to fuelling recovery
Lionel Sanders IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside 2025 celebration finish line
Lionel Sanders provides BIG update on triathlon 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.

£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

£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...