Search
shop

Sam Laidlow facing race against time following Roth injury

Sam Laidlow sustained an injury at Challenge Roth which could impact the rest of his season.
Staff Reporter
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Sam Laidlow, the Frenchman who challenged eventual Challenge Roth winner Magnus Ditlev throughout the swim and the bike in Bavaria before slowing to a walk on the latter stages of the marathon, has revealed the injury that hampered his race.

The PTO World #4, who in the end finished eighth last weekend, shared on social media that he had suffered a torn calf from the run in Roth and now faces an uphill battle to not only recover from the injury, but also to get back to full fitness ahead of the biggest races of the season.

Second last year in a breakthrough performance at the IRONMAN World Championships in Kona, Laidlow has been tipped as a favourite for this year’s championships on home soil in Nice, but will face a race against time with only ten weeks to go until the starting gun goes off on the French Riviera.

Advertisement

“I knew something was definitely wrong”

Posting on his Instagram page yesterday, Laidlow initially tried to make light of the situation, joking that the tear came about because of Ditlev’s immense bike power, before providing a proper injury update.

Magnus Ditlev and Sam Laidlow head up the Solarer Berg at Challenge Roth 2023
Magnus Ditlev and Sam Laidlow head up the Solarer Berg [Photo credit: Challenge Roth]

“Turns out the pain was real in Challenge Roth and Magnus really did rip my legs off. I tore the muscle in my calf at the 10km mark of the marathon! I knew something was definitely wrong during the race and stubbornly I tried my best to get to the finish line as fast as I could.”

Laidlow added that going forward, he cannot say what the injury will mean for races such as the PTO US Open, PTO Asian Open or even the IRONMAN World Championships, but will prioritise getting back to where he needs to be as quickly as possible.

“I’m not too sure what this means for the second half of the season, but all I can say is I will try my very best to get back to full fitness for the big races.”

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
tri-fit vortex tri suit review
TRI-FIT VORTEX tri suit review – race day approved performance
Maja Stage Nielsen Kat Matthews Jocelyn McCauley IRONMAN Texas 2023 podium photo credit IRONMAN
PremiumRacing to keep up: Is social media making us train harder?
Cadomotus chronos aero triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Wahoo ELEMNT RIVAL
PremiumTraining to heart rate vs power on the bike
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumHow to pace a triathlon to leave it all out there WITHOUT blowing up
latest News
Laura Madsen wins IRONMAN 70.3 Les Sables 2024 photo credit IRONMAN
‘Underdog’ Laura Madsen dreaming of T100 glory after London comeback
Georgia Taylor-Brown London T100 post race
“I am just an amateur in this” Olympian Georgia Taylor-Brown reflects on learnings from London as she gets set to take to the French Riviera T100 start line
World of Triathlon LIVE
From first-time age-grouper to putting on a HUGE triathlon exhibition – meet the triathlon inspired exhibition professional behind World of Triathlon LIVE
Georgia Taylor Brown Paris Olympics 2024 medal
Georgia Taylor-Brown poised to go “all in” for gold at LA Olympics
Patrick Lange IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2024 photo credit Getty Images for IRONMAN
IRONMAN World Championship Nice 2025: Men’s start list finalised
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...