Sam Laidlow says he is putting titles before his bank balance as he follows in the footsteps of his big triathlon rivals in 2025.
The French superstar split his race schedule for 2024 between preparing for the defence of his IRONMAN World Championship title in Kona and the new T100 series.
Indeed the 26-year-old admitted that his debut win over the new distance in London in July was a watershed moment which he admitted left him feeling part of the sport’s elite.
Laidlow on titles vs money
But Laidlow has no T100 races in his plan for 2025 as he follows the route taken by rivals Magnus Ditlev, Kristian Blummenfelt and Gustav Iden – who all have the IRONMAN World Championship in Nice in September as their main focus.
But unlike that trio – who have all stated their intention to chase the riches offered by the IRONMAN Pro Series ($200k to the standings leader at the end of the year) – Laidlow says he will chase no rankings or series points in 2025. Only titles.
Writing in a post on his Instagram account, Laidlow said: “After much thought, I’ve decided not to pursue any overall ranking series this season, including the T100 circuit, despite my admiration for the positive impact it has had on the Ironman Pro series.
“While these systems are fantastic for the sport and for many athletes, my focus remains on what drives me most: winning the biggest and most prestigious races in the world.
“Rankings and series may fill your bank account, but titles fill your soul.”
Sam Laidlow 2025 race schedule
Laidlow will kick off his season at IRONMAN South Africa on March 30 before heading to the inaugural Challenge Sir Bani Yas in Abu Dhabi on April 5.
From there he will race over the 70.3 distance in Venice and Aix-en-Provence in May ahead of his big date with destiny in Nice in September. Laidlow’s year will then end with the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Marbella on November 9.
IMWC Nice the main focus
The main focus for Sam of course will be that huge showdown on the French Riviera in September – where two years ago he put himself firmly on the elite triathlon map by racing to a spectacular victory on home soil.
Last October it was a very different feeling for Laidlow as the defence of his title fell flat when he was humbled by an epic blowup in brutal conditions in Kona, Hawaii as Germany’s Patrick Lange snatched victory.
Now the 26-year-old clearly believes he has unfinished business as he focuses on winning back his crown in 2025.
He said: “Deciding which races to compete in gets tougher every year, especially in a time when our sport is evolving and growing at such a rapid pace. Being a professional triathlete right now is both an incredible opportunity and a challenge—it requires even greater focus and commitment to reach the top.
“My ultimate goal has never changed: to be a world champion again. I’m following my instincts and dedicating myself entirely to the events that truly matter to me and to the legacy I want to build.”
Laura Siddall: 10 things I’ve learned from my professional triathlon career
