Sam Laidlow gave it all in Kona last month as he played a pivotal role in an epic 2024 IRONMAN World Championship. But now, quite simply, there is nothing more to give.
The 25-year-old Frenchman produced a blistering course record bike leg on the Big Island as he tried to defend the title he had won so brilliantly in Nice in 2023.
But while the incredible 3:57:22 gave him a handy lead heading into T2, it also led to the blowup which saw him eventually finish 18th as Germany’s Patrick Lange surged through the field to claim a third victory in the iconic race.
Laidlow out of T100 Dubai finale
Laidlow had hoped to still have one more race in this 2024 season, this weekend’s T100 Grand Final in Dubai. But on Tuesday morning he made the sad announcement that his year is over, courtesy of a torn hamstring.
Writing in a post on his Instagram account, Sam revealed: “Signing off 2024, one race early.
“Sad to announce I am withdrawing from the T100 Grand Final this weekend. I took a few risks trying to bring my run game up between Kona and now, but my body simply said stop and has left me with a 3cm grade 2 muscle tear in my hamstring.
“I really wanted to finish the season on a high but unfortunately I will have to call it a season.
“A big thanks to everyone in my corner, and a special mention to the boys @aaronroyle and @martenvanriel for making my stay more enjoyable despite not being able to race.
“I’m not going anywhere this weekend, I’ll be here to enjoy the remainder of the T100 season and watch some amazing racing, make sure you do too!”
IMWC Nice the likely focus for 2025
Laidlow’s 2024 campaign had put the focus on that big day in Kona, and he looked in prime form heading to Hawaii after claiming victory at T100 London and then finishing second behind Marten Van Riel in Ibiza.
Now he will regroup and look ahead to a 2025 season which will once again include an IRONMAN World Championship on his home turf – in Nice, France.
Racing to keep up: Is social media making us train harder?
