Search
shop

Sam Long living the dream as he prepares for Challenge Roth 2022

'The Big Unit' has always dreamed of racing Roth, and on Sunday he gets his chance
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Sam Long says he will realise a triathlon dream on Sunday when he gets the chance to take part in one of the sport’s classic events – Challenge Roth.

The 26-year-old will make his debut in the IRONMAN event on Sunday where he is expected to challenge Jan Frodeno and Patrick Lange for the men’s title. 

And ‘The Big Unit’ admits the Bavarian showpiece is one he has targeted for many years – so it is extra special that he is in the mix for the 20th anniversary of the race. 

Advertisement

Sam Long on ‘legendary’ Roth

Long said: “It’s one of these races that is legendary. I’ve seen things on TV and social media and heard about Solar Hill and it captured my imagination as soon as I started triathlon. 

“It’s always been a dream to come here and here I finally am! I decided early on in the season to come here.” 

Sam has three podium finishes to his name in 2022, but he could only manage 15th at May’s IRONMAN World Championship in St George

He knows even a Frodeno who is still building up his race fitness after injury will be a tough opponent on Sunday, but he is up for the challenge. 

Long said: “I expect a great race – fast and furious – we all know I’ll be chasing from behind but how I like it. Is it possible to beat Jan? Of course, it’s possible.” 

Written by
Ed Mezzetti
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
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
Gwen Jorgensen World Triathlon Cup Tongyeong 2023 run
Olympic triathlon champion Gwen Jorgensen issues last call for scholarship fund for young athletes
Norseman Triathlon 2023 Start
The Norseman 2025: Date, start time and how to follow live for ‘the race that makes athletes cry’
Jan Frodeno Cheesehead PTO Tour US Open 2023 Milwaukee
Triathlon legend Jan Frodeno goes outside his comfort zone to take on epic UTMB challenge
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...