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
TRI247 podcast p/b Challenge Family episode 2
Go behind the scenes at Challenge Roth with the latest episode of the TRI247 podcast
Cadomotus Chronos triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Challenge Family Roth
Five things you need to know about the Challenge Roth bike course
Challenge St. Pölten 2024 - image credit Jose Luis Hourcade / Challenge Family
Expert swim coach on the three most common swim mistakes age group triathletes make (and how to fix them!)
TRI-FIT VANGUARD tri suit review
The entry-level tri suit with a serious amount of performance for the price point – TRI-FIT VANGUARD review
latest News
Joe Skipper finished fifth at Challenge Roth 2023
Challenge Roth 2025: Triathlon star Joe Skipper comes back from the brink for another shot at iconic race
ironman hamburg 2025 podium laura philipp kat matthews solveig lovseth beer
Challenge Roth 2025: Laura Philipp backed to make triathlon history by crashing through magical time barrier
Challenge Roth press conference 2025
Challenge Roth 2025: Date, start times, how to watch live and who’s racing
Georgia Taylor Brown wins supertri Toulouse 2024
British Olympic legend Georgia Taylor-Brown to make triathlon return
Gwen Jorgensen reflective World Triathlon Cup Vina del Mer 2023
‘Unbreakable’ Gwen Jorgensen ‘bruised’ after bike crash but vows to bounce back
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

Share to...