Search
shop

The Championship Press Conference: what they said…

Who said what? News from Friday's Press Conference in Samorin, Slovakia ahead of the second edition of The Championship
Chief Correspondent
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Countdown to Year Two of The Championship in Samorin

Friday afternoon at the staggeringly impressive x-bionic sphere venue in Samorin, Slovakia saw the Pro Press Conference for The Championship (www.thechampionship.de) from Challenge Family.

With the full men’s and women’s podium finishers from 2017 returning – and new additions to the start list including Annie Haug (GER), Sam Appleton (AUS), Bart Aernouts (BEL), Kaisa Sali (FIN), James Cunnama (RSA) and Sarah Lewis (GBR), the general universal feeling is that the races are even stronger in terms of depth than 12 months ago.

I spent much of my day preparing for and doing interviews in preparation for the live streaming coverage (details HERE), which I will be hosting on Sunday morning, in conjunction with Danish Pro athlete, Michelle Vesterby.

Here are some of the key soundbites from today’s Press Conference.

Lucy Charles – winner last year

“It’s been a bit crazy (since this race last year). I loved the whole race and venue. The race gave me confidence in my running ability as I had to race in a different way and it set off what was a great year.”

The Championship 2018

Richard Varga – the local hero

“It’s bloody cool that we have such an amazing race. I want to be a part of it – to race at home is just the best.”

The Championship 2018

Emma Pallant – DNF (Puncture) in 2017

“I got a chance to walk the bike course (because of the puncture), and I can confirm that it is very pretty… but I do hope I’ll get to reach the run course this time around.”

Lionel Sanders – 2017 Men’s Champion

“That was one of those races where it didn’t matter who won. I smelt the blood in the water. Sebastian had dropped me multiple times and I managed to bridge back up, I thought he wasn’t even feeling any pain but then at an aid station I could hear he was in pain. The, I knew he was hurting just as bad as I was. That’s why I’m back, to have that sort of race. It’s a deeper field this year  – I’m hoping for another battle. Maybe 20k’s together running together for six of us and a sprint finish would be great!”

The Championship 2018

Annabel Luxford – 2nd last year

“It’s a long way from Australia to come for a race, but it is a great race. With the 20m draft rule and the competition IT draws, I’m really looking forward to that. That’s why I’m here.”

The Championship 2018
Annabel Luxford and Heather Wurtele

Heather Wurtele – 3rd last year

“We were joking that we provided plenty of drama last year – heart-braking drama in my case – but it was a great race. I’m hoping I won’t fade on the run this time. I appreciate the 20m draft rule, it makes it fair, and I’m sure we are in for another great race.”

Radka Vodickova – two 70.3 wins in 2018 after the birth of her first child in January

“I just love sport, I’m not doing it to be a super mum. Happy mum equals happy baby!”

Michael Raelert – third in 2017

“Always a pleasure to race against the best guys. I hope I can do well like last year, but I’m happy to be here and to race. Unlike Lionel I don’t want to sprint against the young guys!”

Sebastian Kienle – second 12 months ago

“When you do the sport for such a long time, I’m collecting a lot of second places. But if guys like Lionel / Jan / Patrick weren’t there, I’d probably be getting third and fourth places. I wouldn’t be motivated – it’s that level of competition that keeps me striving to be better. This is the most important middle distance race for me this year – I’m not doing the 70.3 World Championship this year.”

The Championship 2018

Sam Appleton – debut at The Championship

“Last year I watched this race and was jealous I missed it. I’m honoured to race a field this deep, I’m excited to be racing. I’m feeling good, training well and ready to give it a good shake on Sunday.”

Mauricio Mendez – 2016 XTERRA World Champion

“I super excited – I’ve been watching these guys since I was a kid. Actually, I would like a sprint finish! I hope to give it my all and have a great race.”

The Championship

John Levison
Written by
John Levison
TRI247's Chief Correspondent, John has been involved in triathlon for well over 30 years, 15 of those writing on these pages, whilst he can also be found commentating for events across the UK.
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
Sam Laidlow bike IRONMAN Leeds 2025
Laidlow and Skipper hail anti-drafting progress – but highlight bigger issues
Julia Skala end of Norseman 2025
“A fight for self-worth, strength and healing,” Julia Skala on world’s toughest triathlon
Steve McKenna got the win at the 40th edition of IRONMAN New Zealand.
Star IRONMAN athlete clocks a sub-2:20 marathon – and says there’s more to come
Sam Long St George 2024 photo credit Getty Images for IRONMAN
‘Yo Yo Yo – London is calling’ – Sam Long the latest big name added to stellar T100 start lists
Kristian Grue wins Norseman 2025
Norseman 2025: Grue and Skala conquer ‘Zombie Hill’ and the world’s TOUGHEST triathlon
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...