The focus may be on next weekend’s IRONMAN races – especially the incredible fields in Texas – but there’s plenty to grab the attention at 70.3 Valencia on Sunday.
And top of the list is the fact that this could be 2023 IRONMAN World Champion Sam Laidlow‘s first ever completed 70.3.
The Frenchman has won a whole host of the biggest races out there at both full and middle-distance – including Challenge Roth last year – but this is a departure from his normal schedule.
Point to prove
Nearly 70 men and over 30 pro women will line up in the Spanish coastal city and Laidlow is clear favourite for the men.
His early part of the year was geared towards the Barcelona Marathon as the battle to get quicker on the run at the top end of the sport continues.
That didn’t go to plan but his swim and bike should put him in pole position here.
He’ll wear bib #2, with reigning champion, Johannes Vogel (GER) heading the field after taking his maiden professional victory at this race last year.
Joining Vogel will be compatriots Fabian Kraft, runner-up to him 12 months ago, and Lasse Nygaard Priester.
Pierre the one to beat?
In the women’s professional field, reigning champion is uber-runner Daniel Kleiser (GER).
Arguably the favourite is France’s Marjolaine Pierre. An impressive season last year saw her take the win in her university town at IRONMAN 70.3 Aix-en-Provence, bag a third place finish at IRONMAN Vitoria-Gastiez and finish in the top five at the 70.3 World Championship.
Other fascinating challengers in what looks a strong race come in the guise of 2025 IRONMAN 70.3 European Champion, Lena Meissner (GER); Sif Benfix Madsen (DEN) and Imogen Simmonds (SUI).
