Laura Philipp is aiming for a world record at the Challenge Roth!

Laura Philipp is aiming for a world record at the Challenge Roth!

Attention sports fans! The Challenge Roth is just around the corner and the field of participants is already making hearts beat faster. Above all, the Germany hope Laura Philipp from Neckargemünd, who has already attracted attention with second and third places in recent years. At the press conference she was combative and emphasized that her goal is a winning streak - possibly even with a new world record time of under eight hours. “The race in Hamburg showed me that this is possible,” she explained and looked to the future with confidence. She also highlighted the fast route of the Challenge Roth and the unique atmosphere that prevails, especially at the Weiherschleife in Büchenbach. Anyone who has ever been there knows that the audience not only keeps up, but also motivates them!

A look at the competition shows: the favorites are exciting. In addition to Laura Philipp, Sam Laidlow, the 2023 long-distance world champion, is one of the hot contenders for victory. Jan Stratmann, who narrowly missed the podium recently, will also give everything to reach the top 3 this year. A surprising participant is Jonas Schomburg, who had to drop out of the Ironman in Frankfurt with broken handlebars and is now competing in Roth at short notice. In addition, Andreas Dreitz, the winner of the Challenge Roth 2019, is celebrating his comeback after a long injury break. “Excitement is guaranteed,” says organizer Felix Walchshöfer and also announced 25 improvements for the challenge, including a new challenge app and Ladycare boxes in the transition areas.

Farewell to a legend

This year the Challenge Roth will also be the last race of Laura Siddall, a legend of the Roth triathlon. After two podium finishes in 2017 and 2021, she is saying goodbye to the professional scene after her sixth competition. A farewell that is viewed with both a laughing and a crying eye in the triathlon community. “It’s bittersweet, but I’m looking forward to the next challenges,” said Siddall, leaving big shoes to fill in the scene.

A massive team of helpers

Around 7,500 volunteers will ensure that the event runs smoothly and will prepare for the big challenge in the coming days. “The support of so many volunteers is simply priceless,” Walchshöfer continued. Those interested can register on a waiting list if there are still places available.

In addition to Laura Philipp's ambition and the upcoming Challenge Roth, she could also benefit from her recent success in Nice. There, the 37-year-old clearly triumphed at the Women's Ironman World Championship with a time of 8:45:15 hours and an impressive lead of 8:04 minutes over second-place finisher Katrina Matthews from Great Britain. Philipp, who only won bronze in 2024, is taking a huge step and is the second German triathlete after Anne Haug to win this title.

The coming days promise a lot of excitement, emotions and top sporting performances. Follow us to see how the athletes fare in the fight for the title!