Laura Philipp is striving for world record at the Challenge Roth!

Laura Philipp is striving for world record at the Challenge Roth!

Roth, Deutschland - Sports fans watch out! The Challenge Roth is just around the corner and the field of participants already makes hearts beat faster. Above all, the Germany hope of Laura Philipp from Neckargemünd, who has already drawn attention to second and forth in recent years. At the press conference, she gave herself combative and emphasized that her goal is the winning streak - possibly even with a new world's best time under eight hours. "The race in Hamburg showed me that this is possible," she explained, looking with confidence in the future. In addition, she highlighted the fast route of the Challenge Roth and the unique mood, which is particularly evident in the pond loop in Büchenbach. Anyone who has been there knows that the audience not only keeps with them, but also drives!

A look at the competition shows that the favorite situation is exciting. In addition to Laura Philipp, Sam Laidlow, the long-distance world champion of 2023, is one of the hot candidates for victory. Jan Stratmann, who has recently just slipped past the podium, will also give everything to reach the TOP 3 this year. A surprising participant is Jonas Schomburg, who had to get out at the Ironman in Frankfurt with a broken handlebar and is now starting in Roth at short notice. In addition, Andreas Dreetz, the winner of the Challenge Roth 2019, celebrates his comeback after a long break. "There is a guaranteed," says organizer Felix Walchshöfer and also announced 25 improvements for the challenge, including a new challenge app and ladycare boxes in the transition zones.

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 ratings in 2017 and 2021, she said goodbye to the professional scene after her sixth competition. A farewell that is viewed in the triathlon community with a laughing and a crying eye. "It's bitter, but I'm looking forward to the next challenges," said Siddall, leaving great footsteps in the scene.

a massive team of helpers

A smooth running of the event will take care of around 7,500 volunteers who are preparing for the great challenge in the coming days. "The support of so many volunteers is simply priceless," continued Walchshöfer. Interested parties 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 triumphed clearly at the Ironman World Cup of women with a time of 8:45:15 hours and an impressive lead of 8:04 minutes on the second-placed Katrina Matthews from Great Britain. Philipp, who only won bronze in 2024, takes a huge step and after Anne Haug is the second German triathlete who was able to win this title.

The coming days promise a lot of tension, emotions and top sporting performance. Follow us how the athletes are in the fight for the title!