It is an event you have to experience in person to truly understand. Challenge Roth is an event truly like no other on the planet, and even during a pademic that forced organizers to ask fans not come out and watch the athletes there was still lots of community support and, well, lots of people on hand to ensure the athletes had a great day. We look back at the exciting day of racing in Bavaria with these photos by Kevin Mackinnon.
As always the day began with a 3.8 km swim in the canal. This year the weather was near perfect – while there was a bit of mist on the water first thing, the day was sunny and warm and there was next-to-no wind.There were about 1,800 athletes in today’s race. Normally there are 3,400 individuals and 650 relay teams.Canada’s Rach McBride was fifth out of the water.Former cycling pro Ruben Zepuntke powered ahead of the rest of the field, riding 3:46 for the 170 km course. (The course was shortened due to construction and to avoid the popular Solarberg climb where thousands of fans traditionally gather to watch the race.)Germany’s 2014 Ironman world champion Sebastian Kienle won here in 2018, but never looked himself today and would drop out on the bike.Two time Ironman world champion Patrick Lange couldn’t have looked better in all three legs of the race today, He rode a 3:50 split after coming out of the water in second place.Defending Ironman world champion Anne Haug was also spectacular in all three sports – second out of the water, then pulling away on the bike.McBride would have a solid ride and come off the bike in the top five.Great Britain’s Fenella Langridge was second off the bike and stayed in that position until 38 km into the run.There was no touching Haug, though, who flew the marathon and turned a 12 minute lead off the bike into a 32 minute victory.Patrick Lange is thrilled to take the win in his first appearance in Roth.Don’t try this at home!Anne Haug considers this her “home race” as she is from this area, making today’s win that much more special.Laura Siddall moved into second place with four km to go in the marathon.
Photo by:
Kevin Mackinnon
