Field Challenge Roth 2025: From Champions to Olympians

World champions, Roth winners, Olympians, European champions, local heroes, and Paralympics victors will all gather for one spectacular event in Roth! The Challenge Roth 2025 promises not just a competition, but a rich tapestry of athletic prowess that could become a historic race. Mark your calendars for 6 July; the anticipation is already palpable!

Stars of the Professional Field

Leading the charge in this illustrious field are Ironman world champions Laura Philipp and Sam Laidlow. As the reigning world champion, Philipp is eager to secure her spot at the top of the podium after a commendable third and second place finish in previous years. “This is the most atmospheric race in the world,” she exclaims, eyes set on glory once more. For Laidlow, it’s “the most important race of the season next to the Ironman World Championship,” with victory in Roth embodying “a dream” for him.

However, both elite athletes will face stiff competition. The experience of their rivals, alongside their own ambition, ensures that the race won’t be a leisurely stroll but a fierce battle of wills.

Familiar Faces and Rising Stars

Among the frontrunners, several competitors are no strangers to the Roth course and its electrifying atmosphere. Last year’s runner-up, Tom Bishop, aims to build on his surprise success, fixated on tasting victory. Similarly, Germany’s Jan Stratmann narrowly missed the podium, finishing just seconds away from a medal, and is determined to claim his rightful place this year.

Andi Dreitz, the winner of Challenge Roth 2019, returns after an extensive injury layoff, and his ambitions remain high. With previous experience in this iconic event, he could emerge as a serious contender once again.

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Pieter Heemeryck, holding 13th place in the Professional Triathletes Organisation rankings, seeks to improve upon his 19th place result in Roth, while Swedish athlete Jesper Svensson, who secured second place in 2019, could spring a surprise, reminiscent of his previous performance.

British athlete Fenella Langridge will be looking to charm the crowds once again. Having finished narrowly off the podium last year, her determination is palpable: “The only thing missing is a place at the top.” Magda Niewoudt, who finished sixth in Roth 2022, brings a wealth of experience from various Challenge Family events, adding further depth to the competition.

New Intakes into Long Distance Racing

This year’s Challenge Roth also spotlights athletes transitioning from shorter formats to long-distance triathlons for the first time. Frenchman Vincent Luis, a two-time short-distance world champion and Olympic participant, selected Roth as his long-distance debut. Inspired by his father, who raced here two decades ago, Luis is set to make a significant impact.

On the German front, Fred Funk’s return marks a poignant moment; having competed in the Junior Challenge Roth 22 years ago, he is eager to embrace the long-distance challenge. “It was absolutely no question that my first long-distance triathlon would be in Roth,” he asserts.

Australian Grace Thek, fresh off successes in middle-distance events, is similarly buzzing with excitement about her debut in Roth, aspiring to experience the “magic” the race is known for while achieving a top placing.

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Olympians Embrace the Long Distance Challenge

This year’s event is steeped in Olympic heritage—Aaron Royle and Henri Schoeman will join Luis in making their long-distance debuts. This trio, having competed together at the 2016 Rio Olympics, brings a wealth of elite experience to Roth. Schoeman, a bronze medallist, aims to add a new dimension to his already illustrious career, stepping into this new arena with a reputation to uphold.

Germany’s Martin Schulz, the nation’s most successful paratriathlete, is also preparing for a noteworthy debut in the professional field. With gold medals from Rio and Tokyo, and having served as Germany’s flag bearer at the 2024 Paralympics, Schulz is targeting a spot in the top 20. His determination showcases the remarkable potential of athletes with disabilities in elite sport.

Competing alongside Schulz will be Wang Jiachao from China, a former elite swimmer with Paralympic medals to his name who is taking the plunge into triathlons.

The Newcomers Ready to Make Waves

In addition to the Olympians, the French contingent, including Sam Laidlow and Luis, welcomes Denis Chevrot, a twice Ironman Austria victor fanatical about competing in German-speaking countries—he is set to debut in Roth alongside Arthur Horseau.

Menno Koolhaas, fresh off a fifth-place finish at Ironman Hawaii, seeks to challenge the status quo with a personal best of 7:35, while US athlete Matt Hanson defies age stereotypes entering his first Challenge Roth at 40.

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Jack Moody, a New Zealander renowned for podium finishes across Challenge Family races, will dive into Roth excited to showcase his talents.

Women’s racing sees Justine Mathieux keen to take the stage, having previously placed third at Ironman Cozumel. As a seasoned competitor with five finishes on the podium, she is ready to make her mark.

Scottish triathlete Nikki Bartlett is relishing the “biggest triathlon party in the world.” With dreams of standing proud on the podium under an ‘Erdinger shower,’ she aims to impact the competition as she navigates the course.

Meanwhile, Switzerland’s rising star Alanis Siffert, boasting multiple middle-distance victories, commences her long-distance journey on a high note and could herald an exciting new chapter for Swiss women in the sport.

Returning Legends and Unfinished Business

Challenge Roth’s legacy will also see the return of Laura Siddall, a beloved figure within the sport, expressing deep emotion about racing once more in Roth. For her, it is not just a race; it is a celebration of friendships and the passionate local spirit.

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Bart Aernouts, winner of the 2017 edition, sets out to make a grand return as a professional for the third and final time, while Maurice Clavel seeks to re-engage podium glory, promising to give the younger generation a run for their money.

Felix Walchshöfer, the race director, promises a thrilling spectacle on 6 July. “This will be a grand dance, a debutante ball for many and an emotional farewell for some,” he noted. “With so many high-calibre pros competing in Roth for the first time, expect the most exciting race ever.” As the clock ticks down to race day, one thing is for certain—the stage is set for history to unfold in Roth’s welcoming embrace.