International
We are proud to see one of our biggest line-ups of athletes ever seen at the Ironman World Championships, with four returning triathletes and a first-time Kona starter.
With the competition extremely high and the field so matched together, it ensured a day of massive risk taking and some huge blow-ups as the World´s best pushed each other beyond their limits.
After making a name for himself when he finished 2nd in 2022, current World Champion Sam Laidlow was hungrier than ever for the title. Breaking his own bike record by over 7minutes and being the first ever to go under 4 hours, he entered T2 with a 6 minute gap.
After 18km the Frenchman paid the price of that huge effort on the bike when he was overtaken. Moving through the field, American Rudy Von Berg started the run 7´44¨ down but clearly had his eyes on the front runners. As Laidlow continued his own battle just to reach the finish line, Von Berg was having the race of his life. He crossed the iconic Ali´i Drive finish line in 7h46´00¨, the fastest time ever for an American at the Ironman World Championships as Patrick Lange took his 3rd title and broke the course record.
In his debut Kona and Ironman World Championships, Spaniard Antonio Benito was amongst the group of 20 lead swimmers, but despite a strong bike, was another to succumb to a very hard and hot run course, eventually finishing 20th behind Laidlow (18)
A brutal day also for Arnaud Guilloux(FR) and Pieter Heemeryck(BEL) who also withdrew from the race.
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PRE-RACE EDITO
The men´s Ironman World Championship returns to the spiritual home of the race on Hawaii´s big island of Kona, for what is predicted to be one of the closest clashes we have seen. The level of competition is so high and the field is extremly matched together, including four former Ironman World Champions. There is no doubt that the fight for the championship title is going to go down to the wire when the gun goes off this Saturday morning.
We are proud to see one of our biggest line-ups of athletes ever seen at the Ironman World Championships, with four returning triathletes and a first-time Kona starter.
Don´t miss the biggest race on the long distance triathlon calendar this Saturday 26th October (6:25h local time, 18:25h CET)
SAM LAIDLOW
Two years after making a name for himself in Kona with his silver medal in 2022, defending Ironman champion whose victory in Nice last year was also his first Ironman win, Sam Laidlow has recently shown his world-class form has placed him as a major favorite for this 2024 ediiton. Current Kona bike course record holder, the 25 year old will be looking to push hard once again in his strongest discipline. Taking victory in T100 London and backing up with 2nd at T100 Ibiza last month, he wont be settling for anything but a 2nd World title.
RUDY VON BERG
Lining up for his 3rd Ironman World Championship, Rudy Von Berg is another name who could cause a stir amongst the top contenders. The American sealed his qualification by winning Ironman Florida last November and finished 4th at the World Championships in Nice last year. He also finished a solid 3rd in Challenge Roth despite a training accident pre-race. He will be aiming to be the first American to take the title since 2002.
ANTONIO BENITO LOPEZ
Our newest recruit and rumoured to be a serious contender despite his first appearance, Spain´s Antonio Benito López will debut as the World Triathlon long course world champion. Earning his qualification at Ironman Vittoria where he turned eyes with a speedy 2h37´ marathon split, he will be aiming for big things in his first time on the island.
PIETER HEEMERYCK
Last weekend he finished 4th at T100 Las Vegas where he continues to prove he is a major series contender, Belgium Pieter Heemeryck returns to Kona for the 2nd time in attempt of continuing his strong form and improving on his 2022 appearance.
ARNAUD GUILLOUX
Then there is the Frenchman Arnaud Guilloux who lines up for another shot at the World Championships. Despite never finishing inside the top 20 at Kona, he is currently placed 2nd in the Ironman Pro Series standings and has had a solid season so far. There is no doubt he will be aiming to top off a big year with his best result yet!
