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World Records Highlight Incredible Race in Roth

World records broken in Roth, ruining your easy runs, and race day wisdom we wish we knew!

Author

Matthew Sharpe
July 09, 2024

Good morning everyone,

Plenty of action in today’s newsletter, so let’s get toss on our shoes and get into it!

In today’s edition: 

  • 🎉 World record performances highlight the incredible 40th edition of Challenge Roth.

  • 😵 Are you running too hard on your easy runs? Here’s how to tell.

  • 🏁 And race day wisdom we wish we’d known earlier!

Thanks for being here,

-Matt Sharpe, newsletter editor

Headshot of Matt Sharpe

Have a triathlete in your life who can't stop swimming, biking, or running? Fire this off to them. Forwarded from a friend? Sign-up for free. 

ONE BIG THING

Despite Weather Woes, Challenge Roth Shines in 40th Edition

Challenge Roth

What is it: This past Sunday the 40th edition of Challenge Roth took place in Roth, Germany and although the weather proved to be difficult, it didn’t stop the thousands of enthusiastic athletes and the army of over 7500 volunteers from creating another unforgettable event.

  • And the rain certainly didn’t damper the record-breaking pro performances!

Women’s race: After Anne Haug (GER) made the surprise announcement that she would be competing in Roth, she wasted no time in putting herself at the front of the race after a front-pack swim.

  • Laura Phillip (GER), Haug’s closest potential rival, found herself in a tough position minutes behind the German superstar out of the water.

  • Haug would further extend her lead on the bike.

On the run, Haug wasn’t going to let herself just cruise to the win. She went full throttle for the marathon and finished the day with a 2:38:52 split. Yes, a 2:38 marathon AFTER swimming 3.9km and riding 180km 🤯🤯🤯

And Haug’s performance wasn’t just the best on the day. Her time of 8:02:38 is now the fastest-ever women’s full-distance race!

Phillip would fight her way back up to second, while Els Visser (NED) turned in another strong performance taking bronze.

  • 🥇 Anne Haug (GER)

  • 🥈 Laura Phillip (GER)

  • 🥉 Els Visser (NED)

Men’s race: Magnus Ditlev (DEN) came into the race with great energy as last year’s winner, and of course, he wouldn’t let a little rain slow him down.

The highly anticipated showdown between Ditlev and Patick Lange (GER) never materialized as the German pulled out of the race shortly after the swim citing an aggressive hit.

  • Ditlev, positioned well out of the water, used his trademark bike dominance to start the run many minutes ahead of his next challenger.

On the run, Ditlev didn’t look back en route to a solid 2:34 marathon. Like Haug, his overall time of 7:23:24 was over a minute quicker than his performance the year before and saw him also complete the fastest-ever male full-distance race!

Tom Bishop (GBR) laid down an incredible debut full-distance effort finishing in second, and Rudy von Berg showed his continued strength at the full distance with a strong third place.

  • 🥇 Magnus Ditlev (DEN)

  • 🥈 Tom Bishop (GBR)

  • 🥉 Rudy von Berg (USA)

Tempo’s take: Challenge Roth may have turned 40, but there are no signs this race is slowing down anytime soon. As we’ve spoken about before, the atmosphere and iconic status of this event is proving that the “home of triathlon” may eventually overtake Kona as the most revered race in the sport.

But could there be a way to make this race even more epic? Well, seeing as how there was a pretty minimal gap between Haug and Ditlev’s run splits, maybe it’s time to bring back the battle of the sexes?!?

  • Start the pro women ~40 minutes ahead of the men and see how many of the guys can catch! Guaranteed it would be a thrilling battle with plenty of races within the race.

One thing is for sure, the men would finally find out what its like to run with Haug. Right before she leaves them in her dust!

FAVOURITES

😵 Running too hard: Are you running too hard on your easy runs? If you can’t hold a conversation during an aerobic (zone 2) run, th-n chances are you’re training at the wrong intensity. During your next easy aerobic run see if you can pass the talk test! [Marathon Handbook]

💪 Women’s performance: How do ergogenic aids like caffeine help female athletes perform better? This meta-analysis showed which popular supplements can help women train and race their best. We were surprised that creatine didn’t show conclusive performance gains. Unsurprising? How there needs to be more research on female athletes! [Tom Coughlin/X]

👏 Incredible athlete: As if being a full-time product manager for cycling company SRAM wasn’t enough, Australia’s Sophie Linn will also be competing for her country at the upcoming Paris Olympics. Learn how this star athlete managed qualifying for the games and her demanding day job. [Australia Triathlon]

🏁 Race day wisdom: Are you heading towards a race and looking for key insights to make your day a success? This Reddit thread may be for beginners, but there is some incredible wisdom for all athletes. Thanking a volunteer being our favorite! [Reddit]

🚰 Olympic water quality: Although the water quality in the Seine may be improving, it doesn’t hurt to have a backup plan! And for the open water swimming that involves a change in venue. For triathlon? No swimming. [AP News]

REEL TIME

What are the best yoga poses for runners (and triathletes)? This reel ones that will help you stay limber for your next workout!

YOU SAID

Here’s what Tempo readers thought about whether they would watch a well-produced triathlon documentary series.

Reader: It's always fascinating to get a peek into the life of a professional athlete. The way each individual deals with the day to day training, testing, and recovery is extremely interesting. So too is the way in which setbacks are approached and resolved. I think there is a ton of potential in these series to help educate other athlete's about our sport and what it really takes to achieve your goals.

Reader: Sport is drama any way you slice it. the success of those other series is no accident. Now triathlon needs to capture that same lightning in a bottle.

Reader: As long as it about the human element, the highs, lows and middles, how are athletes motivated, how do they develop mental and physical resilience.

Reader: I loveeeeee this series. I also really wish they struck a deal with a steaming service or could drive a larger marketing campaign (I know, I know, 🤑). But I think the availability of these other sports docs on a wider steaming service where non-athletes stumble upon the content is what makes for their success. Don't get me wrong, free access on YouTube is my literal dream for all of my content, but getting it out to a larger audience on YouTube feels more difficult (and what is creating the slow burn).

Reader: Absolutely! Unchained has made me a Tour de France enthusiast!

Reader: Each athlete has a story and to share that with the viewers adds to the authenticity of an individual’s challenges to live out their dream of greatness. They should not only interview the top athletes but also the ones with intriguing and different backgrounds.

Reader: Every sport can be interesting to watch when you feel a connection to the athletes. As you mentioned, look at what Drive to Survive did for F1. If triathlon wants to be a spectator engaging sport, then I think it crucial world triathlon, Ironman, t100 etc & athletes create a connection to those spectators.

Reader: I am a true triathlon geek and would love a series like unchained. A mix of the stories of the athletes along with race footage would be very engaging and help to build interest in the sport.

RACE WEEKEND

World Triathlon World Cup - Tiszaujvaros, Hungary

Men’s race: Csongor Lehmann (HUN) showed why he is a sleeper pick for a medal later this month at the Olympics as he put on a dominating run to take the hometown win.

  • 🥇 Csonger Lehmann (HUN)

  • 🥈 Connor Bentley (GBR)

  • 🥉 Valentin Morlec (FRA)

Women’s race: Annika Koch (GER) led the way in the women’s race just ahead of a resurgent Vicky Holland (GBR).

  • 🥇 Annika Koch (GER)

  • 🥈 Vicky Holland (GBR)

  • 🥉 Diana Isakova (AIN)

Other pro races 👇

QUICK NEWS

Muncie celebrates: The 45th edition of IRONMAN 70.3 Muncie (formerly Muncie Endurathon) will feature a festival-like atmosphere including music, games, and so much more! [Muncie Journal]

Paralympic slots: The Paratriathlon slots have been confirmed for the Paris Paralympic Games. France and the United States lead the way, see how many your country has! [World Triathlon]

Hamptons Youth Triathlon: The annual Hamptons Youth Triathlon is set to take place on July 13th at Long Beach. [27 East]

Driver sentenced: The driver who was found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving which killed Welsh triathlete Rebecca Comins has been sentenced to four years in prison. [Pembrokeshire Herald]

Bohol racing: The serene white sand beaches of Bohol, Philippines will be transformed into a hub of triathlon as the 5150 Bohol takes place this weekend. [Tribune]

TEMPO EXCLUSIVE ARCHIVE
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