Challenge Roth: Haug and Lange take victory

The legendary long-distance triathlon started with a refreshing 19.3°C swim in the Main-Danube Canal followed by a slightly shortened and modified bike course over 170km and finally a marathon over 42.2km.

Lange, the 2018 Ironman world champion, won a very exciting men’s race at his first Roth after an outstanding performance in a time of 7:19:19 hours, although it should be noted the bike course was just 170km due to roadworks.

“It was a perfect day,” commented Patrick Lange shortly after his victory. “I settled into the race well, and when I crossed the finish line I had tears in my eyes.”

After a consistently convincing race, Nils Frommhold, who won in 2015 race in Roth, came second 7:30:31 minutes. The former obstacle runner Felix Hentschel was a surprising third just behind Frommhold with 7:31:12 minutes, setting a new run course record in the process of 2:35:39.

Former professional cyclist, Ruben Zepuntke had dominated the men’s race during the bike, but world champion Patrick Lange easily passed him at 6.4 km on the run along on the canal. Race favourite, Sebastian Kienle sadly had to pull out on the bike due to ongoing Achilles tendon problems.

“The sun is shining here today, but the sun doesn’t always shine in life,” said Sebastian Kienle, commenting on the bitter exit for him.

In the women’s race, reigning Ironman world champion Anne Haug crossed the finish line in 7:53:48 hours. The petite Bayreuth rider outclassed her competition: the second-placed Brit Laura Siddall had a time of 8:25:24 hours at the finish, a gap of no less than 31 minutes on the clock.

The mover of the day, she biked and ran her way up the field, overtaking fellow Brit Fenella Langridge at 37km. Langridge, who struggled at the end, finally crossed the finish line in third place with a time of 8:27:04 hours.

We named Challenge Roth the best triathlon in the world

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The 220 Triathlon team is made up of vastly experienced athletes, sports journalists, kit reviewers and coaches. In short, what we don't know about multisport frankly isn't worth knowing! Saying that, we love expanding our sporting knowledge and increasing our expertise in this phenomenal sport.