It was a bittersweet return for Challenge Roth for Patrick Lange despite destroying Jan Frodeno’s course record in Germany and setting the fastest iron-distance marathon time in history in the process.
That was because the 2021 winner in Bavaria and two-time Ironman world champion still had to settle for second-best behind giant Dane Magnus Ditlev who was a class apart in taking the tape in 7:24:40.
There was more frustration for 36-year-old Lange because not only was he beaten by Ditlev for the second year in succession - referring to his Danish rival as “kryptonite” pre-race because he’d failed to defeat him in five meetings - but he also missed out on becoming the first triathlete to break the 2:30 mark for the iron distance marathon by just 28secs.
Lange’s eventual finish time of 2:30:27 will still go down as the fastest iron distance time recorded, slicing 4sec from his run in Ironman Israel in November, although it’s worth noting that the prototype shoes he was wearing in Roth are likely to be banned moving forward.
Reported as being the Adidas Prime X 2 with two carbon plates and a 50mm stack height, the shoes are illegal under World Triathlon and Ironman rules that came into place this year. Lange took advantage of a loophole that an error by the German Triathlon Federation meant the updated regulations weren't in place for Challenge Roth.
“The atmosphere in Roth was once again world class and has even surpassed the last few years,” he said post-race. “My swim was very good and I was able to get into a good starting position for the bike.
“Together with Ben Kanute, I worked hard not to let the gap to the leading group around Magnus Ditlev and Sam Laidlow get too big. But the level at which Ditlev is currently cycling is unparalleled in triathlon.
“With a gap of almost 12 minutes to the leader, I got off the bike and headed for the run course. With the current gap a victory seemed unlikely, so I set myself a new goal: I wanted to break the 2:30h mark in the marathon on the long distance and set a new world record.”
“During the first half of the marathon I felt very good and was on course for the target time of less than 2:30 hours. However, from kilometre 30 on I was struggling, accompanied by digestive problems.
“Even though it wasn't quite enough for a marathon time under 2:30 hours and I finished with 2:30:27 hours, I was able to set a new marathon world record on the long distance with this time.
“Now it's time for me to put my feet up for the next two weeks. After that, I will get back to training and start my preparation block for the Ironman World Championship in Nice.”
Having won the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii in 2017 and 2018, Lange looks to be in the sort of form to launch a serious bid for a third title to match his long-term rival Frodeno. His fellow German also plans to line-up for the race in southern France, where both will have their work cut out to better Ditlev.
Top image credit: Lars Pamler/Challenge Family
