IRONMAN Kona 2024 World Championship Preview

Next Saturday, October 26, the island of Kona, in Hawaii, will be the epicenter of the world triathlon with the celebration of the IRONMAN 2024 World Championship.

This edition promises to be one of the most eagerly awaited in recent years, with some of the best triathletes on the planet ready to compete not only against each other, but also against the harsh conditions typical of the Hawaiian island.

La list of participants It includes established champions and other athletes eager to surprise, which will undoubtedly create an unforgettable spectacle.

Kona is known for offering an unparalleled experience for both competitors and spectators, as its volcanic landscapes, beaches and extreme weather conditions add a unique element to the challenge.

Top favorites

Kristian Blummenfelt

Kristian Blummenfelt, 30, arrives in Kona with the intention of taking the title that has eluded him until now. After his triumph this year at the HOMBRE DE HIERRO Frankfurt With a time of 7:27:21, the Norwegian is positioned as one of the big favourites.

Blummenfelt has demonstrated a great ability to adapt to different types of distances, making him a very versatile and complete athlete, and his specific preparation for Kona promises to pay off.

Gustav Iden: Return of the Champion 2022

The Norwegian too Gustav Iden, who was crowned champion in Kona in 2022, returns with his sights set on reclaiming the throne. Iden has had a difficult period since his victory, dealing with injuries and personal difficulties, which have affected his preparation.

Despite these adversities, he has intensified his endurance training and acclimatization to the unique conditions of Kona.

Although his team acknowledges that repeating his victory could be difficult this year, his talent and determination keep him a serious contender for the podium.

Sam Laidlow: The Title Defender

Sam Laidlow, the Frenchman aged just 25, is the current world champion after his victory in Nice in 2023. With a strategy focused on the cycling segment, Laidlow has made a name for himself among the greats by beating triathletes such as Blummenfelt e Iden.

His performance at T100 Ibiza, where he was the only one able to keep up with Marten Van Riel, places it among this year's favorites.

Laidlow has stepped up his training in the racing disciplines and has worked with specialist coaches to improve his energy efficiency during competition.

He has also paid special attention to heat acclimatization, with simulated training in temperature-controlled chambers to replicate the conditions in Kona.

Magnus ditlev

Danish Magnus ditlev has shown a great level in cycling in recent years. Winner of the last three editions of the Challenge RothDitlev arrives in Kona with the intention of getting on the podium.

He has worked hard to balance his power in the bike with a good performance in the running race, which will be crucial under the tough conditions of Kona.

Patrick Lange and Lionel Sanders

Patrick Lange, winner in 2017 and 2018, returns after a year full of ups and downs. At 38, Lange remains a threat, particularly in the marathon phase, although his chances of victory are not as high as those of the other competitors.

His experience on the Kona course is a great asset, as he knows exactly how to manage his efforts during each of the stages of the race.

On the other hand, Lionel Sanders Sanders is looking to finally claim the title that has eluded him. After finishing second in 2017, Sanders has focused his efforts on Kona throughout the year and a win here would be a great culmination to his career.

Sanders has made a number of changes to his preparation, including a renewed focus on running technique and psychological work to cope with the pressure of competing in the IRONMAN World Championship Kona.

Other Athletes to Consider

Among other names to follow, the following stand out: Braden Currie, who with his experience on the island and his third place in St. George 2022 will be a threat to be reckoned with.

The American is also found Rudy von berg, who hopes to break the streak of more than two decades without a victory by an American triathlete in Kona.

In addition, Daniel Bækkegård y David McNamee, who are also looking to surprise in this year's race.

Antonio Benito He will be the only Spanish representative in Kona. The triathlete arrives with a great season behind him and will surely try to be with the best in the race.

Consult breaking news about the world cup 

Circuits

El IRONMAN World Championship Kona It is known for being one of the most demanding events in long-distance triathlon.

The race will begin with a 3,8km swim in Kailua-Kona Bay, with warm, clear waters.

This will be followed by 180,2 km of cycling, crossing the volcanic landscapes and hills that characterize the island, and culminating in a 42,2 km marathon in the merciless Hawaiian heat.

This route is considered one of the toughest in the world, not only because of the distance but also because of environmental factors, such as wind and high temperatures, which make each stage of the challenge more difficult.

Awards

This race is not only relevant worldwide for its prestige and the world title, but it also has a significant impact on the classification of the IRONMAN Pro Series, where athletes compete for a prize pool of $375,000. The winner of the event will take home $125,000.

If you want to know more about prizes in IRONMAN and other circuits, you may be interested in this article: How much does the winner of the IRONMAN World Championship earn? Comparison with other circuits 

Event Coverage

The race will start at 06:25 local time in Hawaii (18:25 Spanish time) and can be followed live on different platforms.

Find out how to follow the test live here