Patrick Lange wins IRONMAN Texas 2024 after Tomás Rodríguez's disqualification for doping
The German triathlete Patrick Lange has been officially recognized as the winner of the men's category of the IRONMAN Texas 2024, five months after the controversial race that took place on April 27.
After crossing the finish line in second place, Lange has been officially declared the winner of the race, after the Mexican's two-year ban was confirmed. Thomas Rodriguez Hernandez for an anti-doping rule violation.
Rodriguez Hernandez He took the victory in the test, however, an analysis of a sample taken during the competition revealed the presence of clomiphene (S4. Hormones and Metabolic Modulators).
The International Testing Agency (ITA) announced the provisional suspension of the Mexican athlete on August 6, and on Friday, September 13, confirmed the sanction, which will prevent him from competing for two years.
This late, albeit official, victory has left Lange feeling melancholy. “Victories can sometimes be bittersweet,” the German wrote on his Instagram account. “After IRONMAN Texas in April, I have been officially awarded the victory following the positive doping test of the ‘athlete’ who crossed the finish line in front of me.”
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Lange noted that IRONMAN Texas holds a special place in his heart, as it is his first Ironman. “Winning here means a lot to me,” he admitted, “but this is not how I wanted to do it. It’s heartbreaking to have that magical moment of crossing the finish line as a winner taken away from me in such an unfair way.”
Despite his disappointment over the situation, Lange is proud of the fight against doping in triathlon. “I completely distance myself from the actions and shortcuts my opponent took, and I strongly support clean sport. Getting to the top requires years of dedication and hard work, but it is absolutely possible to do it cleanly.”
Lange concluded his message with a call for perseverance and honesty: “No one becomes a champion overnight. I am proud of my performance and grateful to IRONMAN for its commitment to the fight against doping. Believe in yourself and in the value of honest competition.”
The ITA's decision, though coming months after the event, confirms the body's commitment to the cleanliness of the sport. Lange's late victory, though filled with bitterness, serves as a reminder that hard work and fair play are the only paths to success in triathlon.
