The Preview of the Roth Challenge 2025

Next Sunday, July 7, the small Bavarian town of Roth will once again become the epicenter of world triathlon.

A new edition of the Challenge Roth, a test with history, identity and an atmosphere that captivates both beginners and legends of the sport.

After separating from HOMBRE DE HIERRO In 2001, Roth not only survived as an event, but also established itself as a benchmark and competes at world-class levels. Here, it's not just the competition; it's a triathlon celebration. Thousands of people turn out for the event, creating an atmosphere that's hard to find anywhere else in the world.

A fast, technical circuit full of history

• Swimming: 3,8 km on the Main-Donau Canal, with a straight course that allows for easy swimming without major detours. Ideal for faster swimmers.
• Cycling: Although it looks visually flat, the circuit has a total of 1.500 m of elevation gain. The atmosphere of the Solarer Berg, where fans make way like in the Tour de France, is simply indescribable.
• Race on foot: Two distinct parts: 30 km along the canal, very fast but lonely, and the last 12 km with demanding uphill sections that end in the legendary arrival at the temporary stadium.

Thanks to its profile and organization, Roth has recorded the best times in history without external assistance.

Magnus ditlev made here 7:23:24 in 2024. Anne Haug, in 2024 too, clocked 8:02:38, the fastest female mark ever seen in a full Ironman.

Favorites

In the men's event, all the spotlights are on Sam Laidlow, the 2023 IRONMAN world champion, who returns to Roth eager to redeem himself after an irregular year.

The Frenchman is known for his aggressiveness in the cycling segment (he rode Roth in 2023 in 3:58:01), but his performance in the marathon remains a mystery.

In his wake, the German Jan Stratman, fourth in 2024, arrives after overcoming back problems and with the confidence of having won in Barcelona with a sub-2h40 marathon.

The British also return hungry Tom Bishop, second last year, with experience in the Brownlee training group and a very solid performance in the final stages.

Alongside them, there is a generation of rookies who could make a splash: Frederic Funk, with specific preparation for Roth and a family history linked to the test; French Vincent Luis, a two-time world champion in short distance, who will look to hold on to his cycling to exploit his talent in running; and the Australian Aaron Royle, elite swimmer with experience in T100 but no previous references in LD.

Everything points to this being one of the most open editions in recent years, where both strategy and effort management could make the difference in the final kilometers.

Favorite

In the women's category, the big name is Laura Philipp, IRONMAN world champion and recent winner in Hamburg with a spectacular 8:03:13, just 35 seconds above the absolute record of Anne Haug in Roth (8:02:38).

With a devastating cycling career and a 2:44 marathon, Philipp is not only the favorite to win, but also the leading candidate to become the first woman to break the 8-hour mark in an Ironman without external assistance.

Behind her, a very competitive group will fight for the podium. The British Nikki Bartlett, winner in Lanzarote and Wales, will look to impose her strength on the bike and maintain a solid sub-3-hour race.

The Switzerland alani siffert, at just 23 years old, will probably be the first to leave the water and if she keeps up the pace in the other two sectors she could surprise.

From Australia, comes Grace thek, with good performances in the middle distance and now making his debut in the full distance.

We will also have to keep a close eye on Nina Derron, qualified for Kona and with the ambition of breaking the 9-hour barrier again.

 And in her last professional participation in Roth will be the veteran Laura Siddall, a British triathlon legend with five appearances and multiple podium finishes in this event. Although all signs point to Philipp, the fight for the top spots will be tight and filled with names hungry for glory.

Where can I watch Challenge Roth 2025 live?

The event can be followed on free streaming on YouTube from 6:15 a.m. (German local time) with English commentary by Sebastian Kienle y Belinda GrangerIt is also broadcast on television on the regional channel BR television.

The live stream will continue throughout the entire professional race and will continue to show the finish line until the event closes, after 23:00 PM. A unique experience for both athletes and fans.

For international viewers, the race will be available on multiple OTT platforms such as Olympic Channel, DAZN, triathlon.org, Pluto TV, TCLtv+, Samsung TV Plus, Vizio Watchfree+, Prime Video (Freevee), Plex, and many more.

Roth, a triathlon that must be experienced

Whether from home or live on the channel, Roth is a unique experience. Every year, thousands of triathletes pursue a dream that goes beyond the clock. Because here, it's not just about competing: it's about being part of something bigger.