The 2025 edition of Challenge Roth is shaping up to be one of the most competitive and diverse in the event’s storied history. Set for upcoming Sunday – July 6 – the race brings together Ironman world champions, Olympic medalists, Roth veterans, and a wave of Long Distance debutants – all aiming to leave their mark on what is widely considered one of triathlon’s most iconic stages.
Philipp and Laidlow Headline a Deep Elite Field
Leading the charge are Ironman world champions Laura Philipp and Sam Laidlow. Philipp, who has previously finished third and second in Roth, returns with eyes on the top step of the podium – and potentially a sub-eight-hour finish. While she remains cautious, she acknowledges the motivation of possibly becoming the first woman to break the eight-hour barrier.
For Laidlow, Roth holds personal significance. After a long injury hiatus, the Frenchman will make his return to racing, calling Roth ‘the most important race of the season alongside the Ironman World Championship’. His admiration for the event’s legacy and community sets the stage for a high-stakes comeback.
Familiar Names Aim for Redemption and Glory
Several experienced athletes are also poised to contend. Daniel Bækkegård of Denmark returns after a DNF last year and hopes to build on his third-place finish in 2023. Last year’s runner-up Tom Bishop and top German finisher Jan Stratmann are both looking to move up the rankings, while 2019 winner Andi Dreitz and Sweden’s Jesper Svensson could reassert themselves at the front after past podiums.
Joe Skipper, a two-time Roth runner-up, is another name to watch. After a mixed 2024 season, including a runner-up finish at Ironman New Zealand, his form will be under close scrutiny. Finn Große-Freese, fresh off a commanding win at Ironman Austria, enters Roth with momentum on his side.
Debuts That Could Shake Up the Race
A significant storyline in Roth 2025 is the number of athletes stepping up to long course racing for the first time.
Vincent Luis, the decorated French short-course specialist and two-time world champion, will make his Long Distance debut two decades after watching his father race in Roth. He’s not alone: Frederic Funk of Germany, who began his triathlon journey at Junior Challenge Roth, will also tackle 226km for the first time, calling the event a “no-brainer” for his Long Distance debut.
On the women’s side, Australia’s Grace Thek and France’s Justine Mathieux bring Middle Distance success and podium pedigree to their first Roth appearances. Meanwhile, Nikki Bartlett, fifth at the 2023 Ironman World Championship, arrives with strong form and high ambitions.
Olympic Pedigree Adds to the Firepower
This year’s edition also brings an unusual amount of Olympic talent to the Roth start line. Vincent Luis is joined by fellow Rio 2016 Olympians Henri Schoeman and Aaron Royle – all set for their Long Distance debuts.
Schoeman, who won bronze in Rio, brings South African triathlon history with him, while Royle and Luis add to the international intrigue. Their transition from short-course to long-course racing adds a compelling dimension to this year’s field.
Upcoming Sunday you can watch the Challenge Roth livestream from start to finish via Triathlon Today.
