Ironman 70.3 Valencia has instantly gained blockbuster status with the late addition of Sam Laidlow to the start list. While the Frenchman enters the race as the undisputed headline act and the man to beat, several questions remain about his current form, making for an intriguing showdown in the Mediterranean city.
Laidlow’s Season Opener
Despite his status as the favorite, Laidlow arrives in Valencia with something to prove. This Sunday marks his first triathlon appearance of the year. His recent outing at the Barcelona Marathon a few weeks ago ended in disappointment with a DNF, leaving fans and analysts curious to see if he has rediscovered the dominant form that took him to the top of the highest step of multiple podiums.
The Challengers
Laidlow will face stiff competition, particularly from a strong German contingent. Johannes Vogel, Lasse Nygaard Priester, and Fabian Kraft are expected to be his primary rivals on paper. However, the depth of the men’s field doesn’t end there. Expect athletes like Gabriel Sandör (SWE), Simon Viain (FRA), and William Mennesson (FRA) to be in the mix, while British contenders Thomas Davis and Will Draper could easily disrupt the podium battle.
A Wide-Open Women’s Race
The women’s professional field promises a closely contested battle with no single dominant favorite. Marjolaine Pierre, Daniela Kleiser, and Lena Meissner are currently touted as the frontrunners for the title.
However, the podium remains anyone’s guess with a long list of dangerous outsiders. Athletes such as Kaidi Kivioja, Marta Lagownik, Aurelia Boulanger, and Cathia Schär possess the talent to pull off an upset, ensuring that the women’s race will likely be a tactical battle until the final kilometers of the run.
