It is a major blow for Challenge Roth, a disappointment for the spectators, and above all, a painful setback for Laura Philipp herself. The defending German champion will not be competing in Germany’s most popular race next week Sunday, having officially withdrawn from the start list. “This decision was anything but easy; it hurts,” Philipp shared.
Philipp, alongside Kat Matthews, was widely considered one of the top favorites for the overall victory. However, the German athlete has had a challenging start to her season, which included a hospital stay earlier this year due to severe stomach and back pain. Despite those setbacks, she still managed to secure a third-place finish at IM 70.3 Aix-en-Provence and a second-place finish at Ironman Hamburg.
Philipp emphasized that the choice to skip Challenge Roth was made deliberately and in close consultation with her medical team.
“Anyone who knows me understands how much this race means to me. Roth is a very special place for me. It was here that I celebrated one of the greatest victories of my career last year. As the defending champion, there is nothing I would have loved more than to be back on the start line this year and fighting for another win.”
Ultimately, that proved impossible. After competing in her last two races, the elite athlete noticed that the events had taken a significant toll on her body. “Right now, I am simply not at the fitness level required to complete a long-distance race at the standard I expect from myself.”
While she won’t be racing, Philipp still plans to travel to Roth to support and cheer on her fellow athletes.
