Laidlow Returns to Nice Ironman seeking Repeat Victory After Viral Battle
Nice, France – Sam Laidlow aims to reclaim the Ironman Nice title this weekend, a feat made all the more remarkable after months spent battling a debilitating virus that threatened his racing career. The 2022 champion returns to the course where he previously dominated, hoping to overcome a challenging field and defend his position against rising stars and seasoned veterans.
Laidlow’s pursuit of a second Ironman Nice victory carries critically important weight within the triathlon world.His 2022 win, a commanding four-minute lead over the competition, established him as a force in long-course racing. However, a recent viral illness derailed his training and cast doubt on his ability to compete at the highest level. A successful defence in Nice would not only validate his recovery but also solidify his standing amongst the sport’s elite, including current world #1 Kristian Blummenfelt, who did not compete in 2022.
“I am focused on one thing: to avoid mistakes,” Laidlow stated, acknowledging the grueling nature of the Ironman distance. “Over eight hours of racing, there are many to commit.”
This year’s competition is expected to be fierce. Laidlow identifies Magnus Ditlev, who finished third in 2022 and second in 2023, and Patrick Lange, the 2024 champion, as key rivals. he acknowledges Ditlev’s consistent performance and Lange’s recent success, while also noting Blummenfelt’s absence from the 2022 race.
Laidlow believes local knowledge and the keen support of the Nice crowd will provide a crucial advantage. “They know that I have already won here,” he said. “So me, in theory, I have ‘to’ redo what I have already done, without having to go and seek faster.” Despite this confidence, he remains realistic about the challenges ahead. “I think I can go 5 to 10 minutes faster than two years ago. Afterwards, one thing is to do it… Another is to see if it will be enough to win.”
