DATEV Challenge Roth powered by hep 2023 – one race, one day with some of the best men and women in the sport, alongside 5,000 age groupers. Here’s what the top seeds had to say at today’s press conference:
Chelsea Sodaro – USA
“What I hear is that you’re not a proper triathlete until you race at this race and I really wanted to come. I have felt so welcomed, it’s a race like no other. Unlike other race experiences I’ve had, you feel embraced by the community and you feel part of the family. It really is the home of triathlon. These women are amazing, I feel we bring the best out of each other. I’m here to see what I can do and what I can get out of my mind and body and looking to get my best performance on Sunday.”
Fenella Langridge – GBR
“I’m fit, and I’m healthy, I’m happy and I want to be crossing that finish line first. The people make Roth special. Yes, it’s the home of triathlon but the home is made from the heart and that’s the people. There’s so much energy and love from every corner of this town and region. My tactic? Start in the lead and finish in the lead!”
Daniella Ryf – GER
“I’m extremely happy to be back here I have wonderful memories. The race on Sunday will certainly be full of passion. I’m the kind of person who competes with passion and this race gives me that passion. The focus is of course to beat the ladies next to me but I will need to have a perfect day. Whoever wants to win the race will probably have to break the world record.”
Laura Phillip – GER
“I’m extremely happy to be here and I’m looking forward to Sunday. I’ve been here for a couple of weeks, I’ve familiarised myself with the course. I was surprised by the bike as there are more hills than expected but it’s the right course for me. And thanks to the ladies sitting next to me and the other competitors, it certainly will not be a boring day. Everyone would like to win, it’s a great opportunity to have such a top race here in Germany I will just give my personal best. I will try to be focused and try to be patient which is not my strong point!”
Anne Haug – GER
“Everybody has the potential to win, I would put money on that the winner needs to beat the world record. We push each other and you need strong competition to get the best out of yourself and you can’t afford to make mistakes. You’ve can’t be overwhelmed with the pressure, you have to trust in your own strength and your biggest competitor in a long distance race is yourself. I want be sure I’ve given it my all, that I’ve done my best and given it 100%.
Magnus Ditlev – DEN
“It’s crazy how much a race can do to you. Last year I came here alone, this year I have an amazing team supporting me. Obviously it’s a really stacked field and I’m expecting a tough day but I hope to win again. This year we have some really fast swimmers who also bike fast – I’m hoping I’ve improved my swim a little bit since last year”
Sam Laidlow – FRA
“I’ve had this race on my list for many years. It’s a really nice part of the world and the culture of triathlon is deep. This is a bucket list race and I knew the best guys would show up and at the end of the day, that’d what I like doing, I like showing up when it really matters.”
Ben Kanute – USA
“I’ve been here a week, and it’s been amazing, my homestay is the best and couldn’t be happier to have come here early. Sam and Daniel will also be vying the fastest swim, my race strategy is that I like to race from the front and push the swim and the bike and I’ve been working on the run. This distance agrees with my physiology and I’m looking forward to the race.”
Daniel Bækkegård – DEN
“Roth is the biggest and most meaningful races to do as a Dane. It is a mythical race and we have a long history of racing here. I’m pretty certain this is by far the biggest stage you will ever have in the sport of triathlon. I’m here to win and when you look at the start line there are so many who can take the win – it really is the most exciting race of the year.”
Joe Skipper – GBR
“I really wanted to be back here in Roth and be part of it all again. It’s a pretty decent field! It’s an open race, everyone here has the potential to win, it’s going to be a close race and very exciting.”
Sebatian Kienle – GER
“I’m coming in with all kinds of emotions. I just got here, Roth is like a drug, here I can feel my heart beating strong and faster which is exactly why I picked this race for my last race in Germany. My entire last season has been a bit of an emotional rollercoaster with the process of saying goodbye to such a long career. I have no plans of how I’m going to enter this race in terms of emotion and result. It’s really about not having any regrets when you cross the finish line. It’s been more than 10-12 years since I first raced hear and they have flown by but in a sport like this sometimes it feels like a good training session doesn’t end. It’s about taking everything in, savouring the emotion. After all, only a few people have the privilege of leading such an intense life as we do. The cocktail is different for everyone, there’s a saying that you have to get out of your comfort zone to enjoy your comfort zone. You have to reach your limit to surpass your limit.”
Patrick Lange – GER
“My homestay has always been the same and when I think about rituals, on Wednesday we have a nice glass of red wine, have a nice meal and relax before the craziness begins. To relax and enjoy yourself is important. Great friendships come about from the homestays. It’s great that Sebi is here for one last time, I think his career is remarkable, I can only wish him all the best – we will both give it our all, I will compete hard. The course, the atmosphere allows me to achieve my best. It’s so close to my heart and I want to give something back and that motivates me.”
