Race week at Challenge Roth 2024 started with a huge bang on Monday with the news that German superstar Anne Haug has been added to the field for Sunday’s massive showdown.
The 41-year-old former IRONMAN World Champion – a two-time champion in Roth in the past – will take on another German superstar in the shape of Laura Philipp at the head of what is shaping up to be a terrific field.
Haug proved she is in top shape at her first long-distance race of the year by putting on a sensational performance at IRONMAN Lanzarote in May. She obliterated the course record, which had stood since 1995, by almost 20 minutes and won the race by more than 40 minutes.
Anne has won two of her three starts at Challenge Roth. Last year, she was only beaten by Daniela Ryf, who set a new fastest ever time for the Ironman distance.
Haug excited by ‘last-minute’ start
Haug, clearly excited, said: “Roth is my home race, so I’m really looking forward to soaking up the great atmosphere again, which will hopefully help me to reach my absolute peak performance again.
“My start is quite last-minute, but plans often change during the season. When I looked at pictures of the race in Roth again a few weeks ago, I decided that I simply couldn’t miss Roth this year.”
Challenge Roth Race Director Felix Walchshöfer said: “Anne and Roth belong together. When Anne called us and told us she would like to start at short notice, it was a great personal pleasure. And I also believe this will change the dynamics of the race once again. I am convinced Anne will be in top shape on the start line and will definitely have a say in the victory in Roth,” says
As well as Haug and Philipp, Dutch star Els Visser, Anne Reischmann, American Danielle Lewis and local favourite Rebecca Robisch will add further spice to this iconic race.
