The triathlon myth is back. After the men held their World Cup in Nice this year, the new women’s world champion will be determined on the night of October 14th (Saturday to Sunday) in Hawaii. A place that has written many legendary stories.
Why is the Ironman Hawaii a myth?
There are several reasons for this. On the one hand, this competition is simply tough. 3.8 kilometers of swimming, 180 kilometers of cycling and a marathon are already huge – but the heat and high humidity in the middle of the Pacific make it particularly difficult. On the other hand, the stories surrounding this race are legendary.
The Ironman was launched by daring endurance athletes at the end of the 1970s. Since then, there have been great sporting duels and personal dramas, female athletes have crawled across the finish line and dreams have come true. Hawaii is a myth. The island’s lava deserts, the wild Pacific, the sharks, dolphins and sea turtles, and the remoteness on the other side of the world all add to this.
Will a German win the World Cup?
For the men, who held their World Cup in Nice at the beginning of September, there wasn’t much missing from a German victory. After a furious race to catch up, Patrick Lange only lagged behind local hero Sam Laidlow. For women, Germany’s chances of winning are perhaps even a little higher.
Anne Haug has had an excellent season so far and is starting in Kona as one of the top favorites. The 40-year-old is a fabulous runner and also has a lot of experience: Haug already won once in Hawaii in 2019. Repetition is possible. But German eyes will also be on Laura Philipp on race day. The 36-year-old has already been very close to the podium twice in Hawaii, but she’s having a good day and is even more within her reach this time. Also at the start: Daniela Bleymehl, Laura Jansen, Leonie Konczalla, Svenja Thoes and Laura Zimmermann, as well as 145 German amateur athletes who will take to the track together with the professionals.
Who is the international competition?
She’s definitely super strong. Depending on the dynamics of the race, seven athletes have a chance of winning, especially the Swiss veteran Daniela Ryf. She has already become world champion five times and seems to have long since overcome her minor career blip. The 36-year-old is in a class of her own, especially on the bike.
But the British Lucy Charles-Barclay, who swims excellently and seems to have a silver subscription in Kona with four second places, will also be at the forefront right from the start. Not to be forgotten: defending champion Chelsea Sodaro (USA), who scored a surprise coup last year but hasn’t quite gotten into her stride this season, as well as her compatriots Taylor Knibb and Katrina Matthews (Great Britain).
Where does the decision come?
That also depends a bit on the external conditions. The Pacific, for example, can be pretty beasty from time to time, with waves of up to three meters not uncommon. Dreams of victory can then burst quite early. The cycling course then leads through the black lava fields of the island. It is demanding because a total of 1,700 meters of altitude has to be overcome and the sun is often bright. But, as so often, the decision will probably be made on the running route along the coast of Kona on the legendary Alii Drive. High humidity, oppressive heat. Here Anne Haug can fully exploit her running strength.
Is the volcano eruption a factor?
The largest island in Hawaii, the Big Island, is a volcanic island. Kilauea is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, which once again spewed violent fountains of lava a few weeks ago, sending smog that is dangerous for the respiratory tract across the island. But just in time for the World Cup, the all-clear is given: Kilauea has calmed down and the smog doesn’t play a role.
Where can I watch the World Cup live?
The Sportschau will broadcast the entire race live in the stream from 6:15 p.m. (October 14th). At the same time, hr- Fernsehen also starts broadcasting and continues it after a break at 9:45 p.m. The decision can then also be seen on Das Erste from 1:15 a.m. The race will be commented on by Dirk Froberg, former world champion Sebastian Kienle will be at his side as an expert and Sebastian Rieth will be on site in Kona as a moderator.