Ironman World Championship: Laura Philipp triumphs in Nice – defect drama for Haug

Laura Philipp took part in the Women's Ironman World Championship Nice Won the title for the first time. On a dramatic day, especially for fellow favorite Anne Haug, the 37-year-old from Heidelberg triumphed at the finish line on the Promenade des Anglais after 3.86 kilometers of swimming, 180.2 kilometers of cycling and 42.2 kilometers of running.

World champion of 2023 had to pass

Philipp is the second German Ironman World Champion after Haug's World Championship triumph in 2019. A year ago, she finished third in the title decider in Hawaii behind Briton Lucy Charles-Barclay and Haug.

After Charles-Barclay's cancellation due to muscular problems less than 24 hours before the start, the chances of the two German co-favorites had already increased further in the first women's title award in France.

Then Haug had to give up after a good hour of racing. The 41-year-old from Bayreuth had come out of the water with Philipp. After a few hundred meters, however, they rode their bikes to the side again. She had a cut in her tire. She didn't have a second tire with her. Haug dropped out after hoping in vain for a mechanic for almost half an hour.

Reward for victory besides fame: 125,000 US dollars

Meanwhile, Philipp started to catch up on the bike and quickly gained time and places on the demanding route with around 2,400 meters of elevation, having started in 13th place. After about half of the 180.2 kilometers, the former European champion had moved up to the front. On another climb, she increased the pace again, but was caught again by Briton Kat Matthews on a long descent.

After a somewhat hectic change on the running course, they quickly caught up again and ran alongside each other at times. After just over ten kilometers of the final marathon, Philipp pulled ahead and ran again and again with a smile on her face towards the greatest triumph of her career. In addition to the glory, she also received a bonus of 125,000 US dollars (around 112,000 euros) for the victory.

© dpa-infocom, dpa:240922-930-239941/2