Patrick Lange aims to win his third Ironman World Championship in Hawaii amid fierce competition and the presence of sharks. As nearly 3,000 triathletes prepare to race, encounters with sharks have heightened excitement and concern. Lange, a seasoned competitor, has faced challenges this season but recently switched coaches to enhance his training. With top contenders like Norwegian Kristian Blummenfelt and world champion Sam Laidlow, Lange knows the competition is tough but remains optimistic for success on race day.
Patrick Lange aims to secure his third triathlon world title in Hawaii this Saturday, but he’ll face tough competitors and the potential presence of sharks at the iconic Ironman World Championships in Kona.
In recent days, excitement has been palpable along the Hawaiian coast. Occasionally, a small fin has surfaced above the Pacific waters, signaling that a shark is patrolling beneath the waves. While this is a common sight in Hawaii, it raises concerns with nearly 3,000 triathletes on the island, all eager to swim in the ocean daily. Consequently, a popular beach was temporarily closed last week after footage revealed a tiger shark swimming alarmingly close to bathers. Several triathletes have also reported close encounters with these marine predators.
Sharks – A Natural Part of Hawaii
“It’s simply part of nature,” remarks Patrick Lange, a two-time Ironman World Champion in Hawaii who is preparing for his sixth competition on Saturday at 18:25. He knows the stakes as he prepares for the first leg: swimming in the vast Pacific Ocean. “We must remember that we’re entering the home of these creatures; they can sense our presence right away.”
Nevertheless, serious danger is unlikely, as the bustling environment on race day tends to deter sharks. This unique interplay between humans and nature, along with the relentless determination required to conquer challenging conditions, is what makes the Ironman event in Hawaii so special. “The island is brimming with energy,” Lange expresses.
Lange Eyes a Third Title
For Lange, the challenge ahead is both familiar and demanding: 3.86 kilometers of swimming in the turbulent waves, followed by a grueling 180 kilometers of cycling through the blistering lava fields, culminating in a marathon under humid conditions. To be crowned champion here, an athlete must have an extraordinary day. Lange, who originally hails from Bad Wildungen in northern Hesse and now resides in Salzburg, is determined to clinch his third title after victories in 2017 and 2018. “I truly believe in my chances,” he insists, noting that confidence plays a substantial role in this unique race where mental fortitude is essential.
However, the 38-year-old faces a challenging season backdrop. Despite a victorious outing at the Ironman in Texas, Lange suffered setbacks in subsequent races. He endured a rib injury at the Challenge in Roth, leading to his withdrawal due to pain. A few weeks later, at the European Championships in Frankfurt, he struggled during the swim and fought to complete the race.
“You must reflect on days like these,” Lange explains. “That’s what I did, and I came to the conclusion that I needed a significant change.” He switched coaches, parting ways with Björn Geesmann, who guided him for five years, and has now teamed up with Ben Reszel. The altered training regimen is “much more targeted,” and Lange is eager to see the results in this upcoming race.
Intense Rivalry Awaits
The competition Lange faces is fierce, potentially the strongest ever at an Ironman World Championship. Numerous athletes are vying for the title. “This will be the most thrilling race Hawaii has ever witnessed,” Lange believes. His primary competitor is Norwegian Kristian Blummenfelt, who recently delivered an impressive performance in Frankfurt. Additionally, Lange is wary of strong cyclists like Sam Laidlow from France and Denmark’s Magnus Ditlev. If Lange trails the duo by ten minutes after the swimming and biking legs, his running prowess might propel him to the forefront during the marathon. That’s the strategy he hopes will pay off.
At 38, Lange is now the experienced veteran in a field of hungry challengers, but this doesn’t mark the end of his journey. With organizers rotating the World Championships between Hawaii and Nice, Lange might not return to the Pacific for two years. He states, “I genuinely want to race on this island again. If the two-year schedule persists, I anticipate that 2026 could be my final appearance in Hawaii.”
While that may seem far off, the race on Saturday is imminent. For this competition, Lange has two key wishes: first and foremost, to win, and secondly, to have the company of fellow swimmers. “There have been occasions when dolphins swam alongside us,” Lange shares. “That would be a dream come true, as their presence usually means the sharks are not around.”