News & Racing

Sam Laidlow Seizes Victory at Ironman World Championship in Nice, France

Breaking records, Laidlow becomes the youngest ever champion in IRONMAN World history, clinching the title on home turf.

Shawn Smith

September 11, 2023 — 11.06pm. 2 min read

It was a pivotal day on Côte de Azur as history witnessed the first European-hosted Ironman World Championship. Sam Laidlow, with the French flag on his shoulders, conquered the course and his competition, setting new records while drawing from past performance stats.

The Swim: Break or Make

As the Mediterranean's azure blue water surged gently, it became the starting backdrop for a race of titans. Soon enough, the professional male competitors were sorted into packs. Braden Currie led the initial charge, but Sam Laidlow, having learned from his experience in Kona, usurped that leadership, causing a wake in the water that only the most skilled could match.

Matthew Marquardt (USA) stood out, surprising the contenders by storming out of the water with a time of 47:46. He exhibited a superb transition prowess, setting the pace as the athletes transitioned to their bikes.

The Bike: A Show of Strategy and Strength

On the bike course, strategy became the game-changer. Two locals, Laidlow and Clement Mignon, showed their familiarity with the course, leading with finesse. But by the 27th km, the duo had created a one-minute gap that sent ripples through the chase pack. This was an early hint of the narrative unfolding – Laidlow's ultimate domination.

Laidlow's aggressive technique, combined with his unparalleled expertise from his 4:04:36 record set in Kailua-Kona in 2022, allowed him to clock a phenomenal 4:31:28 in Nice. This placed him well ahead of the competition, a vast distance from Rudy von Berg, who trailed by over 5 minutes.

The Run: A Battle of Wits and Will

With the sun climbing and temperatures rising, the run along the Promenade des Anglais tested every ounce of the competitors' endurance. But Laidlow, who had tackled adversities like recent injuries and a bout with COVID, set a pace that left others chasing shadows. Not even Patrick Lange, with his stellar past performances, could bridge the gap. His record-breaking run split of 2:32:41, though the fastest in Ironman World Championship history, was still short of claiming the gold.

By the time the dust settled, Laidlow had carved his name into the annals of Ironman history with an impeccable finish time of 8:06:22. This not only crowned him the youngest Ironman World Champion but also heralded the beginning of what might be a reign of the French in this competition.

Reflections and Honors

Post-race, the respect and camaraderie among the athletes were palpable. Laidlow's victory speech was a testament to his passion and dedication, "There has never been a French World Champion, and I hope to pave the way for many more."

On the other hand, the narrative for the legendary Jan Frodeno took a different turn. Despite not clinching the top spot in his final professional Ironman, he remained an embodiment of dedication and commitment, finishing his illustrious career on a respectable note.

A New Chapter

This championship in Nice not only provided a change in venue but also signified a shift in the dynamics of the Ironman series. With young talents like Laidlow emerging and veterans like Frodeno taking their bow, the Ironman World Championship promises more riveting tales in the years to come.