EA Day to Remember – Challenge Roth 2026

Picture: Raithel Christoph

Some races are measured by finish times. Others are measured by the memories they create. Challenge Roth 2026 was both.

With more than 300,000 spectators lining the course, the atmosphere was unlike anything I've ever experienced. It was a day I will never forget.

Picture: Bergauer Bernhard

The days leading up to the race were intense. After a six-hour drive to Roth, there was still plenty to do: previewing the bike course, attending the pro briefing, squeezing in the final training sessions, preparing every piece of equipment, and checking the bike into transition. Between all the race-day logistics, I did my best to stay calm, recover well, and fuel properly for what would be a very long day.

At 6:30 a.m., the race was on.

The opening minutes of every swim are pure chaos. Positioning is everything. Elbows, kicks, full-gas sprinting—it feels more like a five-minute race than the start of an Iron-distance triathlon. I fought hard to earn my place and make all those early mornings in the pool count.

Then came one of the highlights of the day.

I found myself in the first main chase pack alongside Patrick Lange and several of the race favourites. We exited the water in 51 minutes, just four minutes behind the lead group of five. For me, it was the perfect start.

The atmosphere during the swim was already incredible. The banks of the canal were packed several rows deep with spectators creating a wall of noise that carried us all the way to T1.

On the bike, I committed from the very beginning. I was hoping to bridge to a strong group, pushing well above my planned power numbers. Despite the effort, I simply couldn't match the pace of the sport's biggest names. It was a reminder that they are still operating on another level, but also a huge source of motivation.

Then came Solarer Berg.

Nothing prepares you for that moment. The crowds closed in on both sides, leaving only a narrow corridor to ride through. It felt like the Tour de France. The noise was so overwhelming that my ears actually started hurting. An unforgettable experience.

The first 110 kilometres went almost exactly as planned. I felt strong and was riding above target power. But then my injured hamstring started to tighten up.

Suddenly, I wasn't thinking about racing anymore, I was wondering whether I'd even be able to finish.

I adjusted my position on the bike, stretched whenever I could, and kept fighting through the discomfort. Somehow, I made it to T2 after 180 kilometres, averaging 41.5 km/h in 4:20, setting a new personal best on the bike.

The marathon became a test of patience.

My hamstring was still complaining, so I deliberately started conservatively, focusing on staying relaxed and keeping a positive mindset. Thankfully, the incredible support along the run course made every kilometre a little easier. The energy from the spectators carried me forward when my legs didn't want to.

Around the 10 km mark, the hamstring finally loosened up, and my confidence returned. I settled into a steady rhythm and held my pace all the way to 30 kilometres.

The final 12 kilometres demanded everything I had.

Every muscle in my body was hurting, and I could clearly feel the lack of running mileage in my preparation. But giving up was never an option. Step by step, kilometre by kilometre, I kept moving forward until I finally crossed the finish line.

8:11:39.

A massive 20-minute personal best. My first-ever sub-three-hour marathon. One of the most unforgettable race experiences of my career.

Thank you, Roth!

Thank you to everyone who stood along the course and created an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the world.

Thank you to my sponsors, supporters, family and friends for believing in me.

Thank you to my coach for the guidance throughout this journey.

And thank you to everyone following my adventure. Your support means more than you know.

The journey continues.