France's Sam Laidlow secures maiden Ironman world title in Nice
The 24-year-old improves on his second place from last year to become the youngest winner ever of the event.
France's Sam Laidlow delivered an impressive performance on home soil to clinch the 2023 Ironman World Championship in Nice, France, on Sunday (10 September).
The 24-year-old crossed the finish line on the iconic Promenade des Anglais in a time of eight hours, six minutes, and 22 seconds to secure his first title. In doing so, he became the first athlete from France and the youngest man ever to achieve this feat.
"I honestly don't believe it, it's the stuff I've dreamt my whole life," an emotional Laidlow said after the race.
"It's been a rocky season: injuries, I had Covid two and a half weeks ago...I think I came here maybe fresher than other people, I only had two weeks of work behind me, but I've done some good sessions."
Laidlow moved to the forefront of the pack early on, completing the 3.9km swim in 47:50. Then, during the 180.2km ride, the British-born athlete made a move after 40km and came into T2 holding an advantage of over six minutes over the field. Unlike last year in Kona when he finished second, this time, with a solid marathon time of 2:41:46, the Frenchman maintaned his lead, holding off former two-time winner Patrick Lange of Germany, who crossed the finish line almost four minutes later.
Denmark's Magnus Ditlev rounded off the podium after a stong performance, completing the course in 8:06:43, 5:21 behind the winner.
"I really wanted to go in with the same mentality as I did last year. I'm just a kid who's enjoying doing this and I'm grateful to racing the best. I just wanted to see how far that dream could get me and today I just had great legs," added Laidlow.
The event in Nice marked the first time the Ironman World Championships were held outside of the United States. The women's race is scheduled for Saturday 14 October on the traditional course in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
Results 2023 Ironman World Championship
- Sam Laidlow (FRA) 8:06:22
- Patrick Lange (GER) 8:10:17
- Magnus Ditlev (DEN) 8:11:43
- Rudy von Berg (USA) 8:12:57
- Leon Chevalier (FRA) 8:15:07
- Arthur Horseau (FRA) 8:18:36
- Bradley Weiss (RSA) 8:20:54
- Gregory Barnaby (ITA) 8:21:15
- Robert Wilkowiecki (POL) 8:21:23
- Clement Mignon (FRA) 8:24:10