Lange Relishes New Test in Bid for 3rd Crown
After an extensive and energetic buildup, former champion Patrick Lange heads into a hilly Ironman World Championship course in Nice eager to prove his versatility and claim a third title.
Former two-time champion Patrick Lange comes into Nice feeling energised by the new challenge of racing on a different course. He believes the hilly Nice bike course with over 2,500m of climbing could suit his strengths even better than Kona, favouring power-to-weight ratio over pure power. Though passionate about Kona, Patrick seems excited to prove himself as a versatile, "complete athlete" by competing for the win in a new location.
Patrick has prepared extensively, riding the full course five times and studying video of it. He has trained with professional cyclists to improve his descending. After extensive testing, he will race on a time trial bike adapted for the course. Patrick notes the technical, continuous climbing and descending in Nice will require total focus and fitness to recover well and have "a full tank" for the run.
The flat, four-lap Nice run course could allow a fast time if there is energy left after the grueling bike leg. Patrick feels ready after working through mental and emotional challenges the last few years since his 2018 Kona win. He heads into the race confident and prepared. Given his climbing strength, mental focus and championship pedigree, Patrick has an excellent chance to compete for his third world title this weekend in Nice.
