Laidlow and Langridge Claim Inaugural Challenge London Titles

London, UK | Sam Laidlow (FRA) and Fenella Langridge (GBR) claimed the first-ever Challenge London titles as over 5,000 triathletes took part in the world’s biggest city centre triathlon.

2023 marks the first edition of the new-look event, formerly known as London Triathlon, and the first time the event has hosted a pro field over the middle distance, with a world-leading field on show in London.

Laidlow, was first to cross the finish line in a time of 3:29:31, after a dominant performance in London which saw him lead from the early stages of the bike leg and lead the run throughout. Joshua Lewis (GBR) and fellow Brit James Teagle (GBR) battled closely in the final stages of the run, with Teagle claiming a narrow second place finish. First out of the water was Harry Leleu (GBR) with Laidlow hot on his heels 10 seconds down. However, Laidlow quickly took the lead with Lewis in second and Teagle further back in third, positions held through the 80km bike. Laidlow came into T2 with a clear two minutes over Lewis and continued to extend this lead throughout the run, showing no sign of the calf injury that plagued him at Roth. Behind him, Lewis capitulated to Teagle at the start of lap three with Teagle taking second 2:45 down on Laidlow and 1:46 ahead of Lewis.

“It’s great to race here in front of my family and it’s a good confidence booster,” said Laidlow. “In Roth I had an injury and it’s only been four week so I’m really happy to take the win here. James Teagle was running really fast in the first three laps. I was running at 3:20 pace and he was taking time off me, but then he faded and I kept the same pace – it’s really exciting for the future. I really love these Challenge races. The organisation and how they treat the pros is really amazing. It’s a privilege to race here and I’m just so grateful to be healthy and fit and win the race.”

Great Britain’s Fenella Langridge came into the event as one of the favourites for the women’s field, and last year’s Challenge Family World Bonus winner did not disappoint with a commanding start-to-finish lead to secure the inaugural Challenge London win in a time of 4:02:11. Not surprisingly, Langridge was first out of the swim in 24.45, nearly a minute clear of Lizzie Rayner (GBR) and she remained strong at the front of the field throughout the race. Behind her though a battle was about to ensue. At the end of the bike and up until halfway through the run, it looked like an all-British podium with Rayner and Cheetam holding firm in second and third. However, behind them Magda Nieuwoudt (RSA) was running strong and by the start of the fourth lap had made her way up into third before overtaking Rayner in the final kilometres to take second. But if Rayner thought she could hold onto a podium place, Els Visser had other plans. A wrong turn on the bike saw her coming into T2 in sixth place over five minutes down on Langridge. However, her running prowess came to the fore, running up in third place to round out the podium.

“I’m really happy, it’s been a long time coming since I managed to take the tape and execute a race that was quite challenging,” said Langridge. “Leading from start to finish sounds easy but mentally it’s really hard. It’s amazing to race in the heart of London and to think how many people are here racing, many doing their first triathlon is awesome. I had to stay mentally focussed and almost relaxed and keep those legs ticking over. The girls were chasing and I knew they were there but I just had to race my own race at the end of the day.”

Pro Podium – Male
1st – Sam Laidlow (FRA), 3:29:31
2nd – James Teagle (GBR), 3:32:17
3rd – Joshua Lewis (GBR), 3:34:02

Pro Podium – Female
1st – Fenella Langridge (GBR), 4:02:11
2nd – Magda Nieuwoudt (RSA), 4:08:33
3rd – Els Visser (NED), 4:09:26