Challenge London: Laidlow, Langridge claim triathlon titles

The first edition of the new-look event, formerly known as London Triathlon, saw it hosting a pro field over the middle distance, with a world-leading field on show in London.

PTO number four Laidlow was first to cross the finish line in 3:29.31 after a dominant performance saw him lead from the early stages of the bike leg and lead the run throughout.

Joshua Lewis and fellow Brit James Teagle battled closely in the final stages of the run, with Teagle claiming a narrow second place finish.

“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 weeks 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 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 win in the inaugural Challenge London event in 4:02.11.

Langridge was first out of the swim in 24.45, nearly a minute clear of Lizzie Rayner (GBR) and remained strong at the front of the field throughout the race.

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 but South Africa’s Magda Nieuwoudt 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.

Els Visser, despite a wrong turn on the bike leaving her in sixth place in T2, five minutes behind Langridge, showed her running prowess to claim third place.

“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: 1 Sam Laidlow (FRA), 3:29.31; 2 James Teagle (GBR) 3:32.17; 3 Joshua Lewis (GBR) 3:34.02.

Pro Podium – Female: 1 Fenella Langridge (GBR) 4:02.11; 2 Magda Nieuwoudt (RSA) 4:08.33; 3 Els Visser (NED) 4:09.26.

Full results are available at https://track.rtrt.me/e/RA-LONDONTRIATHLON#/tracker