Hamburg's Ironman Showdown: Philipp vs Matthews for the EM Crown
intensified battle for European Championship title: Laura Philipp faces major competition - European Championship's Tight Battle: Laura Philipp Competes for the Lead
Craving a thrill: Not just because Laura Philipp holds cherished memories of the Ironman in Hamburg after her EM victory back in 2022. A staggering 3 years ago, the champion triathlete from nearby Heidelberg clinched her triumph in the Hanseatic city in 8:18:20, smashing the women's Pro Series record at the time.
Since the end of April, the record has been held by the British racer Katrina Matthews, who conquered the long-distance race in Texas in 8:10:34 hours. This Sunday, they lock horns at the EM in the city on the Elbe, not just a thrilling face-off for the two fastest women in Ironman history, but also a clash between the current World champion and the second place finisher from Nice 2024.
Philipp views EM as a form check
However, Philipp clarified that her appearance in Hamburg is also a gauge of her form, considering her already secured qualification for the World Championships in Hawaii on October 11. Matthews' last long-distance triathlon took place just five weeks ago. Moreover, the bike course in Hamburg primarily features flat terrains.
"I think it won't just be about us two. There might be a larger pack heading to the second transition, and then it'll be a battle in the run," said Philipp, further noting, "I believe the marathon will be intense."
Anne Reischmann, the 33-year-old from Ravensburg who claimed victory in the Ironman season opener in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, two months ago, could also be part of this pack. She expressed, "I intend to focus on myself, do my thing, and think about placement only in the last 15 kilometers."
Early morning kickoff
Besides the professional women's race, there's a race for 3,000 amateur athletes and competitors aiming to tame the 3.8 km swim, 180 km bike, and 42.195 km run. They'll need to adjust to a significant change: This year, the finish line is set on the Jungfernstieg, not the traditional Rathausmarkt. The first start is at 6:15 AM.
- Hamburg
- Ironman
- Women
- Heidelberg
- Run
- Texas
- Sunday
Extra Insights
In addition to the top contenders mentioned, other strong competitors for the women's title in the IRONMAN European Championship include:
- Jackie Hering: Despite a tough race in 2025, Hering is the defending champion and was poised to be a strong candidate before a unfortunate puncture led to her withdrawal on the bike[1][2].
- Anne Reischmann: She was regarded as a potential candidate prior to the event but didn't make a significant impact in the final results[1].
- Solveig Løvseth: Though not initially heralded as a top contender, she delivered an astonishing performance, finishing third in the race with a time of 8:12:28 — a remarkable feat given it was her first full-distance competition[2][3].
- In the marathon of the Ironman European Championship in Hamburg on Sunday, the women's race will likely be intense, with Philipp and Matthews, the current World champion and second place finisher from Nice 2024, fighting for the title.
- The run of the long-distance triathlon in Hamburg, a flat terrain bike course, might not just be about Philipp and Matthews, as there could be a larger pack heading to the second transition, making the race highly competitive.
