Challenge Roth 2022 - the press conference

The who's who of the triathlon will start this Sunday at the DATEV Challenge Roth powered by hep. That's what the top athletes said at today's press conference.

Patrick Long

"I was welcomed by my host family which always makes Roth very special and I felt right at home straight away. My training has gone well and I feel fit and motivated and will do my best and see what happens. I'm really looking forward to the race, I injured my shoulder after a bike accident and had to have an operation, but it didn't reduce my motivation, I had some disturbances, but a few weeks after the operation I called Felix and said, "I want to come back. I've been watching Solar videos ever since and I can't believe I'll be able to see that for myself this year. We've got a great grid here and it suits this legendary race. Roth has always been a title that's tough is available and this race really needs to have the best athletes. The list goes on, it's going to be a tough race on Sunday for sure. Of course competing against Jan is part of the motivation - you dream of competing against the best in the world . And then to finish first, that's the motivation behind everything. When I found out that Jan was in Roth, it gave me another boost in motivation."

Photos: Challenge Family

Jan Frodeno

"It was a very special situation this year and as Patrick indicated it wasn't perfect in the spring but this is the race with the most spectators and the highest energy level. For me it's a very positive moment after a difficult period. Finally Triathlon again in this legendary race on this course I'm actually doing quite well! I would be lying if I didn't say the last few months haven't been good, it's been busy but I'm positive and happy to be part this mix of young, dynamic athletes - and at least I'm not the oldest! (Editor's note: reference to Cameron Brown - see below) I'm never afraid to compete, nor to fail, but I have to be realistic go ahead – I lost three months through injury so it's a very strange situation for me so I have to put my perfectionism aside, but this challenge was easier than staying at home and that's why I'm looking forward to Sunday. I know I've trained well and I'm in good shape, but I haven't run enough kilometers so I'm hoping for a positive result and have to be realistic to a certain extent and also take the rest of the season into account. I always do my best and I want it to be no different here. I'm not the young athlete I used to be and I have to listen to my body to finish the race as well as possible. Life is full of ups and downs and this will add to my strength and make me a more complete athlete, only time will tell if I've made it. It's great to have this race with some of the best in the world. I think it's really great that Patrick is in this race because I want to beat him and that's actually the biggest compliment I can give."

Sam Long

"It's one of those races that's legendary. I've seen things on TV and social media and heard about the Solarerv mountain and it captured my imagination when I started triathlon - it's always been a dream to go here to come and now I'm finally here. I made the decision to come here early in the season. I'm expecting a great race - fast and furious - we all know I'll catch up from behind but how I like it. Is Is it possible to beat Jan? Of course it's possible!"

Magnus Ditlev

"This is only my second long distance and I rode pretty well on my first. When I heard about the start list and saw the videos online, it was natural for me to come here. Hopefully I'm the strongest in the overall standings, we're pedaling I'm not just competing in a bike race, but of course I'll try to use my bike strength to my advantage. It's an absolutely amazing field at the start line, but anything can happen, otherwise I wouldn't be sitting here!"

Photos: Challenge Family

Anne Haug

"I know what's possible on this circuit and I want to be at least as good, which obviously puts me under pressure. The world record shouldn't be an issue on Sunday because if you go into the race with that in mind it can be a disadvantage – I have to run my own race. We have other great athletes in the field and I just want to do my best and we just have to see what happens. You can't force a world record, you have to see what happens on the day - in endurance racing there is Hundreds of thousands of possibilities and they all have to match to get the best race I think the spectators will exceed all my expectations and I think they will really support me and I can't wait to experience the Solarar Mountain A race Being close to home gives you extra motivation and extra energy. Roth is as important to me as the World Championships. I'll do what I can and the fastest woman will win - that's all I can do!"

Laura Siddall

"It's always great to come back here to see so many friends, it's very special this place and the community is so welcoming. It's always an honor and a privilege to be on the starting line. It's like always a tough field this year. It's going to be a pretty close race but that makes it exciting but that's why we want to be here to ride the best and get the best out of ourselves."

Photos: Challenge Family

Maya Stager Nielsen

"I'm really excited to be here and have the whole experience. I'm expecting a fast race and hoping to keep up with these girls - I dream of being on the podium and I want to do my best."

Cameron Brown

"For the 20th anniversary I had to come back - I was 29 when I finished second in 2002 and now I'm 50 and still a racing pro! Plus this race was the perfect opportunity to escape from New Zealand after three years! I love the sport and I keep challenging myself every year but my time is coming and my last race will probably be Ironman New Zealand in 2023 – it's been a fantastic career and I've enjoyed every minute but now maybe it's time to get a real job It's a different challenge this year but I'll still try to get into the top division and of course beat some of the boys!"