In another special race-week edition of IRONMAN Insider presented by Maurten, host Matt Lieto takes you inside the action at the IRONMAN World Championship in Nice. Fresh out of the pro press conference, hear from some of the biggest names in triathlon — including Rudy Von Berg, Patrick Lange, Jason West, Jonas Schomburg, Joe Skipper, and more — as they share their mindset, preparation, and predictions heading into race day.

From tales of breakthrough moments and evolving race strategies to candid reflections on pressure, fun, and resilience, this episode captures the excitement, nerves, and energy of the sport’s most competitive field yet. Plus, IRONMAN legend Craig Alexander joins the conversation with expert analysis on who could shape the race and why this year’s dynamics are unlike any we’ve seen before.

Whether you’re a fan, athlete, or part of the endurance community, this episode offers a front-row seat to the stories and personalities that will define race day in Nice.

In this special “underdog” episode from Nice, host Matt Lieto shifts the focus from the perennial favorites to three rising stars and dark horses who are poised to shake up the IRONMAN World Championship: Jamie Riddle, Harry Palmer, and Nick Thompson.

First, South African Jamie Riddle talks about his rapid evolution in long-course racing, having only done his first IRONMAN earlier this year. He shares key lessons from a transformative training camp with Sam Laidlow, emphasizing a newfound focus on smart, controlled training over constant high intensity. Confident in his abilities, Riddle details his plan to use his explosive swim speed to help create an early breakaway before settling in and playing his cards late in the marathon.

Next, the UK’s Harry Palmer, another rookie at the World Championship, discusses how a “bonus race” mentality is keeping him relaxed and focused. After a busy season that saw him buy his first house while racing five times in two months, he reflects on the balance between being a professional athlete and a content creator. Palmer shares his strategy for the challenging course, which involves respecting the distance, staying patient, and executing his own race plan, knowing a top-15 finish would be a massive success.

Finally, Australian Nick Thompson, aka “the silent horse,” opens up about his journey. He talks about the confidence gained from a strong season, including a breakthrough performance at IRONMAN Cairns and a podium at the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Zell am See. Thompson shares a powerful and personal source of motivation—the resilience of a close friend who survived a serious cycling accident—that fuels his incredible fight and determination on the race course, reminding him to dig deep when it matters most.

In this third installment from race week in Nice, host Matt Lieto catches up with three of the most powerful cyclists in the sport: Magnus Ditlev, Léon Chevalier, and Kristian Høgenhaug.

First up is Magnus Ditlev, who has finished on the podium at the last two World Championships. The Danish powerhouse details his extensive preparation for the technical Nice course, revealing he's spent significant time practicing the descents and is now faster and more relaxed than two years ago. He offers a fascinating tactical breakdown of the bike course, identifying the middle plateau—after the main climb—as the critical section where he plans to make his move, and explains his strategic decision to race at a slightly heavier weight to improve his durability.

Next, Léon Chevalier discusses his steady progression, having placed 5th in Nice in 2022 and 4th in Kona last year. He reflects on a demanding season chasing the IRONMAN Pro Series, which has left him feeling fatigued but has also taught him a valuable lesson about his own resilience, having consistently achieved top results while racing at what he considers 75% fitness. With a refreshingly honest perspective, Chevalier aims to be patient and fight for another top-10 finish.

Finally, Kristian Høgenhaug shares the joyful news of becoming a new father just weeks before the race. He opens up about how fatherhood has given him a "newfound purpose" and hopes the famous "dad watts" will kick in on Sunday. After two previous DNFs in Nice, he's looking to create positive new memories on the course. He also discusses the tactical layers the Pro Series adds to the race, as he'll be keeping a close eye on his main rivals for the overall standings.

In the second episode from race week in Nice, host Matt Lieto connects with another trio of top contenders for the IRONMAN World Championship title: Sam Laidlow, Marten van Riel, and Matthew Matthew Marquardt

First, defending Nice champion Sam Laidlow reflects on a challenging year that started with a reactivation of the Epstein-Barr virus. He explains how the forced rest shifted his perspective from chasing numbers to focusing on quality, health, and a more holistic preparation. This new approach led to breakthrough performances on surprisingly low training volume, giving him a newfound "inner peace and confidence" as he looks to defend his title on French soil.

Next, Marten van Riel opens up about his turbulent and "panicky" build-up to his first full-distance World Championship, which included a significant ankle injury that limited him to a four-week run block and a minor crash on the course just days before the race. Despite the setbacks, the Belgian Olympian discusses the freedom that comes from lowered expectations and his excitement to race on a course he feels is perfectly suited to his strengths.

Finally, American Matthew Marquardt details his season of two halves, from frustrating early-season results to dominant victories at IRONMAN Cairns and Lake Placid. The medical student gives a fascinating deep-dive into the physiological cause of the quad spasms that have affected him in T1 and explains the strategic evolution in his racing—learning to conserve energy on the bike to unleash his now formidable run, which he believes is the key to competing with the best in the world.

In this episode from race week in Nice, France, host Matt Lieto sits down with three of the biggest names in triathlon ahead of the IRONMAN World Championship: Daniel Bækkegård, Kristian Blummenfelt, and Gustav Iden.

First, Daniel Bækkegård shares his journey through a challenging few years marked by injuries, including two torn discs in his back that led to inconsistent training. He discusses the positive impact of his new coach, Philip Seipp, and Seipp's holistic approach that focuses on the entire ecosystem of an athlete's life. Bækkegård also contrasts the high-pressure "spotlight" of Kona with the more relaxed, "laid back" atmosphere of Nice, where the city itself helps athletes stay more centered.

Next, Kristian Blummenfelt details his meticulous preparation, having spent months training on the Nice course to familiarize himself with its unique demands5. He breaks down the bike course, describing it as having "a little bit of everything," from steep and long climbs to technical descents where comfort and nutrition are key. Blummenfelt analyzes the race dynamics, anticipating aggressive tactics from competitors like Sam Laidlow, but remains confident in his ability to stay collected, even after a poor swim, and leverage his run.

Finally, Gustav Iden opens up about the significant shift in his career since his 2019 victory in Nice. He speaks candidly about the mental struggle of going from a multi-year winning streak to a period of disappointing results, which challenged his identity as a "winner". Now, with renewed confidence fueled by strong training sessions, Iden states he has a "great chance of winning this race" and believes a sub-2:30 marathon is possible on Sunday.

In this episode, host Matt Lieto sits down with Jackie Hering, a seasoned triathlete known for her resilience and balance between professional racing and family life. Jackie shares her experiences from over 20 Ironman finishes, highlighting her recent commanding win at Ironman 70.3 Louisville. The conversation explores the mental and physical challenges of racing, Jackie's strategic adaptability, and her aspirations for the upcoming Kona event. Jackie also discusses the importance of family, her journey back to peak performance after motherhood, and the evolving landscape of triathlon, offering insights into the mindset of an athlete who thrives on consistency and grit.

In this episode, host Matt Lieto chats with Danish pro triathlete Kristian Høgenhaug, known for his aggressive racing style and consistency. Kristian shares his journey through a demanding race schedule, including three major events in quick succession, and the mental and physical challenges of maintaining peak performance. He discusses the evolving demands of triathlon, emphasizing the need for versatility and strategic adaptability. The conversation delves into Kristian's personal growth, the psychological aspects of training, and his aspirations for the IRONMAN World Championships, offering insights into the mindset of a dedicated athlete striving for excellence.

In this episode, Solveig discusses her recent travels and experiences transitioning from short course to long course racing. She shares insights from her performances in Hamburg and Lake Placid, emphasizing the differences in pressure and race dynamics. Solveig also highlights the importance of nutrition and mental resilience in racing, while reflecting on the competitive landscape in women's IRONMAN. The conversation touches on camaraderie among athletes and training dynamics, as well as her goals for the upcoming World Championships. Finally, she offers valuable advice for amateur athletes preparing for their first IRONMAN.

IRONMAN Insider Podcast: Matthew Marquardt — Racing Through Med School

In this episode, host Matt Lieto sits down with rising triathlon star and full-time medical student Matthew Marquardt. Fresh off a dramatic win at IRONMAN Cairns, Matthew opens up about overcoming race-day challenges, including a recurring cramping issue, and how he balances elite-level racing with cancer research and med school. A conversation about grit, discipline, and finding purpose beyond the podium.

On this episode of IRONMAN Insider presented by Maurten, host Matt Lieto sits down with rising triathlon star Anne Reischmann, the current leader of the IRONMAN Pro Series. From her roots as a competitive track runner in Germany to becoming a two-time IRONMAN champion, Anne shares the unexpected journey that led her to the top of the sport. They dive into her breakout performances in Cozumel and South Africa, the emotional ups and downs of racing, her approach to pressure and recovery, and what she's looking forward to most about her Kona debut. It’s an inspiring conversation about resilience, perspective, and the pursuit of joy in the world’s toughest sport.