Rico Bogen makes his long-distance debut in Roth

February 27, 2026

Rico Bogen is taking the next big step in 2026: on July 5, the 2023 Ironman 70.3 World Champion will compete in his first long-distance race at DATEV Challenge Roth.

ROTH. (February 27, 2026) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – Rico Bogen is taking the next big step in 2026: on July 5, the 2023 Ironman 70.3 World Champion will compete in his first long-distance race at DATEV Challenge Roth.

Rico Bogen, like his fellow debutant Caroline Pohle, also hails from Leipzig and is already fired up for his premiere: “I’m really looking forward to competing in my first long distance race at Challenge Roth. The decisive factors in my decision were the extraordinary atmosphere and the enormous enthusiasm of the spectators. I love performing in front of an audience, and I am convinced this unique atmosphere will give me an extra boost, especially in my first long-distance race,” says Bogen confidently.

“Roth will definitely have the most incredible atmosphere I have ever experienced at a race. With an audience like that, I didn’t come here to finish in the middle of the pack.”

In addition to his phenomenal world championship title over the 70.3 distance, he showed off his skills last season, especially in the Professional Triathletes Organization’s T100 series. His performances were crowned with victory at T100 San Francisco. He finished second in the 2024 series grand final. At the last Ironman 70.3 World Championship, he finished the race in fifth place after a courageous performance.

On July 5, 2026, we will see how Rico Bogen masters his debut in Roth.