Berlin – Two-time Ironman world champion Patrick Lange has suggested that because of the coronavirus pandemic this year only professionals will be allowed to take part in the classic in Hawaii.
“Of course, I can’t answer all the detailed questions as to whether a race like this might have to take place without an age grouper and if you do it as a pro-only race,” said the 33-year-old from Bad Wildungen in Hesse in the ARD “Sports Show” ».
Age grouper are ambitious amateurs who start in different age groups. 60, 70 professionals would “bring significantly less risk of infection than if you put 2500 people at the start,” argued Lange. «I think that’s the nature of the matter. So I think it will amount to such a solution. » The whole sport hopes that this race will take place. Lange had won the World Cup title in Hawaii in 2017 and 2018.
The race in Kailua-Kona has not yet been canceled despite the corona pandemic. The planned start is on October 10th. Other Ironman events – including the European Championships in Frankfurt / Main and Hamburg – will be canceled this year. The Ironman organization extended the period for the World Cup qualification a few days until the end of August.
