We had the privilege of hearing from several of the world’s leading professional triathletes during today’s pro panel in Marbella, as anticipation builds for the Ironman 70.3 World Championship. From course strategy to recent preparation, here are some highlights from both the women’s and men’s discussions ahead of the weekend’s big race.
Women’s Pro Panel Highlights
For fans tracking athlete arrivals in Spain, two names dominated the pre-race buzz: Lucy Charles-Barclay and Taylor Knibb. Both had led the race in Kona before being forced to withdraw due to extreme heat stress – a physiological challenge that can take not just days, but sometimes months, to fully recover from. In fact, after Kona, Knibb admitted in an Instagram post that she was uncertain what the incident might mean for the rest of her season.
That’s why spectators were delighted to see both Knibb and Charles-Barclay take their seats on the Marbella pro panel – smiling, healthy, and ready to race.
Knibb revealed that her appearance in Spain came together at the last minute. “It was a very last minute and spontaneous trip to Europe. We booked our flights Friday night… That’s when I got the go-ahead.”
When asked if her decision to race in Marbella suggested belief in her ability to defend her title, Taylor smiled and replied, “Very good assumption.” The three-time defending champion (2022, 2023, and 2024) will once again be the woman to beat as she aims for an unprecedented fourth consecutive Ironman 70.3 world title.
Charles-Barclay, meanwhile, spoke candidly about a difficult few weeks between Kona and Marbella, including the loss of someone close to her. Despite the emotional toll, however, she emphasized gratitude simply to be back on the start line with another chance to race.
Kat Matthews arrives in Marbella in prime position to capture the overall Ironman Pro Series title, while also chasing what could be her first-ever Ironman 70.3 World Championship title, having finished runner-up to Knibb in both 2023 and 2024. “The Pro Series has always been my target for the whole year,” Kat shared. But when asked which mattered more, she didn’t hesitate: “Becoming an Ironman 70.3 World Champion.” Her consistency across the season, combined with her trademark grit, makes her one of the strongest all-around contenders heading into race weekend.
Solveig Lovseth, the newly crowned Ironman World Champion, radiated the same easy confidence and calm that has defined her season. “I’ve just felt really good this year – really relaxed and chilled – and haven’t felt any pressure in racing,” she said. “Maybe it’s because I’ve done some new distances, and it’s been a year for me to try new things.” That mindset has clearly worked wonders for the Norwegian.
Rounding out the women’s pro panel was Canadian star Paula Findlay, who arrives in Marbella after an impeccable run of four-for-four victories at the 70.3 distance this season. Known for her powerhouse bike leg, Findlay could be perfectly suited to Marbella’s demanding and hilly course. She noted that her preparation hasn’t been completely smooth, mentioning a recent illness and a small hip niggle leading into race week. Still, her calm demeanour and track record suggest she’ll be a serious podium contender.
Men’s Pro Panel Highlights
On the men’s side, attention naturally turns to the Norwegian trio who swept the podium in Nice, and who are all back again to battle in Marbella.
Leading the Ironman Pro Series standings, Kristian Blummenfelt arrives in Marbella in control of his own destiny. His compatriot Casper Stornes would need to beat him by more than 12 minutes to challenge for the overall series crown – a gap Blummenfelt admits feels reassuring.
“I think 12 minutes is a good gap,” he said with a grin. “It’s a comfortable gap, and I should be safe.”
“I don’t think it’s possible,” Stornes added with respect to overtaking Blummenfelt in the standings, noting that he’s instead focused on making his final race of the season a good one.
Meanwhile, Gustav Iden, who nearly claimed victory in Nice, was characteristically candid about his preparation. He shared that his training post-Nice has not been ideal, and that he doesn’t have expectations for himself other than to “sweep up” behind his two fitter training partners.
But the Norwegians won’t have the spotlight to themselves. Defending Champion Jelle Geens is back and feeling better prepared than ever. The Belgian reflected that his approach into Marbella has been more settled and focused compared to Taupo, where he was juggling several life changes alongside his training.
Also in the mix is Rico Bogen, the 2023 Ironman 70.3 World Champion and one of the sport’s premier cyclists. Known for his ability to create decisive gaps on the bike, Bogen acknowledged that a buffer of just a few minutes (he suggested three minutes) could be enough to hold off the sport’s strongest runners, including Geens.
Anticipation is high and the fields are stacked for what could be one of the most exciting Ironman 70.3 World Championships ever!
Follow @triathlonmagazine for race-day updates, results, and all the drama as it unfolds in Marbella.
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