Despite DQ, Sam Laidlow given validation at Ironman Vitoria-Gasteiz so he can race in Kona

July 16, 2024

As the reigning world champion, France’s Sam Laidlow will receive a five year champion exemption to the Ironman World Championship. He does, however, have to validate his starting spot at the race.

This means that he will need to race competitively (as determined by Ironman in Ironman’s sole discretion) and finish at least one (1) Qualifying Ironman (excluding the 2023 Ironman World Championship) OR two (2) Qualifying Ironman 70.3 (excluding the 2023 Ironman 70.3 World Championship) events that offer Pro qualifying slots during the 2024 Ironman Qualifying Year. (Period ending August 19, 2024, for Ironman events and period ending June 30, 2024, for Ironman 70.3 events). Triathlon Mag