Following a 2024 campaign which featured no podium finishes and two DNFs in seven middle and full-distance races, Joe Skipper thinks he might very well be back after a terrific 2025 debut at IRONMAN New Zealand.
The 36-year-old went toe-to-toe-to-toe with the Kiwi pair of Mike Phillips and Jack Moody to claim second place in Taupō on Saturday – his first podium finish since winning IRONMAN Lake Placid in 2023 .
It was a welcome boost for Joe, and it means he already has one massive goal ticked off for 2025 – qualifying for September’s IRONMAN World Championship in Nice. Joe Skipper wins IRONMAN Lake Placid 2023 (Patrick McDermott, Getty Images for IRONMAN). Advertisement Skipper shines on the bike
It was a solid all-round display from Skipper on his 2025 bow. He exited the water in 12th place (51:19) before producing the fastest bike split of the event (4:10:29) to bring himself into contention.
A strong run (2:40:53) then catapulted Joe into the podium placings, recording a finish time of 7:45:47 to chase home three-time event winner Phillips with Moody claiming the final spot in the podium.
Following the race, Skipper briefly reviewed his race performance on in a post on his Instagram account.
“People keep asking if I’m back, and I haven’t really had an answer. But now, yeah, I’m thinking I’m back!“2nd place and my best executed race in over a year. 2025 is already looking good! 51:19 swim, 4:10 bike, 2:40 run. I know what to work on.” [Photo credit: […]
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