Day four of the World Triathlon Championship Finals in Torremolinos promises to be an exciting one, with a packed schedule of world-class events. The day will begin at 09:00 with the 2024 World Triathlon Junior/U23 Mixed Relay World Championships, where the rising stars of the sport will compete in an exhilarating team race. At 11:00, the Para Triathlon Mixed Relay World Championship will take place, showcasing the teamwork of the world’s best para athletes. Following that, at 13:00, the Age-Group Mixed Relay World Championships will bring together World Triathletes, eager to represent their age groups on the world stage in the exciting show-stopping format. The day will conclude with the highly anticipated Elite Men’s Championship Final at 17:00, where the world’s best will battle for the prestigious title. With such a thrilling line-up, fans and spectators are in for an unforgettable day of racing in Torremolinos.

Event schedule:
09:00: 2024 World Triathlon Junior/U23 Mixed Relay World Championships - Follow the action on World Triathlon YouTube and TriathlonLive.tv
11:00: 2024 World Triathlon Para Triathlon Mixed Relay World Championship - Follow the action on World Triathlon YouTube and TriathlonLive.tv
13:00: 2024 World Triathlon Age-Group Mixed Relay World Championships - Follow the action on World Triathlon YouTube and TriathlonLive.tv
17:00: 2024 World Triathlon Elite Men Championships Finals - Watch the full race coverage on TriathlonLive.tv

Check out the race galleries on SmugMug.

Team France claim the world title in the World Triathlon Junior/U23 Mixed Relay World Championships.

Team USA earn gold in the Para Triathlon Mixed Relay World Championships Torremolinos. Great Britain claimed silver and Team Spain capped the podium with bronze.

Team Spain celebrate Para Mixed Relay silver in Torremolinos!

Get ready to follow the Age-Group Mixed Relay action up next!

The 2024 World Triathlon Age-Group Mixed Relay Championships delivered a spectacular display of athleticism, teamwork and excitement as athletes from around the globe competed in an exhilarating race format. The relay, comprising two male and two female athletes per team, showcased the diversity and depth of talent across age groups, with each competitor pushing the limits of speed, endurance, and strategy. The dynamic course, combined with seamless transitions and rapid changes in race positions, kept spectators on the edge of their seats. In an event filled with fierce competition and inspiring performances, the 2024 Age-Group Mixed Relay Championships proved once again why this format is one of the most thrilling spectacles in the sport of triathlon.

The World Triathlon Women’s Committee has announced the 2024 World Triathlon Women’s Committee Award of Excellence, which was presented at a gala dinner hosted by World Triathlon President Marisol Casado (IOC Member) in Torremolinos, Andalucía, Spain. The event coincided with the 2024 World Triathlon Championship Finals and the 2024 World Triathlon Age-Group and Aquabike World Championships, taking place this week

The World Triathlon Women’s Committee Award of Excellence is a prestigious honour recognising outstanding contributions to the advancement and empowerment of women in the sport of triathlon. This award celebrates individuals or organisations that have shown exceptional commitment to promoting gender equality, inspiring female participation, and creating opportunities for women to thrive in all areas of the sport, from athletes to leadership roles. By acknowledging these achievements, World Triathlon reaffirms its dedication to fostering an inclusive and diverse community where women can excel and make a lasting impact on the global triathlon landscape.

This year, World Triathlon selected and presented Sara Gross of the USA with the Women’s Committee Award of Excellence.

This year there were a variety of strong submissions featuring inspiring women from all around the world. The World Triathlon Women’s Committee alongside a panel of external experts, reviewed the submissions and confirmed USA’s Sara Gross as the winner of the 2024 World Triathlon Women’s Committee Award of Excellence.

Tomoko Wada, Chair of the World Triathlon Women’s Committee, was in Torremolinos to announce and present the award.

“I am very proud to present TRI Women’s Committee Award of Excellence to Dr. Sara Gross (USAT), on behalf of Women’s Committee this time for her excellent efforts and accomplishment in women’s well being and advancement of their participation. Particularly at the end of my forth and last term as Chair, I am thrilled to present a former ITU (International Triathlon Union) triathlete who continues her “feisty” and pro-active life developing into a great contributor for women’s empowerment through the media platform created by herself. She is a fantastic role model. Finally, I wish the Women’s Committee continued excellent work!” said Wada.

Sara Gross was unable to attend the Gala in person to accept the award; however, a virtual acceptance speech was shared during the dinner in the form of a video.

TRI: How proud are you and what does it mean to you to be nominated for and receive the 2024 World Triathlon Women’s Committee Award of Excellence?

SG: I am extremely proud and humbled to receive the 2024 World Triathlon Women’s Committee Award of Excellence. There are so many people who have worked very hard to advocate and make change for women and girls in our sport. I feel grateful to be among them and humbled to have been selected.

When I first started working as an advocate for women in triathlon, and later when I started Feisty Media, some people said I shouldn’t make gender equity my first priority. They argued that I was “capable of so much more” and that “Triathlon was already gender equal” and didn’t need to change.  Years later, knowing that Feisty Media has helped thousands of women, I’m so glad I didn’t listen.

TRI: What do you consider to be your greatest achievements when asked about making an impact, contributing to equality in sport and triathlon?

SG: When I first started focusing my attention on women in Triathlon, I advocated for women to have equal access at the IRONMAN World Championship. And while I am extremely proud to have contributed to that change, I am most proud of the work we have done at Feisty Media to educate women on getting the best out of their bodies. We no longer need to think of our physiology as something we “survive” or “put up with,” like our hormone cycles, pregnancy and menopause. Instead we can thrive, and even perform,  through all of these stages of life. This is an important aspect of creating gender equity that is often overlooked - it’s not just about having access to events and training - it’s about those environments being created with our needs in mind.

Women often approach me and my colleagues at Feisty to say thank you for sharing diverse stories and helping them celebrate some previously ignored aspect of womanhood. That’s the greatest reward, knowing you made a difference to many individuals in many different ways.

Nominated by USA Triathlon, Victoria Blumfield, CEO of USA Triathlon was present at the Gala event in Spain to receive the award on behalf of Sara Gross.
“On behalf of USA Triathlon, I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Sara Gross for receiving the 2024 World Triathlon Women’s Committee Award of Excellence. As the CEO and founder of Feisty Media, Sara has been an unwavering champion for women, using her platform to uplift voices, challenge norms, and build community. Her leadership within the triathlon world is inspiring, and her dedication to advancing opportunities for women in our sport is unparalleled. We are proud to have her as a role model in our community, and this award is a testament to her tireless efforts. Congratulations, Sara!” said Victoria Brumfield, CEO of USA Triathlon.

It’s with great pleasure that I present the World Triathlon Women’s Committee Award of Excellence to Sara Gross,” concluded Tomoko Wada, Chair of the World Triathlon Women’s Committee.

World Triathlon is deeply committed to promoting gender balance and equality within the sport, ensuring that opportunities for participation, leadership, and recognition are equally available to all. By actively advocating for inclusivity, World Triathlon aims to break down barriers and set a global standard for gender equity. In celebrating the achievements of individuals who have made a positive and powerful impact on the sport, World Triathlon recognises the vital role these contributions play in shaping the future of triathlon, fostering a more diverse, inclusive, and inspiring community for generations to come.

Nominations for the 2025 Award of Excellence will open in the new year and National Federations are encouraged to submit their nominations.

She came in as Olympic Champion, she was unbeaten all season, and it was to be the perfect finish to the year for Cassandre Beaugrand as she won a dramatic world title on Saturday afternoon in Torremolinos.

The French star had veered inexplicably far off course to the right from the very start of the swim, seemingly over estimating the current and losing her sighting before correcting her route back to the first buoy and then seizing the race in the same style she has shown all season, eventually pulling clear of closest title challengers Beth Potter and Emma Lombardi over the second half of the run to take the gold and the 2024 World Championship, the first Frenchwoman to do so.

“I made a mistake, and realised it was a big one because I lost so much time!” admitted a delighted Beaugrand. “I was fighting to the end and thinking of last year when I missed out being World Champion so I’m really proud of this. I actually get seasick and the waves were quite high so I couldn’t see the buoys, then I realised I was on my own. I was already panicking, thinking ‘what am I doing’, I thought I was swimming strong but to the wrong buoy, so I had to push hard on the second lap to catch up.”

“I just wanted this world title so badly and have dreamed about it for so many years. Last year I was very disappointed finishing second. Nobody can take this away from me now. I was training hard and fighting all year for this one.”

Silver for Potter saw her also take silver in the 2024 Series, bronze for Lombardi saw her leap from fourth to third in the overall standings for the second time.

Beaugrand had started as number one and as first onto the start line she took up the far right position, not knowing that it would almost be her undoing. From the horn she flew ahead but also quickly steered right, completely unaware that every stroke was taking her further off course and away from the rest of the field.

By the time she had reached the first buoy, she was onto the back of the field. By the time they hit the beach for the halfway turn, she had already made up a big 16 places, passing another strong title challenger Lisa Tertsch (GER) to get back in the race just 30 seconds off Italian Bianca Seregni and Lena Meissner (GER) up front.

After the second 750m swim and back to the long run into transition, Beaugrand was suddenly just in front of Potter in 10th, Georgia Taylor-Brown in 20th nearly 30 seconds back, Tertsch 45 seconds back and languishing.

With Beaugrand, Lombardi and Potter among the 12 riders up front along with powerhouse Lena Meissner and Olivia Mathias, the gap to the chasers went out to over a minute, making for a three-way Beaugrand-Potter-Lombardi title shootout.

And it was that trio that quickly asserted themselves on the run, pulling clear along with Jeanne Lehair (LUX).

But it was on lap two that the French star blew open the race with a now-trademark surge, Potter the first to drop off, then Lombardi.

The elastic now well and truly broken, there was seemingly nothing that Potter could do in her chase for the world title even as she passed Lombardi back into second, Beaugrand crossing the line with a huge 38 second winning margin over the Brit, Lombardi third, Vicky Holland with an inspired run into fourth ahead of Miriam Casillas Garcia.

Beth Potter:
“It was tough out there, but I put a good fight up and I just didn’t quite have it this year. I’m not disappointed with silver, I wanted to leave the course knowing id given everything and I’m proud that I did. I had no idea what happened to Cassandre, I was racing my own race out there.”

Emma Lombardi:
“I’m really pleased, especially as I was 4th before the race, so ending this way is amazing. I still have a long time in this sport, I got a lot of fourth places this year and didn’t want to end the year like that.”

For the full results, click here.

France’s Cassandre Beaugrand has been the embodiment of calm all year, scooping a glittering Olympic title to add to her WTCS Cagliari and WTCS Hamburg golds that collectively see her heading into Saturday’s Championship Finals on top of the Series rankings.

At least, that is how she has looked. How she handled the pressures of a home Games was certainly impressive, but now it is time to reload as the 27-year-old looks to become France’s first female World Champion.

Read who needs what to win the title.
Use our interactive World Champion simulator.

It’s all a far cry from coming so close to the title in Pontevedra 12 months ago, when Beth Potter halted her charge. The Brit, Lisa Tertsch and Emma Lombardi are the best placed to do so again and will be primed and ready to seize their moment.

A beach start ahead of the 1.5km swim - likely wetsuits - then a mostly flat 8-lap and 40km bike and a very flat and fast 10km run, much like the Cagliari course she conquered back in May. Can Beaugrand do the double and win the world title just months after Olympic triumph? Tune in to TriathlonLive.tv from 15:30 on Saturday 19 October to find out.

Gold or silver secures Beaugrand the title

The maths can’t get too much clearer than a top-two finish meaning the world title for Cassandre Beaugrand. But while form suggests that will be straightforward, the post-Games reality is far from it. Having only done shorter racing since Paris, this will be an altogether greater test of her skills in arguably the second-biggest race of her career.

Whether Beaugrand is able to follow the great Flora Duffy into the history books and become France’s first female World Champion the same year as an Olympic gold, we will know on Saturday afternoon.

A big player in that will be Beth Potter, who hits her fifth Championship Finals and has been open about struggling to find her peak form so far in 2024. Given that that still meant multiple Series medals and an Olympic bronze, then she certainly can’t be far off her title-winning best of last year.

Successfully closing out a Finals is also something she has over Beaugrand. The Brit knows that gold, and putting at least one person between her and her rival, would mean back-to-back world titles, but she will want to pile on the pressure over the opening stages of the run.

Tertsch on a tear, Lombardi poisedLisa Tertsch hits her third Championship Finals start fresh from a first WTCS gold in Weihai and looking every bit the title challenger. The German won Mixed Relay Olympic gold in Paris and the self-belief looks to be flowing. Like Potter, if she can win and someone finishes between herself and Beaugrand, she becomes Germany's first female World Champion and first Series podium since Anne Haug in 2012.

Emma Lombardi continues to be the definition of consistency, but Series gold still eludes the 23-year-old. She has, of course, shared a Series podium twice in Cagliari, those silvers on a flat coastal course suggesting that Torremolinos could also be a good fit for the French star.

The winner in Italy on both of those occasions was Georgia Taylor-Brown. Runner-up to Flora Duffy in 2022, injured through much of 2023, the Brit will relish another Championship Finals fling, stamping her influence on the title race and a possible fifth Series podium of her own.

Nobody has won more Finals medals than USA’s Gwen Jorgensen, and she touches down in Spain hungry for another standout showing to head into the off season. Two golds and two silvers, the last in 2016, it was that 6th place on a tough WTCS Weihai course at the end of September that hints at more fireworks to come.

Add the collective talents of past Series medallists like Kate Waugh, Leonie Periault, Kirsten Kasper and Rachel Klamer, plus young guns Selina Klamt and Tilda Mansson, and the Torremolinos showdown looks like being one for the ages. WOMENS 2024 CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS 19 OCTOBER 15:35 START LIST WATCH LIVE

Welcome to day three of the 2024 World Triathlon Age-Group Championships and World Triathlon Championship Finals (Elite women) here in sunny Torremolinos! The excitement continues as thousands of the best Age-Group athletes from around the world take on the Aqua Bike World Championships and the Standard-Distance World Championships today. With perfect race conditions and fierce competition, we’re in for another thrilling day of action.

What’s on the menu today?
• Saturday 19 October
09:00h: 2024 World Triathlon Age-Group Standard Distance Triathlon Championship
11:00h: 2024 World Triathlon Age-Group Standard Distance Aquabike Championships
15:15h: 2024 World Triathlon Championships Finals: Elite Women

Athletes have been out and about enjoying the race destination and all that it has to offer. A group of World Triathletes took a break from training and race preparations, during the World Triathlon Age-Group Championships in Torremolinos, immersing themselves in the local culture and scenery. They ascended the nearby mountain to soak in breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline. Later, athletes explored the urban heart of Torremolinos on a guided tour, discovering the rich history and vibrant streets of the city.

The adventure continued with a unique experience aboard a local jabega boat. This was all part of their race, stay and play experience in Torremolinos, Spain.

Whether you’re cheering on a loved one or just love the sport, be sure to follow all the blue carpet finish line moments, streamed on TriathlonLive.tv and the World Triathlon YouTube channel. Don’t miss a second of the drama as athletes leave it all out on the course, racing for glory in this prestigious global event. Stay tuned!

There’s an incredible energy in the air as we stand near the start line, with athletes warming up and looking race-ready, fully focused and prepared for an exciting day of World Championship action ahead.

As the sun rises on race day here in Torremolinos, athletes are busy preparing in transition, meticulously setting up their gear, checking their bikes and mentally focusing on the race ahead. Their warm-up routines are in full swing, ensuring they are physically primed and ready to perform at their best when the starting gun goes off.

That’s an official race start in the 2024 World Triathlon Age-Group Standard World Championships!

Extraordinary scenes as athletes, fans and supporters take to the course and sidelines for the 2024 World Triathlon Championships!

Fans are ready to welcome their finishers down the blue carpet!

The race course is lined with spectators as the best Age-Group triathletes and Aquabike athletes in the world set out to achieve personal bests and triathlon dreams!

As the athletes come down the blue carpet to cross the finish line of their Standard Distance race at the World Championships in Torremolinos, a strong sense of accomplishment filled the air. Greeted by cheers from spectators and fellow competitors, they were awarded their well-deserved finisher medals.

What a day! Incredible swim, bike and run action with the most sensational finish line moments with World Triathletes and Age-Group Aquabike athletes!

Be sure to check out all the photo galleries from the World Triathlon Age-Group Standard and Aquabike World Championships, stay social and share. Tag @worldtriathlon and #WorldTriathlete in your race day moments.

What’s left on this action packed World Championships schedule? Follow the action over on TriathlonLive.tv.

Sunday 20 October
09:00h: 2024 World Triathlon Junior/U23 Mixed Relay World Championships
11:00h: 2024 World Triathlon Para Triathlon Mixed Relay World Championships
13:00h: 2024 World Triathlon Age-Group Mixed Relay World Championships
17:00h: 2024 World Triathlon Championships Finals: Elite Men

The future of French triathlon was continuing to shine bright on Friday evening, as Nils Serre Gehri became the country’s latest young talent to earn the title of Junior World Champion in Torremolinos.

It had been an enthralling race from the horn, and there was nothing to call between seven men on the final lap of the run, before Serre found a massive final push down the blue carpet to the tape. USA’s Reese Vannerson had rolled the dice earlier and pulled clear only for the door to close, eventually holding on for a fine silver, Achille Besson of France with bronze.

Joao Nuno Batista (POR), Marton Kropko (HUN) and Gregor Rasva (EST) were the three athletes first out of the 750m, the trio swim side-by-side as they made the push up the beach towards transition.

Roy Baron, Alex Robin and Reese Vannerson were 12 seconds back, Serre just off them, but up ahead it was Batista first into the saddle onto the 20km bike.

Luxembourg’s David Lang and Spain’s Eneko De Castro Cativiela were also going well, the lead group ten deep at the end of lap one of four.

A big chase pack was trying to get organised behind but finding themselves 25 seconds off the pace. They were joined by Robin after a crash on the fast right-handed descent, but also started to close the gap over the second 10km.

Over the final lap, the chasers had caught on and the pace dropped off, preparations for what was already looking a crackling 5km getting underway.

Flying in and out of T2 it was home crowd favourite Hector Tolsa Garcia with a slender advantage, Serre, Antoine L’hôte and Besson right on him but with just 14 seconds between the top 20 it was anyone’s race, Vannerson among the last out onto the run course.

But the American and Kropko started to go through the gears to close in on the Spaniard and took to the front, a seven-deep group forming that rolled as one mass at the halfway point.

Kropko made a push down the final long straight before Vannerson took control, only Serre able to go with him, but the sprint started early, Serre detonating, Vannerson unable to respond, and the Frenchman securing a huge win on a memorable afternoon in the Spanish sunshine.

It was silver to go with his Montreal bronze for Vannerson, Besson the bronze, David Lang fourth and Tolsa fifth ahead of Kropko and Batista.

For the full results, click here.

 

The winds whipped up on Friday afternoon, day two of the 2024 World Triathlon Championship Finals, making conditions challenging for the big women’s field of junior talent lining up for their shot at a world title in Torremolinos.

The course packed a 750m beach swim, 20km bike and 5km run, and the women’s race delivered fireworks right down to the finish as Ambre Grasset of France and Hungary’s Fanni Szalai battled over almost every metre. In the end, it was Grasset who emerged victorious, pulling clear after the final turn and Szalai unable to bite back, Lea Houart (FRA) with the bronze.

It was Szalai out of the swim first, 12 seconds back were Houart, Eve Whitaker (GBR) and Pauline Courret (HKG), but the Hungarian lost time in transition and it was Houart out and away first onto the 20km bike.

A four-strong group quickly formed up front with Szalai and Austria’s Tabea Huys driven on by Grasset and Houart. Working together well, they were able to put nearly 40 seconds into the 17-strong chasers that included Whitaker, Merel Veltman (NED), Jimena Renata De La Peña Schott (USA) and María López Faraudo (MEX).

Szalai had to work through some of the turns to stay on the wheels of the French, and the tricolor duo had precious daylight heading out of T2 onto the 5km run.

The Hungarian wasted no time in shutting the gap and left Huys chasing her shadow before then passing Houart and settling in behind Grasset.

It was there that she stayed until the penultimate dead turn when she hit the accelerator, Grasset responding well and then it was side-by side for the pair before the final turn to the blue carpet. There Grasset made the move from the outside to get the crucial gap and never let it go. Szalai visibly disappointed with her silver but with plenty more ahead of her, likewise Houart with bronze, María López Faraudo with a brilliant run into fourth, Swiss Anouk Danna in fifth.

Full results can be found here.

The men’s races at the 2024 World Triathlon Para Championships had a bit of everything. From dominant victories to nail-biting finishes, and from stunning upsets to coronations of Para triathlon legends, there was something for everyone across six mesmerising events. With 750m in the sea, 19.2km on a twisting bike course, and a pancake-flat 5km run, the ingredients were there for a memorable day. The athletes duly transformed the action into something truly special indeed.

PTWC – Plat lays to rest 2023 disappointment

Giuseppe Romele H1 (ITA) was the first out of the water in the men’s PTWC event. However, there was more to his lead than met the eye as Jetze Plat H2 (NED), the Paralympic champion (in Para triathlon and Para cycling), had gained significant ground. H2 athletes started behind H1 athletes and so while Romele still led the race, Plat had perhaps enjoyed the better start on balance.

Once onto the bike – Plat’s great strength – the Dutch athlete ate into the deficit. By the first time check, the gap had been knocked down to 39 seconds, a far cry from the 3 minute advantage the H1 athletes started with. By the next checkpoint, Plat had swept into the lead. What was remarkable about his effort was not simply the power he was able to produce, but also the technical ability and speed he was able to carry through the corners. Seeing him in full flow made it seem borderline illogical that anyone could catch him (and if you missed it would certainly be worth watching back on TriathlonLive). Nevertheless, his rivals threw everything they could at the task.

Romele and the Austrian duo of Thomas Fruehwirth H1 and Florian Brungraber H2 were pushing hard to get back into the race. Fruehwirth, a fantastic cyclist who claimed silver behind Plat at the Paralympics, constantly threatened in his first World Triathlon Para Championship appearance since 2011, when he won the old TRI-1 class. Making up for lost time, Fruehwirth secured a hold on the silver medal as he exited T2.

On the run, though, Brungraber drew level with his compatriot as Plat disappeared up the road. No one could stop Plat and Brungraber marshalled all of his experience to beat his compatriot to 2nd place. After the race, Plat had an eye on the past as well as the future. He reflected on settling for the silver medal at the 2023 edition following a puncture, noting how sweet victory today was in the knowledge that things can go wrong. At the same time, he is due to become a father at the start of 2025, something he called, “the most important goal for the future.”

PTVI – Ellis overcomes French threat

The Paralympic and European champion Dave Ellis B3 (GBR) has been the class of the PTVI field for years but he did not have things all his own way in Torremolinos. Antoine Perel B1 (FRA) was the top swimmer ahead of Ellis, who emerged 5 seconds down. Oscar Kelly B3 (GBR) then rose from the water 11 seconds behind Perel.

Ellis stalked Perel though the first lap of the bike while Thibaut Rigaudeau B3 (FRA) moved past Kelly. Slowly, the three leaders coalesced and by the end of the bike Ellis, Perel and Rigaudeau were inseparable. On the tight circuit, overtaking opportunities on the tandem bike were limited and every move was met by a counter-move until they eventually dismounted together.

Ellis emerged first onto the run in an attempt to stamp his authority on the race. After a bold effort on the bike, Perel was the first to crack. Rigaudeau, however, fought on. Over the course of the 5km, though, Ellis ever so gradually eased away, claiming the gold and completing an awesome season. Rigaudeau followed in 2nd place while Perel was next home in 3rd.

In his post-race assessment, Ellis said, “The sea swim was a bit different. We don’t have it that often so that was a bit of a challenge, but I quite liked that. It made it a tough swim so that was good. The course was quick on the bike, we were proper flying around. And then the run was quick, so I was happy with that.”

PTS5 – Daniel bounces back from Paris heartbreak

The clash of the Paralympic champions did not quite materialise as Martin Schulz, the victor from Tokyo, withdrew ahead of the race. The spectre of Paris and the Games nonetheless hung over the race.

Tom Williamson (IRL) led out of the water in a bright start with Filipe Marques (POR) and Jack Howell (AUS) on his heels. The 2022 world champion Stefan Daniel (CAN) and the newly-crowned European champion Bence Mocsari (HUN) pushed to make up the ground, hovering within striking distance. However, the reigning Paralympic champion, Chris Hammer (USA), was 9th out of the water and 10th out of T1 with a deficit of 2min 19sec. As such, he faced an uphill challenge.

The story of the race, though, was Daniel. In Paris, he had taken the race lead and put Paralympic gold seemingly in his own hands until a crash on the bike robbed him of his moment in the sun. By the midpoint of the bike in Torremolinos, Daniel had closed the gap to the leaders and a similar chance to move into the lead was in the offing. Mocsari still hung 29 seconds back while Hammer was still over 2 minutes back. Although it might have been justified for Daniel to play it safe after his Paris crash, he instead opted to seize the lead.

Howell lost touch at the front a little on the final lap as Daniel’s pressure told. Once through T2, Marques also slipped back before Williamson finally cracked. In a race that may exorcise at least some of the bitter memories of the Games, Daniel soared to the world title in style.

“I had tough luck in Paris,” he said afterwards. “That was the whole goal of the year and I had some bad luck. I was able to pick myself back up the past four/five weeks and I was able to stick with it and I am really happy with this result.”

Meanwhile, Howell moved up to 2nd place on the run but faced a late charge from Marques. The young Australian was able to hold off his Portuguese rival in a breakthrough performance while Marques was elated to claim the bronze ahead of the fast-closing Paralympic champion.

PTS4 – Another superlative win for Hanquinquant

At this point, Alexis Hanquinquant (FRA) is running out of ways to win. Rather than make this race overly complicated, the Paralympic gold medallist produced a professional performance in which he led for every second of the race.

“Seven titles,” he exclaimed at the finish line. “I’m very happy. It was a better season for me. I won in Paris, I won here, it was a good year.”

Gregoire Berthon (FRA) was Hanquinquant’s closest rival at first, leaving T1 only 15 seconds down on his compatriot. Liam Twomey (AUS) followed, some 48 seconds back. Over the bike, though, Hanquiquant was simply in a league of his own. He built a lead of over 2 minutes and then cruised to yet another world title. As such, the real action was to be found further behind.
Berthon arrived in T2 over a minute ahead of a chase pack containing Nil Riudavets Victory (ESP), Pierre-Antoine Baele (FRA) and Carson Clough (USA). With two Paralympic medallists and a medallist from the Olympic Test Event, Berthon had his work cut out to hold on. At each checkpoint, the chasers chomped into his advantage, with Riudavets emerging as the primary threat.

By the end of the 5km run, Berthon had run out of steam. Riudavets and then Baele passed him to take 2nd and 3rd place, respectively.

PTS3 – Urand stuns Paralympic champion

Throughout much of the men’s PTS3 race, it seemed a Paralympic rematch of sorts was on the cards, particularly after Daniel Molina (ESP) led Max Gelhaar (GER) through the swim. Molina had powered to gold in Paris, with Gelhaar taking silver. With only 22 seconds between them out of T1, though, the race was wide open. Moreover, when Gelhaar came through on the bike in a similar manner to their contest at the Games, the prospects of an exquisite finish only grew stronger.

Then Henry happened.

Having come into Para triathlon from Para cycling, Henry Urand (GBR) was always likely to lean on the second discipline. He moved into 2nd place heading into T2, 48 seconds down on Gelhaar. Molina was a further 5 seconds behind 53 seconds. Urand then flew onto the run at a blistering pace. Suddenly, he found himself in 1st place with an 18 second lead and one lap to go.

At the next checkpoint, Urand led Molina by 25 seconds. Scenting the awaiting glory, he forged onwards and won by 51 seconds in total. The stunned Molina took the silver medal while Gelhaar rounded out the podium. After all the talk of the two-man race beforehand, there will certainly be a new name to watch when the 2025 season rolls around.

PTS2 – De Paepe etches name into history books

Wim De Paepe (BEL) was the fastest swimmer in the men’s PTS2 race, although his advantage was slim. Paralympic champion Jules Ribstein (FRA) followed 7 seconds behind while Lionel Morales (ESP) was only 10 seconds adrift.

Over the course of the first bike lap, it became clear that the race was between Ribstein and De Paepe as they duelled it out on two wheels. The gap between them reached 11 seconds but then news came that had the potential to change everything. Ribstein had been hit with a penalty for a mount line violation.

In the end, the penalty came to naught as Ribstein retired from the race due to medical reasons soon after, pulling out on the third lap. That left De Paepe with clear air and a dreamlike lead over almost 2 minutes over his next closest challenger, Morales.

As the Belgian cruised to the world title, Vasilii Egorov (AIN) moved past Morales on run to claim the silver medal.

In light of the standards set during a year of phenomenal Para triathlon racing, it seemed almost churlish to hope for even more at the World Triathlon Para Championships. Nevertheless, the women’s races more than delivered across six fascinating events, applying the finishing touches to a season that will not be forgotten anytime soon. A wave-swept sea swim opened the races ahead of a long run to transition. Thereafter the athletes completed four laps on the bike and two on the run to complete the sprint distance triathlon.

PTWC – Gretsch back on top

After winning Paralympic gold in Paris, Lauren Parker H1 (AUS) had taken a well-earned break before turning her attention to Torremolinos. There were no signs of any holiday rust in the opening discipline as she led into T1. Eva María Moral Pedrero H1 (ESP) enjoyed a better transition and took the lead before Jessica Ferreira H1 (BRA) vaulted herself to the front on the bike. Parker passed Moral while the Tokyo Paralympic champion, Kendall Gretsch H2 (USA), also made progress through the field (having started behind as a H2 athlete) and slotted into the top-3.

Fereira and Parker drew level on the bike and raced neck-and-neck. However, Gretsch was charging from behind and prompted yet another change of lead as she was the first into T2. Fereira exited transition 12 seconds back while Parker was a further 2 seconds behind. However, Parker, the Paris Paralympic champion, did not quite have the same devastating burst of speed as normal on the run. At the end of the first run lap of two, Gretsch led Fereira by 13 seconds while Parker had leaked time and faced an almighty challenge to overturn the 44 second gap to the leader. Fereira fought tooth and nail and could even see Gretsch as they arrived on the blue carpet, but did not quite have the final surge to pass the American. Parker then completed the podium.

The victorious Gretsch noted after her race, “I just knew I didn’t have my best race in Paris so this was a race for myself. There was so much work that went into Paris so I just wanted to have a race that reflected all the work that went into it. I’m so happy with today’s race and I feel like this was my best race.”

PTVI – Rodriguez shows her class

Leticia Freitas B1 (BRA) was the pick of the women’s PTVI bunch in the swim and led Paralympic champion Susana Rodriguez B1 (ESP) by 19 seconds. The defending world champion Francesca Tarantello B3 (ITA) was over 2 minutes back heading into transition. As a B3 athlete, though, she started after her B1 rivals, which accounted for her deficit.

Rodriguez moved into the lead through T1 and then developed her advantage throughout the bike. After winning gold medals at the Paralympic Games and European Championships, she was determined to complete the triple. A head-start of 1min 51sec into T2 certainly set her up perfectly to realise her objective. Further back, Freitas had to contend with an advancing Tarantello in the race for silver and the Italian athlete made her move on the second run lap. The day, however, belonged to Rodriguez as she cruised to victory on home soil ahead of Tarantello and Freitas.

PTS5 – Norman triumphs in women’s clash of the day

Before the PTS5 race, the world title discussion had centred on the Paralympic medallists. Claire Cashmore (GBR), Grace Norman (USA) and Lauren Steadman (GBR) would emerge from the water in that order as they distanced the rest of the field over the swim. The British duo had the advantage through T1 and Cashmore then established a 16 second lead over her compatriot by the first bike split.

Never one to throw in the towel, Norman clawed her way back. She would then claim the lead in the second half of the bike. Steadman, the Tokyo Paralympic champion, hovered over half a minute back over the Paris gold medallist. With a lap to go, Norman had extended advantage over Steadman to 49 seconds but Cashmore remained only 5 seconds behind. Soon after, though, Norman slammed the door on her rival by setting a ferocious pace on the run.

The American athlete held a 27 second gap by midway and her lead only grew from there. Cashmore was the next athlete home while Steadman took the bronze medal.

“It’s been a challenging year but I’ve grown a lot as a person and as an athlete. A win is a win and I’m proud of it,” said Norman in the aftermath. “It’s my fifth world title but each one has its own journey with it and it’s still a delightful feeling to cross in 1st.”

PTS4 – Frances too good in tense finale

Megan Richter was a surprise last-minute absence in the PTS4 race after claiming the European and Paralympic titles in recent weeks. Marta Francés Gómez (ESP) took advantage of the situation to the delight of the home crowd as she bossed the swim. Camille Seneclauze (FRA) chased however by the end of the first bike lap Francés led by 30 seconds.

Elke Van Engelen (GER) and Sally Pilbeam (AUS) were locked in the battle for bronze as Seneclauze whittled down the lead. Once onto the run, the French athlete found a new gear and drew ever closer to her Spanish rival. With a lap to go, the gap stood at a mere 4 seconds. Seneclauze could almost reach out and grab Francés. But then Francés hit back.

In a tense final lap, she summoned a decisive final burst of energy to win by 11 seconds. Pilbeam then won the race for bronze.

PTS3 – Marc makes it three in a row

Elise Marc (FRA) sought a third consecutive world title in the PTS3 class and she delivered with minimal fuss in a consummate performance. Sanne Koopman (NED) moved into the lead out of T1 but Marc overtook her and built an insurmountable lead on the bike. The minutes ticked by and so too did Marc’s lead. Her eventual margin of victory exceeded 10 minutes in a wonderful display.

Afterwards, the thrilled Marc dedicated her victory to her long-time coach ahead of her upcoming switch. Koopman managed to seal the silver medal while Liina Nuoranne (FIN) rounded out the podium in 3rd place.

PTS2 – Seely cruises to dominant win

In a similar fashion to Elise Marc, Alyssa Seely (USA) dominated the women’s PTS2 race. She led the swim and did not look back from there. At the first bike split, the gap to her nearest chaser, Emma Juaisca Rodriguez Rodriguez (VEN), already stood at 3min 30sec. By the last lap, Seely had added over 50 more seconds to her lead.

Once the run started, the American athlete could afford to enjoy her moment in the Andalucian sun as she secured the world title. “It’s been a pretty fun year so I’m glad to finish it on top,” she later said. “The past two years have had more challenges than I’ve wanted to have. But I’m proud of the way I’ve conducted myself and never given up.”

Rodriguez then crossed to take the silver medal and Yukako Hata (JPN) won the bronze.

In a similar manner to how discovering a band or a book before it hits the big time and then seeing your excellent taste spread can be a satisfying feeling, this week triathlon fans around the world will have the chance to uncover some hidden gems of their own at the World Junior Championships in Torremolinos as the young starlets of the sport take their first steps in fulfilling dreams of mainstream success.

This time ten years ago, Cassandre Beaugrand, Jacob Birtwhistle and Laura Lindemann were among those to reach the 2014 World Junior Championships podium. Each has since gone on to enjoy glittering senior careers. Tune in on TriathlonLive on Friday 18th October at 15:15 CEST for the junior women and 17:15 CEST for the junior men to see the stars of the future make their marks in the present.

The Junior Men

Among a field brimming with talent, one man enters as the clear-cut favourite for the gold medal. João Nuno Batista (POR) arrives as the defending champion having also claimed the silver medal at the World Junior Championships in 2021. To go with that, he recently defended his European Junior crown from 2023. The double-double is therefore on. Batista has also been busy at the senior level this year. He finished 5th on his World Cup debut in Huatulco, made a maiden WTCS bow in Hamburg, and then placed 11th at the European Championships in Vichy over the senior distance. Batista, then, is the man to beat.

One man that will have revenge on his mind will be Nils Serre Gehri (FRA). The defending silver medallist from last year’s World Junior Championships also took the silver medal at the recent European Junior Championships. Serre Gehri is blessed with phenomenal running speed but he will have to find something special if he is to break Batista’s winning streak.

Reese Vannerson (USA) also enters as a previous World Junior Championships medallist. He took home the bronze medal in 2022. At last year’s edition, he finished 6th. Earlier this year, Vannerson became the Americas Junior champion and, like Batista and Serre Gehri, has serious speed to burn in the third discipline. Moreover, as with Batista, he has enjoyed some senior success this season with finishes of 7th and 11th at the Valencia and Huatulco World Cups and a win at the Americas Cup in Barbados.

Completing the set of continental champions will be Jack Woodberry (AUS), the winner of the Oceania Junior Championships, and Mohamed Khenissi (TUN), the victor at the African Junior Championships 2024. Although the Asian Junior Championships are not due to be contested until November, Takuto Oshima (JPN) may be the best placed to deliver for his continent after two recent 4th place finishes at Asia Cup events.

Finally, keep an eye on Osvaldo Darell Zuñiga Fierro (MEX) and Vinicius Avi Santana (BRA). The former won the silver medal at the Americas Junior Championships in both 2023 and 2024. He also finished 5th at the World Junior Championships last year. The latter claimed the bronze medal at the Americas Junior Championships and arrives in Torremolinos having won the Americas Cup in Santa Marta.

The Junior Women

As with the men’s field, the women’s race sees two returning medallists from last year’s racing in Hamburg. Jimena Renata De La Peña Schott (USA) powered to the silver medal last year in a season that saw her also claim the North American Junior title. Now racing under American colours after switching from Mexico, De La Peña placed 4th at this year’s Americas Championships and has accrued handy World Cup experience.

Manon Laporte (FRA) was the bronze medallist in 2023 and recently came away with the silver medal at the European Junior Championships. Like De La Peña, Laporte is a well-balanced athlete and armed with tremendous running speed.

The challenge for the returning medallists will be to stop to the runaway train that is Fanni Szalai (HUN). Szalai recently soared to the European Junior title and thus far in her junior career has shown no points of weakness. Indeed, across eight international appearances at the youth and junior levels, Szalai remains undefeated, notching eight wins. Somehow, her rivals will have to find a way to beat an athlete that, at this level, seemingly cannot lose. 

Meanwhile, Szalai will be joined by three other reigning continental champions. Sidney Clement (CAN) was too good for the field at the Americas Junior Championships. In 2023, she finished 2nd at the North American Junior Championships. Bringing the speed from the southern hemisphere will be Aspen Anderson (AUS) and Anika Visser (RSA). Anderson nabbed the Oceania Junior title back in February. Notably, she has also competed internationally in cross country and so her running ability could unsettle a few challengers. Visser emerged victorious at the African Junior Championships having utterly dominated the junior scene on the continent this year.

Looking further afield, Dominga Elena Jacome Espinoza (CHI) will be one to watch. She finished 6th in Hamburg last year and is the back-to-back South American Junior champion. She also comes into the race having finished 3rd at the Europe Cup in Ceuta. In addition, Siyi Zhang (CHN) looks to be the pick of the contenders from Asia. She placed 8th at the World Junior Championships last year and this season finished 15th at the Napier World Cup and 4th at the Asia Championships over the sprint distance.

With plenty of talent beyond the names listed here, the World Junior Championships will be one of the highlights of the week in Torremolinos. And who knows, this might just be your first chance to see a future Olympic champion or two in full flow. Catch the races on TriathlonLive and stay up to date with all the latest across all World Triathlon channels.

Representing your country in the World Triathlon Age-Group Championships is an incredible honour. It’s the culmination of hard work, dedication and passion. Age-Group athletes have the unique opportunity to wear their nation’s colours on a global stage, standing alongside athletes from all over the world. This level of competition pushes participants to give their absolute best, not only to achieve personal goals but also to contribute to their country’s overall success. For many, it’s a chance to embody the spirit of international sportsmanship, showcasing both their athletic abilities and national pride, while also fostering camaraderie with fellow athletes who share the same passion. Hear from a series of World Triathletes who are competing in the 2024 World Triathlon Age-Group Championships in Torremolinos.

Julie Zeller, Team Australia
“I am really excited. It’s such an honour to represent Australia and do something in an amazing part of the world. Seeing other people do this and see friends do this and see the world and do triathlon at the same time, inspired me to do it. It would be great the rest of the world see Australia, come and do ssome touring as part of racing in Wollongong next year.”

Philip Hays, Team Australia
“This is our third World Championships, my son and I, it’s great to meet all the different people. I make friends at each race and catch up with them and support each other. I never thought I would go to a World Championships but to go with my son is the best thing ever. To represent Australia is the best thing I could think of in a sporting career.”

Ronan Hays, Team Australia
“It’s really special. I love training and racing with my dad, it’s really good fun. I always dreamed of putting on the green and gold, to do it in triathlon is amazing. Race day goal would be podium, I really want to get a medal for Australia.”

Malcolm Smith, Team GB
“Over the moon, I feel so privileged, it’s a dream come true. I just want to get out there and enjoy the atmosphere and do my absolute best. It’s a bit more than a team, there’s a real family atmosphere, everybody loves triathlon and it’s so many people’s lifestyle, it’s not just a sport, it’s becomes part of their routine and pattern of life. You’ve got so much in common no matter where they’ve come from around the world.”

Callum Smith, Team GB
“I am here with my dad, we’ve both qualified to do the Standard triathlon. It’s amazing, it’s beyond words, especially father and son racing, there are no words for it, I am extremely proud.”

Inge Gillesberg, Team Denmark
“I am really excited for tomorrow, it’s going to be a big party, that is what I am dreaming about. I am really proud, we are only a small country but I am really proud to be part of this.”

Dr. Zoltán Varga, Team Hungary
“It’s a great feeling, I’ve been doing triathlon for a long time. Tomorrow will be the 38th anniversary of my first triathlon. I have done a few World Triathlon races bur more recently I started coming to the World Championships. I am hoping to can encourage my fellow sportsmen and triathletes in Hungary to come and represent Hungary.”

Mrs. Satomi Tamai, Team Japan
“This is my second World Championship, my first time was in 2018 on the Gold Coast. Spain is so far from Japan so it took a long time to get here so it’s a tough thing for me but it’s exciting. Actually until now we just visited some sightseeing and we are enjoying the atmosphere of the race, we made some friends in the restaurant of the hotel and we had a nice chat.”

Mr. Tatsuhiro Nagase, Team Japan
“It’s an honour for me. I started triathlon with the goal to compete in this World Championships. It’s my first time!”

Raelene Rees, Team New Zealand
“We’ve always been really fit but we really got into it in the last few years. It’s our 30th wedding anniversary so we’re celebrating that here.”

Dean Rees, Team New Zealand
“Pretty proud. We get to wear the silver fern which represents our nation.”

Ryan Marfell, Team New Zealand
“I grew up in New Zealand and came from mountain biking and learnt to run and then got a coach and he threw me in the pool and it developed from there. I love te sport. It’s pretty cool to represent your country, it’s special. I looked up to Hayden Wilde, I managed to train with him when I was younger, he was really an idol tomorrow. For tomorrow, to go out and enjoy it and see what I can do.”

Be sure to follow all the blue carpet finish line moments, of the 2024 World Triathlon Age-Group Championships Torremolinos, streamed on TriathlonLive.tv and the World Triathlon YouTube channel.

Feeling inspired to represent your country in triathlon? Take the first step towards your journey by reaching out to your National Federation today, find out about the qualification pathway into World Triathlon events and discover how you can make your dreams a reality.

It is with deep sadness that we can inform that two participants (one from Mexico; one from Great Britain) have died at the World Triathlon Torremolinos-Andalucía AG Sprint Distance World Championships, taking place today, October 17. Our deepest condolences go to their respective family, friends, National Federations and all the triathlon family. World Triathlon, the Spanish Federation and the LOC are in contact with their families and NFs to provide all the support needed in these difficult and sad times.

Once the run started, the uncertainty was put to rest. David Cantero del Campo (ESP) reigned supreme before an ecstatic home crowd at the men’s World U23 Championships as he delivered a running performance that channelled his Spanish world champion forebears, Mario Mola, Javier Gomez Noya and Iván Raña. Until Cantero struck, the race had been a cagey, tactical affair with a multitude of potential winners. When he made his move, though, he made his victory look like simplicity itself.

“The other guys were going fast but I just went at my pace and I felt good,” he said after the race. “From the beginning of the race I felt really nice. I was in the lead group which was nice for me. I thought if I got out of the water in the chase pack it would be hard to win but I saw I was with the big ones out of the water and it was good.”

Marcus Dey (GBR) navigated the choppy conditions best across the two-lap 1500m sea swim and led into the first transition. Zalán Hóbor (HUN) and Dylan McCullough (NZL) were the next to follow, with the three leaders carrying a narrow 4 seconds advantage into T1 over the next quickest men. An initial lead pack of four then formed as Pavel Sorokin (AIN) sped through the opening kilometre of the bike.

However, dangers lurked close behind. Cantero, the winner of the Valencia World Cup, had a fantastic swim to emerge through transition only 10 seconds in arrears. By the second bike lap, he had bridged to the leaders. As one of the fastest runners in the field, Cantero’s presence will have sent alarm bells ringing among his rivals. Panagiotis Bitados (GRE) likewise left T1 a mere 13 seconds back and alongside Henry Graf (GER) and Mitch Kolkman (NED), the medallist from the 2023 iteration of the World U23 Championships, slotted into an eventual front group of eleven athletes.

However, John Reed (USA), the recent victor at the Karlovy Vary World Cup, and 2022 World U23 Championships silver medallist Gergely Kiss (HUN) found themselves in a chase pack of three alongside Sebastian Wernersen (NOR). As the gap to the leaders grew, they were swallowed up by the next group on the road.

Pelayo González Turrez (ESP) and Andree Buc (CHI) each made their presence known in the lead pack. Alongside Hóbor, they represented the three men in the front group racing in their first year out of the junior ranks. By the midpoint of the bike, though, the battle was between a pack of eleven and a pack of fourteen with 30 seconds separating them.

It was a fight the chase pack would win. The packs came together at the start of the eighth and final lap and instantly the momentum of the race evaporated. A spate of late surges brought the field back to life before Graf led out onto the four-lap 10km run.

It was on the first lap of the run that Cantero applied the killer blow. After an impressive swim and a tactically astute performance on the bike, the Spanish athlete shrugged off the chase pack’s minor victory in the second discipline to win the larger war. Bitados was the only man able to put up any kind of fight but the gap between the two men only grew.

By the halfway point of the run, Bitados trailed Cantero by 24 seconds. Kiss, Reed, McCullough, Buc, Graf and Jules Rethoret (FRA) were twice as far behind as their hopes shifted from gold to bronze. As the group guarded against one another, Bitados consolidated his position and held on for a wonderful silver medal behind Cantero.

Afterwards, Bitados said, “I am super happy from my result. I pushed and took everything from my body. I tried to keep it close but this guy (Cantero) is amazing, he ran amazing!”

Rethoret made a bold move during the third lap but it was Kiss that took over in the race for 3rd heading into the last lap. Rethoret hung 5 seconds back with Graf also pushing hard. Nevertheless, the Hungarian athlete was in full flight. Graf lifted his tempo and passed Rethoret yet Kiss continued to gain time. The German athlete threw everything he had, but it was too little too late as his Hungarian rival sealed a second World U23 Championships medal of his career. Ultimately, however, the intensity of the battle for bronze only served to reinforce just how easy Cantero had made efforts look.

Hungary’s Karolina Horvath won the U23 World title in fine style on Thursday morning, taking gold in what was a thrilling start to four days of Championship Finals racing in Torremolinos. Six leaders had boiled down to three leading to a tense final 200m, but it was Horvath who had the legs to edge out Zuzana Michalickov (SVK), last year’s silver medallist Portugal’s Maria Tome with bronze.

“I was like, ‘I’m here, i’ve done the hard work to get here, I have to try it!’ said Horvath. “I knew it was my only chance and I did it. It’s magic. The first two (run) laps pace was comfortable, but I enjoyed the increase in tempo and the second half of the run was better. When the bike pack got to us I tried to rest a little for the run. Everyone on the course was cheering for me, this means everything to me.”

Denizot and Hadhoum set early pace

Strong starts from France’s Candice Denizot, Sophia Howell (CAN) and USA’s Liberty Ricca saw the field string out quickly as they headed back after the first 750m in the water, and more than 30 seconds separated the top 15 by the end of lap two.

Up the beach towards the transition, Denizot was still out front but with Howell right on her heels, 2023 Junior World Champion Ilona Hadhoum giving chase. Isabella Hayes, Katie Rodda, Marta Kropko were making tracks to get on their wheels, Nora Gmur 20s off the leader as she mounted her bike but gunning it to try and become the ninth member of the front group, Barbara De Koning leading the next of the chasers 10s further back.

Lead opens up on bike

Those first nine did come together over lap one, several small packs forming behind them, most notably with Cathia Schar working hard, splitting up the pack 40s back with Maria Tome and Brea Roderick.

That group, including race number one Zuzana Michalickova, was gaining no ground with Schar doing all the work, 1m15s to De Koning, two minutes and climbing to Maria Casals Mojica for Spain.

Schar closes the gap

At the halfway point that gap had dipped to closer to 30s, then quickly to 20s and suddenly on lap six, the packs had merged. By the end of the 40km ride it was to be Denizot and Michalickova the quickest out of T2, Gmur and Horvath quickly joining them out front.

Schar moved to the front on lap one as she, Tome, Michalickova, Gmur and Horvath put precious seconds into Denizot, Robin Driejling and Hadhoum.

Denizot fought back as Tome took charge after 5km, six athletes together, but on lap three, Gmur and then Denizot were dropped again, this time decisively, leaving one lap, four athletes, and three medals.

Maria Tome was pushing the pace, then Cathia Schar, but the Swiss couldn’t make it stick and fell back, leaving a sprint shootout for the medals. Finally, it was Horvath who was able to summon one last effort to pass Michalickova as they hot the blue carpet, the Slovakian taking silver, Tome the bronze, a disappointed Schar in fourth, Denizot fifth.

QUOTES:
Zuzana Michalickova: “Second is not bad! I really enjoyed the race, it was tough. I felt bad on the swim but every km I then started to feel better and better. The season was long and im happy to be on the podium at the end of it.”

Maria Tome: “After second last year I really wanted the gold, but Karolina was the best today. After the Olympics I became more confident, but I didn’t have a great swim. Thanks Cathia (Schar) for her work on the bike. I tried to push the pace harder on the last lap but then I didn’t have the legs for the sprint finish.”

Full results, click here.