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French athletes have claimed ‘victoire’ at a gruelling race that tested the world’s top triathletes to their core – and nearly blew them away.
Cassandre Beaugrand stormed to victory in the Women’s finals of the Super League Triathlon at the Waterfront yesterday, while Vincent Luis took premier position in the Men’s – with another Frenchman, Pierre Le Corre hot on his heels.
Amid winds of up to 50mph and a ‘red’ weather warning, the cycling element of the race had to be cancelled.
Men’s winner Vincent Luis, who was celebrating his second Jersey victory, told Express that this was no problem for him, however, having grown up amid the gusts of Northern France.
Video: Express debriefed with Men’s winner Vincent Luis…
Throughout the race, he was tailed by Pierre Le Corre, who eventually seized second place – something Vincent said spurred him on, as the two were able to chat in French throughout the race.
The pair high-fived the crowds and hugged each other as they made their way over the line to rapturous applause.
Meanwhile, Hayden Wilde - a racer dubbed the ‘Maltese Falcon’ with his crowd-pleasing flapping motion – surprised everyone by never being far behind.
Men's Pro Final Highlights
— Super League Triathlon (@SuperLeagueTri) September 30, 2019
A French connection dominated Round 1 at #SLTJersey as @SuperLeagueTri returned for the 2019/20 season...#IAMSUPERLEAGUE #IAMVINCENTLUIS #SLTJersey #Triathlon #Championship #Series pic.twitter.com/PNX9FbSUR8
Those wings flew him into third place – a position he said he was “stoked” to grasp.
Ahead of that excitement came two ‘shocks’ in the men’s race: Olympian Johnny Brownlee fell out of the runnings very early on, while 2017 winner Kristian Blummenfelt failed to make the top three.
The women’s race was equally hard fought – with one athlete, Luisa Baptista, even opting to run without shoes in a bid to save time.
Women's Pro Final Highlights
— Super League Triathlon (@SuperLeagueTri) September 29, 2019
Relive the best bits of Day 2 at #SLTJersey as @CassandreBeaugr stole the show...#IAMSUPERLEAGUE #IAMCASSANDREBEAUGRAND #SLTJersey #Triathlon #Championship #Series pic.twitter.com/tAbZ338tJk
Beaugrand dominated the race – so much so, that she didn’t even need to use a tactical advantage known as the ‘Short Chute’ that she had won the previous day for her winning efforts.
Defending champion Katie Zaferes missed out on the top spot – by just eight seconds, no less – while Rachel Klamer came in third.
Winning might seem an appropriate reason to celebrate, but Vincent said he’ll be resting up instead ahead of his next big challenge in Malta next month.
Pictured: The Men's winners - Vincent Luis (1st), Pierre Le Corre (2nd), Hayden Wilde (3rd) - celebrating their victory.
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