The World Triathlon Indoor Cup in Lievin unfolded with a day packed with adrenaline-fueled races featuring 150 meters of swimming, 3 kilometers of cycling, and 1 kilometer of running, all set within an electric indoor atmosphere bustling with spectators. After a series of intense competitions, Norwegian Vetle Bergsvik Thorn and German Laura Lindemann emerged victorious in the event.
The action commenced with qualifying rounds in the afternoon, leading into repacharche rounds and semi-finals, ultimately culminating in the eagerly anticipated finals.
The women’s final showcased a lineup of formidable athletes, including Georgia Taylor-Brown, Laura Lindemann, Cathia Schär, Gwen Jorgensen, Leonie Periault, Jolien Vermeylen, Lena Meissner, Zuzana Michalickova, Audrey Merle, Nora Gmür, Jessica Fullagar, and Robin Dreyling. Notably, Michalickova and Vermeylen demonstrated prowess in the 150-meter swim, but the pack converged during the cycling leg.
As the competitors tackled the three kilometers on the bike, a strategic dance unfolded on the indoor track, setting the stage for a decisive final kilometer of the run. Vermeylen led the charge onto the run segment, setting a brisk pace with the pack in close pursuit.
Periault’s aggressive push dictated the tempo at the front, with Lindemann and Taylor-Brown matching her stride. Jorgensen fought valiantly to bridge the gap, resulting in a thrilling last stretch where four contenders vied for podium positions.
In a display of sheer determination, Lindemann surged past Taylor-Brown to claim victory in a sprint finish, with Taylor-Brown securing second place and Jorgensen clinching third.
The men’s final showcased a competitive field featuring Tim Hellwig, Csongor Lehmann, Vetle Bergsvik Thorn, Samuel Dickinson, Vincent Luis, Genis Grau, Gregor Payet, Casper Stornes, Antoine Duval, Aurelien Jern, Léo Fernandez, and Mitch Kolkman.
Kolkman impressed with an assertive start in the 150-meter swim, emerging as the frontrunner. However, his lead was short-lived as the peloton closed in during the 3-kilometer bike leg.
The race dynamics mirrored those of the women’s final, with the outcome hinging on the final 1,000-meter run. Frenchman Fernandez surged ahead initially, with Thorn and Hellwig in close pursuit. Despite Fernandez’s early lead, Thorn’s remarkable acceleration propelled him to victory in the closing moments, with Luis claiming second and Stornes securing third place.
