The 2025 World Triathlon Long-Distance Championships in Pontevedra saw two dominant performances in the men’s and women’s races, with Antonio Benito and Marjolaine Pierre securing back-to-back titles in front of a passionate home crowd.
Benito, who was looking to defend his 2024 title, set the tone early in the men’s race. Exiting the swim alongside Australia’s Josh Amberger, the Spaniard quickly established himself in the lead group, which also included Belgium’s Tom Vaelen, France’s Casimir Moine, and Spain’s Guillem Montiel. At the 80km mark on the bike, Montiel made a bold move to break away, taking a 30-second lead into the final stretch. However, it was Benito’s strength on the run that proved decisive. By the time he had completed the first lap of the 30km run, the defending champion had reeled Montiel in and surged to the front, extending his lead as the race went on.
Despite a brave effort from Montiel, who seemed to be battling an injury, and fading performances from Vaelen and Amberger, Benito’s mastery of the run ensured his victory. He crossed the line comfortably to clinch his second consecutive world title, with France’s Dylan Magnien and Great Britain’s William Draper completing the podium. “I am really happy, I don’t believe. Pontevedra is my second home… With the public here in Pontevedra, it’s really special,” said Benito, reflecting on his victory. Magnien, who secured silver, acknowledged the dominance of the Spaniard but was pleased with his own performance: “I am very happy for second place. Antonio (Benito) is too strong for me.”
In the women’s race, Pierre put in a commanding performance that saw her claim her second world title. The race began with Great Britain’s Chloe Sparrow leading out of the swim, but it was Pierre who quickly asserted herself on the bike. By the 80km mark, she had opened up a significant gap, with reigning champion Charlène Clavel working her way into second place. Pierre continued to ride alone, holding a dominant 11-minute lead as she entered T2, showing little sign of slowing as she embarked on the 30km run.
Clavel, the 2024 champion, did manage to make up some ground on the bike, but Pierre remained unchallenged on the run. The Frenchwoman’s pace was steady and strong, and she crossed the line to win her second world title in as many years. “I am super happy… the conditions were really hot, so I am happy I was able to pace myself and keep the gap,” Pierre commented. Behind her, Poland’s Marta Łagownik secured a well-deserved second place, defending her position from the previous year despite the grueling conditions. “It was hard, it was hot, especially the last 5k… but I’m so happy and so glad,” said Łagownik. Clavel rounded out the podium in third place, still pleased with her effort despite not quite matching her previous year’s performance: “It was a great race, I gave my best.”
