Known for thriving in extreme endurance events – multiple Norseman victories stand as testament – Norwegian powerhouse Jon Breivold delivered yet another emphatic performance today, clinching victory at the notoriously brutal Alpe d’Huez Triathlon in southern France.
This iconic race challenges athletes with a 2.2-kilometer swim, followed by nearly 120 kilometers of biking – featuring a grueling 3,200 meters of elevation gain and the legendary climb up Alpe d’Huez itself – before finishing with a demanding 20-kilometer run atop the mountain.
Breivold, once again, showcased his tactical brilliance and raw strength, particularly on the bike. After exiting the water with a few minutes to make up on some concurrents, he put in a blistering ride of 3:45:18 – the fastest of the day – which proved decisive. Only Frenchman Louis Richard managed to stay within striking distance, but despite a significantly faster run, Richard couldn’t overcome the six-minute deficit he racked up during the swim.
Breivold crossed the finish line in 5:30:05, securing a clear victory. Richard followed in 5:34:44 to claim second, while Austria’s Thomas Steger, who had been holding second place for much of the race, completed the podium in 5:35:19.
