While the spotlight was on the Long Distance Triathlon yesterday at the iconic Alpe d’Huez, today’s short course event delivered just as much excitement – particularly in the women’s race, which turned into a nail-biting thriller. In a race decided by mere seconds, it was France’s Elena Polaert who claimed victory on home soil.
Polaert had to battle all the way to the finish line, ultimately winning in a time of 2:16:23. Just eleven seconds behind her, Germany’s Marit Lindemann crossed the line to take second place. Switzerland’s Anna Zehnder rounded out the podium, finishing a close third – only eighteen seconds further back.
In contrast, the men’s race saw a clearer division among the podium contenders. Spain’s Mikel Arrassate dominated with a winning time of 1:51:20. French athlete Léo Ouabdesselam secured second place in 1:55:46, followed by fellow countryman Esteban Bringer in 1:56:45.
