Jolien Vermeylen is picking up exactly where she left off. After a career-defining 2025 season marked by consistent top-tier finishes, the Belgian star proved today that her momentum hasn’t slowed down a bit. Vermeylen secured her first victory of 2026 by clinching gold at the Europe Triathlon Cup Quarteira.
The race took shape early on during the swim and transition, leading to a decisive breakaway on the bike. A lead pack of eleven athletes, including Vermeylen, established a dominant rhythm that the chasing pack simply couldn’t match. By the time they hit T2, the leaders had carved out a substantial gap of roughly 90 seconds over their pursuers.
A Tactical Duel on the Run
The final leg transformed into a high-speed chess match. While the lead group initially stuck together, the pace quickly whittled the contenders down to just two: Vermeylen and local favorite Maria Tomé (POR).
The duo remained locked in a tactical stalemate for the majority of the 10km run, refusing to give an inch. It wasn’t until the 7.5km mark that Vermeylen found an extra gear, successfully creating a small gap. She showcased her strength in the closing stages, protecting her lead all the way to the blue carpet.
The Podium Results
| Rank | Athlete | Country | Time |
| 1st | Jolien Vermeylen | BEL | 1:56:57 |
| 2nd | Maria Tomé | POR | 1:57:16 |
| 3rd | Ilona Hadhoum | FRA | 1:58:32 |
