It was a fast day of racing at Challenge Vieux Boucau with a 1.9km swim in the marine lake, a 90km ride through the Landes pine forests, and a decisive run to finish, which gave Jack Hutchens (GBR) and Daisy Davies (GBR) a chance to claim victories in 3:37:50 and 4:05:49, respectively.
In the men’s race, Fabian Meeusen (SUI) was first out of the water in 23:15, followed closely by Esteban Bringer (FRA) and Guillem Montiel (ESP). A large group of athletes remained close as they headed into the bike leg. Cenzino Lebot (FRA) took the lead early on the bike, with Harry Palmer (GBR) and Iestyn Harrett (GBR) forming a lead group. By kilometer 30, Palmer led a pack of 10 athletes, including Lebot, Meeusen, Hutchens, and others. At the 45km mark, Palmer hit 62km/h speeds, but by kilometer 85, Hutchens had taken the lead. Palmer entered T2 first, with Hutchens and Lebot right behind. Hutchens took control early on the run and by kilometer 10 had a 50-second lead over Palmer. Despite Palmer’s efforts, Hutchens maintained his lead, earning his first professional win with a new course record in 3:37:50. Palmer took second in 3:38:28, while Meeusen secured third in 3:39:35 with the fastest run of the day in 1:10:02.
“It’s a long time coming” said Hutchens at the finish line. “I thought Harry was going to run away with it, but I just had the day of my life and I am so happy.”
In the women’s race, Daisy Davies exited the water first in 25:48, followed by Chloe Sparrow (GBR) and Megan McDonald (GBR). After a quick transition, McDonald exited T1 first, but Davies took over early on the bike. By kilometer 65, Davies had a three-minute lead over McDonald, with Anna Bergsten (SWE) in third. Davies entered T2 well ahead of the field. After the first lap of the run, she extended her lead to over five minutes. Davies finished in 4:05:02, earning her second win of the season. Bergsten finished second in 4:07:02 with an outstanding run, and Megan McDonald rounded out the podium in 4:08:56.
“I really enjoyed it. I pushed on the flat bits and the crowds kept me going on the run,” said Davies.
