Triathlon star claims first big win despite being stung TWICE by a JELLYFISH during race in France
Switzerlandâs Sven Thalmann claimed an astonishing and record-breaking first pro triathlon victory in France on Saturday â despite twice being stung on his neck by a jellyfish in the swim!
The 24-year-old, whose previous highest finish had been fourth at IRONMAN 70.3 Switzerland earlier this month, led from the start at Challenge Cagnes-sur-Mer in the south of France, but it wasnât just his rivals he had to battle.
For not long after an early start at Hippodrome beach, Thalmann revealed he was stung twice by a jellyfish â but he overcame that adversity to exit the sea first and never looked back.
Course record is shattered
The 85km bike course, which included the famous Col de Vence, saw Thalmannâs luck change when Franceâs Simon Viain â who had moved into the lead â suffered a mechanical and Thalmann took advantage.
He was first into T2 and then established a 42-second lead over Viain early on the run before powering across the finish line in 3:58:53 to shatter the course record by more than 10 minutes.
[Photo credit: José Luis Hourcade]
Jordi Montraveta Moya came through for second, just under a minute behind, with Viain taking third.
Your monthly dose of endurance sports geekery – from gear reviews to hot tips & takes.
WATCH MORE
ELEVATING ENDURANCE WITH PREMIUM GEAR & SERVICES
SHOP ONLINE
âSomehow I managed to keep goingâ
Talking through his trials and tribulations afterwards, Thalmann said: âI got bitten two times by a jellyfish,â pointing to his neck where the scars were clearly still visible.
âBut somehow I managed to keep going and it didnât really affect me.
âAlso the bike was really tough and I was suffering quite a lot on the uphill. But after Simon had a mechanical, I was forced to go out on my own and I managed to keep the lead.
âI was fading on the run, but somehow, it was also enjoyable.
âItâs my first podium and first win â thatâs more than I could have wished for so I am quite happy now.â
The womenâs race also saw a course record, with Franceâs AurĂ©lia Boulanger making it three wins out of three in 2024 after previous successes at Challenge Cesenatico and Challenge Salou.
Written by
Jonathan Turner
Jonathan Turner is News Director for both TRI247 and RUN247, and is accustomed to big-name interviews, breaking news stories and providing unrivalled coverage for endurance sports. Â
Discover more
Five things you need to know about the Challenge Roth bike course
Training and racing in the heat â top tips for keeping your cool when the heat is on
ROUVY routes and workouts â Best ROUVY routes to get ready for Challenge Roth
ZONE3 Vanquish X wetsuit vs Sumarpo Vanguard wetsuit â how do these triathlon wetsuits match up?
Virtual training for real life racing â How year-round indoor cycling could benefit your race day performance
latest News
29 Jun 2024
Olympic Games Triathlon:Â Hayden Wilde warms up for âthe big danceâ at Paris 2024 with Bordeaux win
29 Jun 2024
British triathlon stars Sophie Coldwell and Jess Learmonth handed wild cards for MASSIVE T100 spectacular in London
29 Jun 2024
IRONMAN 70.3 Les Sables 2024 results: Madsenâs meteoric rise continues
29 Jun 2024
IRONMAN 70.3 Les Sables 2024 results: Mann makes it two out of two as Gustav Iden validates Kona slot
29 Jun 2024
IRONMAN 70.3 Les Sables 2024: WATCH AGAIN as Madsen and Mann take thrilling wins