Digital magazines from the International Triathlon Union (ITU) and the World Triathlon Series
Issue link: http://worldtriathlon.uberflip.com/i/1313191
The Arzachena World Cup saw stellar line ups on a brand new course on the Italian island of Sardinia, but the men's result was to be a familiar one. Vincent Luis had been imperious since the return to racing and though Kristian Blummenfelt pushed him all the way on Saturday afternoon, the Norwegian couldn't prevent a third straight gold for the Frenchman. Completing the podium, Britain's Alistair Brownlee showed he will still mix it with the best after a strong finish earned him bronze. "It's a good feeling when you win every race you start," said Luis. "It's not a type of course I'm used to but my coach managed my training really well. I was praying a bit for a non-wetsuit swim and that boosted my confidence as I've been putting together some great sessions in the water. The bike was tough, Kristian made it tough, and I didn't want to break away even though he tried a few times. Once again my strength was the sprint finish and with 1km to go I knew it was mine." The wind had picked up from the morning's race but the bay waters were calm as the athletes lined up for the beach start. A returning Henri Schoeman (RSA) was quick on the right side of the pontoon with Brownlee, but it was Luis on the opposite end who found clear water on the return from the buoy. The field hadn't stretched much though, Jonas Schomburg (GER) and Pierre le Corre (FRA) right with Luis, Schoeman and Jonas Breinlinger (GER) well in touch with the leaders into transition. Brownlee was 20 seconds back, Blummenfelt 35 seconds with Antonio Serrat Seoane (ESP) and Jelle Geens (BEL) for company. What followed over the opening stages of the bike was astonishing, as first Brownlee used the climb then Blummenfelt the descent to bridge up to the leaders, an eight-strong group then forming including Germany's Tim Hellwig and Leo Bergere of France. Schoeman dropped off the pace on lap two and joined the likes of Gabriel Sandor (SWE) and Seoane who had now moved into striking position, Gustav Iden leading that group's charge to get the chase pack right into contention as the second transition drew into sight. Blummenfelt had his running shoes on first and exited along with Bergere and Seoane, Luis right on their shoulders, Breinlinger and Sandor well-set but Brownlee losing precious seconds struggling with transition to just come through ahead of Schoeman, Le Corre and Schomburg. It was to be Luis and Blummenfelt who asked the first question on the 5km run and it was only Seoane able to go with them. Norway's 2019 Grand Final winner and the World Champion then pressed on and it became clear this was a two-way shootout for the gold. As Luis repeatedly surged, Blummenfelt responded in kind, before rolling the dice himself with 500m to go. There was no dropping his rival, however, and Luis then summoned his trademark final burst of speed to drive onto the blue carpet and guarantee his third straight win and underline his place at the top of the men's triathlon tree. Further back, Brownlee had passed Seoane and was stretching into space to secure a podium of his own on the island where he took the gold in 2019. Seoane eventually finished 17 seconds back in fourth just holding off Iden, while Bergere, Hellwig, Matthew McElroy, Le Corre and Sandor completed the top 10. Vincent Luis makes it three from three in Arzachena ARZACHENA WORLD CUP Full Results Watch the race on 56 contents