Elite men’s race
Pontevedra, Spain, set the scene for the 2019 ITU Cross Triathlon World Championships.
Classy fields of cross triathletes lined up to tackle the terrain, in and around the event precinct, which encompassed a 1km swim, 30km bike and 7km run.
In the men’s field Frenchman Arthur Forrissier produced a solid swim and striking bike and run combination to be able to run down the 2018 world champion, Ruben Ruzafa, and claim the 2019 Cross Triathlon world title.
Forrissier claimed fifth place in the 2018 Fyn ITU Cross Triathlon World Championships and was thrilled with today’s performance which led him to victory.
“It’s a great pleasure to be the world champion and to be Racing with athletes like that, world champions in the field - I am really happy and Proud, It was such a good day for me,” Forrissier said.
Spain’s Ruben Ruzafa was slightly behind in the swim and although showed form across the bike and run, didn’t the power of Forrissier. Ruzafa crossed the line to be awarded the silver medal.
“I am really happy with today as I have been injured. I am so happy for all the people that came here to support me, I felt people wanted to see me fight. Thank you to everybody.”
A group of four men came off the bike together and hit the off-road run course. The battle was on for podium spots and in the end it was USA’S Josiah Middaugh who pulled back.
Lukas Kocar from Czech Republic, renowned for his swim leg, showed off impressive and surprising form across all three cross triathlon disciplines, to claim the bronze medal in the men’s field.
Elite women’s race
Eleonora Peroncini storms home to claim the cross triathlon world title in Pontevedra
Pontevedra, Spain, hosted the 2019 ITU Cross Triathlon World Championships. Conditions were perfect and crowd support lined the course.
A stacked field of elite triathletes lined up for battle across the cross triathlon course, which encompassed a 1km swim, 30km bike and 7km run.
In the women’s field, it was Italy’s Eleonora Peroncino who showcased an astonishing performance to claim the gold medal. Peroncino snared the gold medal from reigning world champion Lesley Paterson, from Great Britain.
“I am so happy. It was such a beautiful course, although the swim was a bit cold. I fought hard today and am just so happy. I am so proud to represent Italy and to claim the title here today” Peroncino said.
Great Britain’s duo Jacqueline Slack and Nicole Waters played chase for most of the race today and despite challenging to attack across the bike course, Peroncino was a force to be reckoned with as she cut across the tactical cross triathlon course in Spain.
Slack crossed the finish line and was presented with the silver medal.
“It was such a tough day and I couldn’t be happier with my race set up and stepping onto the podium,” said Slack.
Waters, silver medallist from 2018 Fyn ITU Cross Triathlon World Championships was disappointed to step down a position on the podium but remained content with her race set up.
“It’s not as good as a silver medal but it was so tough out there today and I am really happy. To be on the podium with Jacq (Slack) is such an honour. We worked hard and together out there today,”
