The 11th Edition of the EDF Alpe d’Huez Triathlon offered us an exceptional show . Over a 1000 athletes lined up on the starting line this morning at 9:30 in the Lac du Verney, the water was 16° (take note participants of the Triathlon M!). The crowd was definitely loud under this beautiful sun, it created a joyful and cheerful atmosphere, it gown with the performance of the winners of the day Cunnama (South Africa) and Jeanne Collonge (France). Here are their impressions:
James Cunnama – 1st (South Africa)
I am really happy. I come here every year, and every time I have been running in circle trying to find this victory. The experience of the race has really me helped me manage my pace. It is an iconic triathlon, an exceptional race. I like it’s authenticity: you always find your limits here, each discipline is very demanding. The crowd in the villages, the climb and the run really surprised me. The atmosphere was awesome. It is one of those race that you need to do once in your life.
Timothy Van Houtem – 2nd (Belgium)
This season was a bit peculiar for me. I got hurt on the IM 70.3 Aix en Provence. I could only start properly training at the beginning of July. It is a massive surprise for me to finish 2nd today! I concentrated on the race and the feel of it. Ahead in the Alpe d’Huez, I found my pace. During the run, I knew James was stronger, but I am very happy about the outcome!
Swen Van Luyck Man – 3rd (Belgium)
My swim was really horrible. I need to do something about it! But I was able to make a comeback in the leading group. In the Alpe d’Huez, I made a massive effort. I paid for it while running, where my only objective was to keep my ranking. I gave everything I had. I think I will need at least 48hours to recover! This race is really hard but I hope to come back every year.
Jeanne Collonge – 1st (France)
This victory is an achievement for me. It is my 3rd participation, and I was committed to win. Knowing that Lucy was here, I had to be strong. I didn’t really have a strategy besides biking as hard as possible in the climb. At the top of the Alpe du Grand-Serre, when I overtook Lucy, the only thing I thought about was creating the biggest gap. In August, I will take part in Embrun… Wining today was a massive confidence boost. About the race, I love the mountains, and the Alpe d’Huez is a myth!
Lucy Gossage – 2nd (UK)
It is incredible! It was so hard today. I knew I did not fully recover from the IM UK, 2 weeks ago but I wanted to run. It is one of my favourites race. To be honest, I concentrate very quickly on the arrival! I felt the pain, I suffered during the run but I am very happy and greatful!
Parys Edwards – 3rd (UK)
It is one of the hardest race I have ever done. The swim is very hard, I tried not to panic. While biking, I was looking to close the gaps, little by litte. My pushes were inefficient but I did not want to give up. Taking a spot on the podium is an amazing victory. When you finish the Alpe d’Huez Triathlon, you can be proud!
Résultats féminins :
Jeanne Collonge 06:33:32
Lucy Gossage 06:37:31
Parys Edwards 06:53:11
Résultats masculins :
James Cunnama 05:58:02
Timothy Van Houtem 06:00:07
Sven Van Luyck Man 06:05:00