France celebrate after Vincent Luis had anchored them to victory in the ITU Triathlon Mixed Relay World Championships in Hamburg ©ITU

A good weekend for France ended with them winning the seventh edition of the Triathlon Mixed Relay World Championships for the first time in their history in Hamburg today.

The victory followed yesterday's triumph for Vincent Luis when he beat Spain's 2013 and 2014 world champion Javier Gomez to become the first French winner of a leg of the World Triathlon Series. 

The cold weather failed to dampen the enthusiasm of thousands of spectators gathered around the German's city’s Town Hall to watch what has become one of the most exciting disciplines in the sport, featuring each  team member complete a mini triathlon. and which International Triathlon Union (ITU) President Marisol Casado is actively lobbying for inclusion on the Olympic programme at Tokyo 2020. 

Luis was again to the fore, leading his team as they made up for the disappointment of last year when they had been pipped on the line by Britain. 

Britain, winners of the this title for three of the last four years, had to settle for the bronze on this occasion as Australia claimed the silver.

France's victory in Hamburg, beating Australia and Britain, was the first time they had won the ITU Triathlon Mixed Relay World Championships in its seven editions
France's victory in Hamburg, beating Australia and Britain, was the first time they had won the ITU Triathlon Mixed Relay World Championships in its seven editions ©ITU

One of the most eagerly awaited competitions on the ITU calendar, the race was thrilling up until the last minute.

Known for its unpredictability, wet conditions and last minute changes in personnel set the stage for a dramatic event which did not disappoint.

Britain, Germany and Australia positioned themselves as leaders on the first leg of the woman-man-woman-man relay, but they could not shake off the French, despite the fact they suffered a 17-second deficit after the first leg due to mistake by Jeanne Lehair. 

Dorian Coninx helped France recover and then Audrey Merle consolidated their position in the top four.

In the end, it eventually came down to Luis' superior running speed as, just as he did yesterday, he found an extra gear in the closing stages to move away from Australia's Ryan Bailie.

Behind them, the battle for bronze heated up when Germany's Gregor Buchholz set off ahead of Britain's Mark Buckingham.

He was, however, crippled by a 10-second penalty caused by a mistake in transition by Germany’s third athlete Rebecca Robisch, meaning Britain clinched the bronze medal. 



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