Felt X3 Courchevel 2019

Felt X3 Courchevel Triathlon, fond memories of Cédric Fleureton

At 45, the European vice-champion of the discipline (2005, 2006) still has the “engine”. He naturally dominated his subject ahead of another heavyweight, the Drôme runner Tony Moulaï, and Richard Sumpter.

Clash of the generations! While the Isère native Dorian Coninx and the French relay team won the pre-Olympic test event in Tokyo (Japan) after a furious sprint, and while Vincent Luis fine-tuned his preparation for the World Triathlon Series grand final in Lausanne (31 August), two former stars of the discipline in France hogged the podium in Courchevel.

Indeed, meeting Cédric Fleureton and Tony Moulaï again must have revived some wonderful memories for fans of this demanding, energy-sapping sport.

Because in the mid-2000s, the duo led the French team with Frédéric Belaubre. Fleureton was twice a silver medallist at the European championships (2005 and 2006) and the Drôme native Moulaï was Belaubre’s runner-up on the continental stage eleven years ago and was selected for the Beijing Olympic Games the same year. They have ended their professional careers but have kept some fine abilities.

Fleureton: "A new kind of triathlon, it’s great fun"

For the Lyon native Fleureton, who has just taken eighth place at the Xterra European championships in the Czech Republic, and who signed up at the last minute, the day began well at the Bozel lake (3rd) and ended in apotheosis, with a 17 km bike climb to open up the gap and a trail run with almost 1,000 m of elevation gain, finishing as the winner at the top of the Saulire.

At 45 years old, and after 1h47’25’’ of effort, he savoured it calmly: "It’s an original race, with a course tailor-made for me. I switched to trail running after my career and it’s a real pleasure to finish here as the winner, in a new kind of triathlon. I hope it gives ideas to other organisers, it’s great fun."

Next, Fleureton plans a trail race in September, then the Xterra Triathlon World Championships (mountain biking replaces road cycling), together with his son, which takes place every season, in the autumn, in Hawaii on the island of Maui. The Rhône native took fifth place two years ago, a minute off the podium.

Moulaï: "It’s great to be here"

In his wake came the slim figure of Tony Moulaï (Team Isostar), 43 years old. Winner of the event in 2018, the adopted Drôme native was happy with his lot, two weeks before starting a new challenge with the CCC (Courmayeur, Champex, Chamonix).

"It was a great challenge to line up with Cédric (Fleureton), especially on this course. I was able to combine my two passions, triathlon and trail running, congratulations to the organisers, it’s a real success. It’s great to be here, when you see this finish (alt. 2,710 m), it’s superb," stressed the trail runner from Romans-sur-Isère, who only competes in one race a year in his favourite discipline.

To complete the podium, a third man was needed. And it was the Team England member Richard Sumpter who managed to break away from the pack to complete the top 3, despite the pressure from the Maurienne native of Team Mermillod, Basile Salomon.

A double for Lemay

She was expected, and she did not disappoint. Virginie Lemay scooped the prize ahead of Laure Tassion and Laura Deplanche.

Virginie Lemay showed her strength on Sunday on the slopes of Courchevel. Winner in 2018, she achieved a resounding and deserved double. On the trail climb, the Team Mermillod Triathlon member had made the difference over a Laure Tassion in good form. The Savoyarde, a former member of EA Chambéry and a cross-country specialist, put up a fine fight to secure a podium place, in the wake of the untouchable – or nearly so – Virginie Lemay.

As for Laura Deplanche, already on the podium twelve months ago, she did it again before switching back to ski mountaineering mode this winter (she took part in the World Championships in Villars, Switzerland, this year).

THE OTHER WINNERS

Men’s Trio: Noé Rogier, Alexis Cleaz-Savoyen, Théo Arnaud

Mixed Trio: Swann Juillaguet, Catherine Juillaguet, Will Juillaguet

Women’s Trio: Mathilde Lacombe, Floriane Parisse, Céline Faucon.

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The number of entrants was a record and a pleasant surprise for the organisers, who were able to count on big names and a mass of participants. Which is always a good sign for a newly created event.

Gauthier Castaldi

The men’s podium with, from left to right: Tony Moulaï (2nd), Cédric Fleureton (3rd) and Richard Sumpter (3rd)

The women’s podium with, from left to right: Laure Tassion (2nd), Virginie Lemay (1st) and Laura Deplanche (3rd)