Frenchman Jules Ribstein won the gold medal in the PTS2 para-triathlon category on Monday, reserved for those with severe physical disabilities, the first French award in a discipline that should boost the medal count.
Jules Ribstein, 37, completed the event in 1 hour 05 minutes 47 seconds, almost two minutes ahead of his American opponents, Mohamed Lahna and Mark Barr, second and third.
As with the Olympics, the para-triathlon featured a swim in the Seine, followed by cycling and running through the streets of Paris. The events, which were postponed by a day due to poor water quality in the Seine, are all taking place on Monday.
Four-time reigning world champion in the PTS2 category, Jules Ribstein, was the favourite.
The Alsatian, who had his left leg amputated after a motorcycle accident in 2008, was taking part in the Paralympic Games for the first time.
France has many chances for medals in the 11 para-triathlon events. Other categories will start from 12:00, including the one in which Alexis Hanquinquant (PTS4), the flag bearer of the French delegation, undefeated since 2019, is competing.
In these Paralympic Games, France has so far won 28 medals, including 7 gold.
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