Just a month after his last triathlon race, we thought we had gotten rid of the Vincent Luis problem. But the Frenchman decided to smash another door, that of the Ironman.
Having just finished his career as a triathlete, Vincent Luis is now trying his hand at Ironman full-time. Of course, we could only be satisfied that a threat of French victory disappeared in triathlon. And we told ourselves that we had time before he adapted to his new discipline. But it didn't take long before he shattered our serenity.
Vincent Luis disgusts the competition
In 2022, Vincent Luis had already won the Ironman 70.3 in Bahrain. And two years later, you had to be very naive to think that he was lining up to make up the numbers. His times at passages in each format are crisp and clear; he did not come to string pearls. See it for yourself: 22'36 for the 1.9 km swim, 1”59'25 for the 91 km bike ride and 1”06'52 for the 21.1 km run. A simply infernal pace which allows him to catch up with the leading duo during the running race, and be the first to cross the finish line. Even though Ironman is not a sport that ends in -thlon, it still gives us a hard time.
Behind the untouchable Vincent Luis, only Mathis Margirier manages to keep up with the pace, and takes second place 14 seconds later. A tricolor double which confirms our choice to never try this discipline. Not because our physical condition prevents us of course. Behind, Wilhelm Hirsch takes the crumbs that remain and climbs to the last step of the podium. At least we avoid a hat-trick, that's what we're reduced to.
