In a dazzling display of athletic prowess, Cassandre Beaugrand clinched victory at the 2025 Liévin Indoor World Cup triathlon on March 22, showcasing her remarkable talent as she led from the beginning and crossed the finish line with an impressive performance.
The venue, the Arena Stade Couvert de Liévin, transformed into a battleground for elite triathletes, drawing 4,500 spectators who were eager to witness the event. The triathlon format included a 200m swim in a 25m pool, followed by a 2.8km bike ride, and concluding with a brisk 1km run. This format, designed for speed and excitement, set the stage for thrilling competitions.
Beaugrand, the reigning Olympic champion, made her presence felt early on in the competition. She launched into the swim at full speed, exiting the pool just ahead of her competitors. “I wanted to give it my all from the start and see how far I could go. It was a wonderful way to begin the year,” she remarked following her victory. Her assertive swim set the tone for the race, placing her in a strategic position as she transitioned to the cycling segment alongside her rivals, including the Belgian Jolien Vermeylen and Slovakian Zuzana Michalickova.
In the women’s final, Beaugrand led a small pack that maintained a solid pace throughout the cycling phase, allowing them to open a gap of about four seconds over the chase group. Even when challengers attempted to close in during the final run, Beaugrand pulled away with a commanding performance, ultimately finishing the race in just 10 minutes and 19 seconds, carving a pace of 3:02 per kilometer. Her performance secured her victory with a 6-second lead over Germany's Laura Lindemann, who finished second, and 7 seconds ahead of Annika Koch, also from Germany.
Beaugrand's triumph at the Liévin Indoor World Cup marked a significant milestone, not just as a personal victory but also as her first participation in this event. “I enjoyed this first round. It’s different, it brings some speed to the start of the season. It was nice to see the crowd come out to support us. Seeing all these young athletes cheering us on is very motivating,” she expressed. Throughout the event, Beaugrand was approachable, engaging with fans and signing autographs, embodying the spirit of a champion.
While Beaugrand shone brightly in the women’s category, the men’s race was equally exciting. On the men's podium, Henry Graf from Germany emerged victorious, reflecting on his own tactical execution. After a strong swim, he maintained his position ahead as competitors closed in during the cycling phase. Graf's decisive acceleration during the final lap of the run ensured his first-place finish, leaving Antoine Duval of France to settle for second place after a valiant effort. Duval, who qualified impressively for the final, fought hard against the likes of Graf and Dutch athlete Mitch Kolkman. His silver medal was a testament to his skill and determination as he finished just behind Graf.
Antoine Duval's achievement at the Liévin Indoor World Cup served as a major highlight in his athletic career, marking his first podium finish on the World Cup circuit. He stepped onto the podium alongside Graf and Kolkman, reflecting enthusiasm about competing at such high levels. “A second place, it’s unexpected. It’s almost like a victory. It makes me want to come back to perform even better,” Duval noted.
The event proved to be a successful showcase of triathlon talent, solidifying the Liévin Indoor World Cup as a key date on the sporting calendar. Despite the tight format, athletes rose to the occasion, delivering thrilling performances that captivated the audience. Notably, New Zealand's Hayden Wilde, also present and a noted Olympic vice-champion, struggled to adjust to the speedy conditions and finished fifth, marking a rare disappointment for the accomplished competitor.
As the Liévin Indoor World Cup wrapped up, the organizers celebrated the success of the event, particularly as they transition to new leadership at the Triathlon Club of Liévin, paving the way for future editions.
This day further cemented the significant relationship between athletes and the public, with Beaugrand expressing her appreciation for the support. “Liévin allows me to reconnect with the French public because I don’t often get to compete here. I hope there will be more opportunities in the future,” she shared, looking ahead to upcoming challenges.
In conclusion, Beaugrand’s victory and Duval’s impressive performance were not just wins on paper; they represented the spirit of competition, community, and athletic dedication, leaving an enduring mark on the triathlon landscape.
