Search
shop

Long Distance Champs 2023 women’s results: Pierre a class apart

France's Marjolaine Pierre won the women's Long Distance Championships - but there were DNFs for Brits Kat Matthews and Ruth Astle.
News Director
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

France’s Marjolaine Pierre was the impressive and emphatic winner of the women’s race at the World Triathlon Long Distance Championships in Ibiza.

She asserted on the bike in what was the longest race of her career so far and then produced a flawless run to win by a massive eight-and-a-half minutes from Sara Svensk (SWE), with Gurutze Frades Larralde (ESP) in third.

And a memorable day was made even more special by the fact that Pierre’s partner Clement Mignon was the winner of the men’s race.

But it wasn’t to be for British hopes Kat Matthews and Ruth Astle who both failed to finish.

Swim – In the mix early on

The only time Pierre didn’t lead was in the swim as she exited the water in third, 27 seconds behind Spain’s Helene Alberdi Sololuze.

Matthews, who crowned an incredible comeback with victory at IRONMAN Texas just a fortnight ago, was seventh at that point, with Astle in 12th.

Bike – Brits both ruled out

It was on the bike that Pierre really took control.

She surged into the lead early on and was over four minutes ahead of Matthews at the halfway point.

Matthews would pull out soon after – uninjured but potentially feeling the effects of those recent IRONMAN exertions.

That left fellow Brit Astle as Pierre’s closest challenger, five minutes back.

She’d reduced that deficit to 3:29 by T2 thanks to the fastest bike split of the day but had said beforehand: “Taking a bit of a roll of the dice with the calf but let’s see what happens.

“One thing is for sure – the swim and bike will be 👌”

Run – Dream double

The calf problem, which had prevented Astle doing much running in the build up, meant she would exit the race early on the run, saying afterwards on Instagram: “Gave the run a little go, calf not playing ball.”

But even in prime form, Astle would have had a huge challenge trying to catch Pierre.

The Frenchwoman simply went further and further clear, looking super smooth in doing so and would cross the line in 5:53:35.

Marjolaine Pierre wins Long Distance World Champs Ibiza 2023 [Photo credit: World Triathlon]
[Photo credit: World Triathlon]

And afterwards she said: “I think it will take a long time to sink in. It’s my first time at this distance and I had a terrible time last year with injuries.”

Referencing Mignon’s dramatic victory in the men’s race, she added: “I’m so happy to win with him – what a crazy day!”

World Triathlon Long Distance Champs 2023 Results

Sunday 7 May 2023 – 3km / 116km / 30km
Ibiza, Spain

ELITE WOMEN

  • 1. Marjolaine Pierre (FRA) – 5:53:35
  • 2. Sara Svensk (SWE) – 6:02:10
  • 3. Gurutze Frades Larralde (ESP) – 6:06:48
  • 4. Camilla Pedersen (DEN) – 6:08:57
  • 5. Svenja Thoes (GER) – 6:09:50
  • 6. Helene Alberdi Sololuze (ESP) – 6:13:45
  • 7. Giorgia Priarone (ITA) – 6:14:24
  • 8. Anna Noguera (ESP) – 6:14:55
  • 9. Ai Ueda (JPN) – 6:15:41
  • 10. Natia Van Heerden (RSA) – 6:16:44
Jonathan Turner
Written by
Jonathan Turner
Jonathan Turner is News Director for both TRI247 and RUN247, and is accustomed to big-name interviews, breaking news stories and providing unrivalled coverage for endurance sports.  
Discover more
Laura Siddall Challenge Roth 2025 finish line
PremiumLaura Siddall: 10 things I’ve learned from my professional triathlon career
Ruth Astle finishing IRONMAN Vitoria 2024
PremiumHow to cope with a DNF: Elite athletes share their stories
PremiumIs your evening workout routine wrecking your recovery? Expert physiologist on how to improve recovery and what NOT to do
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumTriathlon’s mid-season report card: Tim Don on who’s raising the bar this triathlon race season
03/07/2025 - Tour de France 2025 - Grand départ Jour 2 - Lille - Présentation des équipes -Jonas Vingegaard (Team Visma-Lease a Bike)
PremiumWhat triathletes can learn from the Tour de France pro peloton
latest News
Sam Laidlow celebrates Challenge Roth win 2025
FOLLOW LIVE: Sam Laidlow in action at IRONMAN Leeds 2025
Paula Findlay wins IRONMAN Boise 2025
IRONMAN 70.3 Boise results 2025: Findlay and Appleton the Idaho stars
Alex Yee wins Super tri Toronto 2025
Supertri Toronto 2025 men’s results: Stunning triathlon return from Olympic champ Alex Yee
Jolien Vermeylen wins Supertri Toronto 2025
Supertri Toronto 2025 women’s results: Jolien Vermeylen stuns big guns for famous DEBUT win
Alex Yee supertri Neom 2024 win Photo credit: Darren Wheeler | supertri
WATCH AGAIN: Supertri Toronto 2025 as Brownlee Racing make a PERFECT start
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

100+ new articles/month

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

100+ new articles/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...