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 -
STRENGTH. ENDURANCE. PERFORMANCE.

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.

Advertisement

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
Dave Ellis / Luke Pollard - World Para Triathlon Championships Pontevedra 2023
Golden opportunity – British Triathlon launches search for LA2028 paratriathlon guides
IRONMAN Lanzarote 2024 - Anne Haug on run course
Best marathon shoes for Ironman – the ‘legal’ super shoes you CAN wear to level up your run split
Challenge Sanremo 2024 - Photo: Jose Luis Hourcade
How to fuel your triathlon training: Expert nutritionist tips to help you nail every session
swim start IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2024 photo credit Tony Svensson IRONMAN
Level up your Ironman swim split – must-read tips from an expert swim coach
Ironman gear guide – everything you need to get to the finish line of a full distance triathlon
latest News
Taylor Knibb 2024 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship Taupo New Zealand
US triathlon phenom Taylor Knibb hails great rival Kat Matthews for record-breaking IRONMAN Texas win
Richard Varga Jonny Brownlee Arzachena
Triathlon legend Jonny Brownlee reveals ‘Last Dance’ motivation behind latest challenge
IRONMAN Kona 2022 Age Group Results
How will “re-imagined” IRONMAN World Championship at Kona actually look for Age Groupers?
Lucy Charles-Barclay IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2023 Finish
IRONMAN World Championship goes ALL IN on Kona again with men and women to race on same day from 2026
Laura Philipp and Kat Matthews on the run at the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship
Nice gets consolation prize of 70.3 Worlds after IRONMAN World Championships return to Kona
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

Share to...