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.

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
TRI247 podcast p/b Challenge Family episode 2
Go behind the scenes at Challenge Roth with the latest episode of the TRI247 podcast
Cadomotus Chronos triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Challenge Family Roth
Five things you need to know about the Challenge Roth bike course
Challenge St. Pölten 2024 - image credit Jose Luis Hourcade / Challenge Family
Expert swim coach on the three most common swim mistakes age group triathletes make (and how to fix them!)
TRI-FIT VANGUARD tri suit review
The entry-level tri suit with a serious amount of performance for the price point – TRI-FIT VANGUARD review
latest News
Challenge Roth press conference 2025
WATCH LIVE NOW: Challenge Roth 2025 as Philipp takes lead and Laidlow in the mix
Julie Derron wins T100 San Francisco 2025
Olympic medallist and T100 winner reveals she’s stepping up to full distance next
Sam Laidlow Challenge Roth press conference 2025
Challenge Roth 2025: Laidlow prompts groundbreaking move as Race Ranger data will be made public
Kat Matthews IRONMAN Texas Finish Line 2025
Kat Matthews and Magnus Ditlev top 70.3 Swansea fields as IRONMAN Pro Series heads to Wales
Kristian Blummenfelt Kristian Hogenhaug Casper Stornes IRONMAN Frankfurt 2025
Triathlon GOAT Mark Allen sends “great champions” message to red-hot superstar Kristian Blummenfelt
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...