Search
shop

Beth Potter and Cassandre Beaugrand react to Paris dress rehearsal after WTCS Cagliari clash

Beth Potter, Cassandre Beaugrand and Lisa Tertsch all share their thoughts following podium performances at WTCS Cagliari.
Staff Reporter
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

For the second time this season, Olympic gold medal favourites Beth Potter and Cassandre Beaugrand went head-to-head, with Beaugrand coming out on top this time at WTCS Cagliari.

Last month, Potter took the spoils at the supertri E World Triathlon Championship, but was unable to match Beaugrand’s finishing speed in the closing stages of the 10km run in Italy.

Beaugrand, taking her first Olympic distance WTCS win in Cagliari, will draw strength from this result, as will Lisa Tertsch of Germany, who edged out Potter for second place, with the Brit rounding out the podium in third.

“I think it was just in my mind”

After coming under a significant amount of pressure over the second half of the run, Beaugrand managed to defy the odds and pull through some visibly hard patches, as she held on for long enough to unleash her sprint finish.

WTCS Cagliari 2024 Cassandre Beaugrand finish
Photo Credit: Tommy Zaferes / World Triathlon

The French star, asked post race how she kept in contact with the aggressive moves of the leaders, said that it took as much mental strength as it did physical strength to remain competitive in the final kilometres.

“I think it was just in my mind. I tried to be brave and I told myself I couldn’t lose a sprint again after doing so in Quarteira [Europe Triathlon Cup].

“I haven’t run a lot over the past few weeks, so I just tried to be wise, tried to keep up with the pace of the girls and then I knew I had a good chance with a sprint and I took it.”

“I felt a little sluggish on that run”

Having made several efforts to break Beaugrand earlier in the run, Potter was forced to settle for third in the end, but said that a few factors had prevented her from feeling at her best in Italy.

Beth Potter, Emma Lombardi WTCS Cagliari 2024
Photo Credit: World Triathlon / @by_wout

“I have come off a really big training block after last being on the blue carpet eight months ago. I went for the win today, but I ended up in third after giving it a good shot.

“I am lucky enough that I qualified last year, so my goal now is the 31st of July, but I wanted to get a race in beforehand and find where my swim and bike was at.

“I felt a little sluggish on that run, I had a bad cold a couple of weeks ago and I am just coming out of that, but I am happy with where it is at and I am ready to push on again.”

Dark horse Tertsch continues to build momentum

Improving on her 14th place a fortnight ago at WTCS Yokohama, Tertsch showed that she is a force to be reckoned with over the Olympic distance, and in the right race, can compete for a medal in Paris.

Lisa Tertsch WTCS Cagliari 2024 finish straight
Photo Credit: World Triathlon / @by_wout

Earlier this season, the German upset Beaugrand and Georgia Taylor-Brown at the Quarteira Europe Triathlon Cup, and after her result in Cagliari said she was happy with the direction things were going.

“I qualified for Paris last year, so this year has been all about preparing to race there and I am very happy with this race. I am happy with how racing is going and how training is going ahead of the Olympics.” 

Tomos Land
Written by
Tomos Land
Tomos Land is a triathlon & running journalist whose expertise lies in the professional world of short course & long distance triathlon, though he also boasts an extensive knowledge of ultra-running.
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
lionel sanders wins oceanside 2024 [Photo credit: Donald Miralle / IRONMAN]
Lionel Sanders pinpoints the BIGGEST difference from Mark Allen era of triathlon
Sam Laidlow celebrates Challenge Roth win 2025
Triathlon superstar Sam Laidlow went from near DNS at Challenge Roth to epic glory
Alex Yee supertri Neom 2024 win Photo credit: Darren Wheeler | supertri
Supertri Toronto 2025: How to watch live as Alex Yee makes his triathlon return
Dan Lorang Head of Performance BORA - hansgrohe
Touching and heartfelt tribute from Anne Haug’s coach after she announces triathlon retirement
Sam Long - T100 San Francisco 2024 bike
‘No No No’ – culture shock and bike crash for American star Sam Long in Italy
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...