Olympic triathlon champion announces coaching change and leaves the UK in search of sun and a new start

Cassandre Beaugrand enjoyed an incredible 2024 as she won every major short-course prize in triathlon, but she has already made a major change as she looks ahead to 2025.

The French superstar delivered on the tantalising potential she has displayed in recent years by sprinting to Olympic glory on home soil at Paris 2024 in July.

Three months later the brilliant 27-year-old would follow up on that epic victory with another momentous achievement as she was crowned World Champion after the WTCS Grand Final in Torremolinos.

It was a spectacular year for Beaugrand, and it was a success built in Britain after she spent two years leading up to the Olympics training at Loughborough University after relocating from her home in France.

Beaugrand on the move again

The move to the UK paid off handsomely for Cassandre (you can read more on just how in our in-depth feature here) as she unleashed all of that spellbinding natural ability. It also showed that she is prepared to make significant changes in pursuit of success and happiness. And now she is making another one.

Beaugrand has kicked off 2025 by announcing that she is relocating again, this time leaving Loughborough for the triathlon hotbed of Girona in Spain to join forces with the PTC crew headed up by coach Glenn Poleunis. She will be joining a group currently starring newly-crowned T100 World Champion Marten Van Riel.

Cassandre revealed the news in a post on her Instagram account, explaining the reasons behind her decision.

Loughborough exit explained

She wrote: “It’s never easy to change something when it’s working so well, but I’ve always followed my heart and owned my choices.

“After the Olympics, I decided I needed some sun again and left the UK. The past two years have taught me so much about myself, both as an athlete and as a human. I’ve met so many amazing people, which made this decision even harder. It’s been tough at times, but I will always cherish the experience I’ve had.”

Beaugrand also took time out to thank the highly-regarded training setup at Loughborough which helped pave the way for that golden moment in Paris in July – notably lead coach Gavin Smith.

She added: “I could never have done all of this without Gav, and I think we can both be proud of what we’ve achieved together 🥹 Thank you, @lboroltpc, for these amazing two years and for accepting me 💜

“Here’s to a new start in Girona with a new group, @ptc_coaching . I can’t wait to see what the future holds 👐🏼”