Search
shop

Emotions flow as Olympic champion reveals she nearly didn’t race WTCS Alghero

Injury and a sickness bug almost stopped Cassandre Beaugrand from lining up in the latest WTCS race, which she went on to win
News Director
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Brilliant WTCS Alghero winner Cassandre Beaugrand revealed she almost didn’t start the race in Sardinia.

The French Olympic champion suffered a nasty bike crash last time out at WTCS Yokohama a fortnight ago and her recovery from that was further complicated by a sickness bug.

But she made the call to line up and from the moment she bridged up to a breakaway group on the bike, the result never looked in doubt.

She eased clear on the run and went on to win by 39 seconds from Italy’s Bianca Seregni, with Britain’s Olivia Mathias in third – first-ever WTCS podiums for that pair.

Advertisement

‘I just wanted to give it a chance’

Speaking afterwards to World Triathlon it was clear how much it meant to Beaugrand after what had been a difficult build up.

She said: “It’s very emotional. In the morning I didn’t even know if I was racing. I called my coach and said ‘do you think it’s worth it?’

“I only trained two days last week because I was coming back from the crash and then I got the virus that everyone got after Yokohama and was in bed all last weekend.

“But I love what I do and I just wanted to give it a chance because I was so upset after my crash in Yokohama – the people who are around me know why it means so much to me.”

Cassandre Beaugrand emotions WTCS Alghero win 2025
Cassandre Beaugrand lets the win start to sink in at WTCS Alghero [Photo credit: World Triathlon]

Digging deep

She even revealed that she’d contemplated a bit of time away rather than head to Sardinia and race, adding: “Honestly I was thinking should I just take a break right now?

“But I’m very fortunate to be back on the top [step of the podium].”

Beaugrand twice had to dig deep to close the gap on the front group – and it proved decisive. The first time was on the swim and then again at the start of the bike.

She explained: “I remembered my second swim lap in Torremolinos (when she got herself back in contention after veering off course and went on to win the world title). I was like ‘come on Cass, you’ve got this’.”

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
tri-fit vortex tri suit review
TRI-FIT VORTEX tri suit review – race day approved performance
Maja Stage Nielsen Kat Matthews Jocelyn McCauley IRONMAN Texas 2023 podium photo credit IRONMAN
PremiumRacing to keep up: Is social media making us train harder?
Cadomotus chronos aero triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Wahoo ELEMNT RIVAL
PremiumTraining to heart rate vs power on the bike
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumHow to pace a triathlon to leave it all out there WITHOUT blowing up
latest News
Ashleigh Gentle wins T100 French Riviera 2025
T100 French Riviera women’s results 2025: Ashleigh Gentle is BACK as she runs her rivals ragged
Hayden Wilde wins T100 French Riviera 2025
T100 French Riviera men’s results 2025: Another Wilde MASTERCLASS as Hayden goes back-to-back
Ashleigh Gentle smiles T100 French Riviera 2025
WATCH AGAIN: T100 French Riviera 2025 as Gentle and Wilde star
Laura Madsen wins IRONMAN 70.3 Les Sables 2024 photo credit IRONMAN
‘Underdog’ Laura Madsen dreaming of T100 glory after London comeback
Georgia Taylor-Brown London T100 post race
“I am just an amateur in this” Olympian Georgia Taylor-Brown reflects on learnings from London as she gets set to take to the French Riviera T100 start line
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.

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£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

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£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...