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.

‘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
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
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
Hayden Wilde bike supertri Boston 2024 photo credit supertri
Premium10 ways to make your road bike faster and more aero for triathlons
Kristian Blummenfelt photo credit: PTO Canadian Open
PremiumIs your gut health impacting your performance? The untapped potential of good gut health for triathletes
Laura Philipp and Kat Matthews on the run at the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship
PremiumHas triathlon reached peak performance? Tri experts and legends on how much faster triathletes could get
latest News
Hayden Wilde bike supertri Boston 2024 photo credit supertri
Hayden Wilde’s comeback moving closer – and why he’s inspired by Clarkson’s Farm
Paris 2024 Women's Triathlon podium - Cassandre Beaugrand, Julie Derron, Beth Potter
GOLDEN opportunity for the sport as first medals of LA2028 will be women’s triathlon
Gordon Ramsay 703 Luxembourg 2025
‘I’M BACK and Cooking!’ – Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay celebrates triathlon return
Danielle Lewis (USA) takes the win in Lake Placid.
Start list for IRONMAN Lake Placid REVEALED – and it’s stacked with world class names
Julie Derron wins T100 San Francisco 2025
IRONMAN Vitoria-Gasteiz 2025: Olympic star wins by MORE than half an hour for first full-distance win
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

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...