Challenge Forte Village Sardinia 2026 results: Nikki Bartlett wins as Pierre Dupuy makes it three

Nikki Bartlett claimed victory at Challenge Forte Village Sardinia, taking control on the run to finish ahead of Germany’s Daniela Kleiser.

The British star crossed the line in 4:09:50, winning by 1:43, with France’s Justine Guerard completing the podium.

In the men’s race, Pierre Dupuy led from start to finish to claim his third victory of the month, holding off Belgium’s Joran Driesen and Germany’s Tom Hug.

The scenic middle-distance course featured a 1.9km swim, a 90km bike through southern Sardinia and a 21km coastal run, finishing in Forte Village’s new piazza.

Women’s race – Bartlett moves ahead on the run

Britain’s Ellie White led out of the water in 25:43, alongside the Italian trio of Ilaria Zane, Denise Cavallini and Lilli Gelmini.

Guerard made the early move on the bike, building a one-minute advantage over Zane, with Bartlett a further minute behind.

By the end of the 90km ride, Bartlett had reduced her deficit to Zane to 40 seconds, putting herself in position to challenge on the two-lap run.

She quickly turned the race in her favour, moving into the lead on the opening lap before going on to secure victory in 4:09:50.

Nikki Bartlett Challenge Sardinia 2026 — Nikki Bartlett [Photo credit: Activ’Images | Challenge Family]

Kleiser finished second in 4:11:33, while early bike leader Guerard took third in 4:16:32. Hungary’s Gabriella Zelinka followed just 29 seconds later, with Zane completing the top five.

“It was unreal,” said Bartlett afterwards. “It’s the most beautiful place ever. I took in all the views. I love these kinds of courses.”

Men’s race – Dupuy delivers from the front

Dupuy established his advantage from the outset, completing the swim in 22:31 to put a minute between himself and a 16-strong chase group.

Germany’s Ruben Zepuntke tried to close the gap over the opening 45km of the bike, but Dupuy continued to dictate the race.

The Frenchman completed the rolling bike course in 2:03:31, reaching T2 with a lead of around four minutes.

That gave him a useful cushion for the coastal run to Cala d’Ostia beach and back, although his pursuers reduced the deficit during the closing discipline.

Dupuy held firm to cross the line in 3:37:56, securing another victory with 1:51 to spare over Driesen.

Pierre Dupuy Challenge Sardinia 2026 — Pierre Dupuy [Photo credit: Activ’Images | Challenge Family]

Hug completed the podium in 3:40:17 after a strong run, with Zepuntke fourth and Hungary’s Gabor Faldum fifth.

“I am very happy with my race,” said Dupuy. “I went all in on the bike, did a controlled first lap on the run, then gave everything until the finish line.”