Search
shop

Nicola Spirig powers to a sixth European triathlon title in Glasgow

The incredible Nicola Spirig powered her way to a sixth ETU Triathlon European Championship Gold medal in Strathclyde Country Park on Thursday afternoon at Glasgow 2018
Chief Correspondent
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

London 2012 Olympic Gold medallist in control at Glasgow 2018

When you’ve already won Olympic Gold and Silver, five European Championship titles, World Triathlon Series races and much more, you might forgive an athlete for not quite having the ‘fire’ burning inside to keep on trying to maintain their training intensity. Those rules do not apply to Switzerland’s Nicola Spirig.

At today’s ETU Triathlon European Championships at Glasgow 2018, the Swiss legend was at her impressive best – and simply powered her way to a remarkable SIXTH European Championship Gold medal at Strathclyde Park.

Her win had many parallels to her Gold medal at the European Games in Baku, Azerbaijan three years ago. And just like that day, I was on the microphone at the venue to call her across the line to a hugely impressive performance. I said shortly after that race in Baku, don’t rule her out of contention for Rio 2016. She won the Silver in Brazil. Well, she has Tokyo 2020 – her fifth Olympics – in sight. She will not be there for statistics, she will be seeking a third Olympic podium. And she will believe that another Gold is possible too.

Here is the report from today’s race from the team at British Triathlon.


Learmonth wins silver as Spirig lifts sixth European title

Jess Learmonth put in a brave performance in defence of her European title, but was upstaged by Switzerland’s Nicola Spirig in Stratchclyde Park, Glasgow. Spirig, the 2012 Olympic Champion, won her sixth European title at age 36.

Learmonth showed again why she’s considered the best swimmer in global triathlon, exiting the water well ahead of the majority of the field. Spirig was 50 seconds back.

Learmonth rode with Cassandre Beaugrand (FRA) for the first three of six laps of the bike, but it was clear that she was doing the majority of the work, and that Spirig was on a mission to catch them. When she did catch them, there was an immediate surge on a hill to drop Beaugrand, who is an outstanding runner.

Learmonth said: “I knew I’d struggle today out front on my own. Nicola was extremely strong and I knew she’d want to get rid of Cassandre. I just knew she’d make the jump, I was ready for it.”

Glasgow 2018 - Nicola Spirig
Photo: Ben Lumley / British Triathlon

By the time they started the run, Learmonth and Spirig were almost two minutes ahead of Beaugrand, and Spirig made an immediate move out of transition to gain the lead. Learmonth stayed close to her in the initial stages of the 10km hilly course, but Spirig was too strong.

Learmonth added: “That’s a hard course definitely. I struggled at points, but I’m delighted with second. I don’t know if you’ve seen the hill, but it’s pretty brutal, I pretty much was stationary. I tried to hold her, but I couldn’t. Second is fine by me.”

Spirig was delighted to win gold, commenting: “It’s amazing. To be 36 and two times a mum, and still being able to win, I’m just really emotional.”

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - AUGUST 09: Bronze medalist Cassandre Beaugrand of France, Silver medalist Jess Learmonth of Great Britain, and Gold medalist Nicola Spirig of Switzerland celebrate after the Women's triathlon during the triathlon on Day eight of the European Championships Glasgow 2018 at Strathclyde Country Park on August 9, 2018 in Glasgow, Scotland. This event forms part of the first multi-sport European Championships. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images

Beaugrand held on for third and at 21 has an exciting future ahead of her. There was a sprint finish between Claire Michel (BEL) and Laura Lindemann (GER), with Michel just getting to the line in front. Britain’s India Lee finished 21st and Beth Potter was 27th.

Tomorrow sees the men’s individual race featuring Alistair Brownlee, Marc Austin and Barclay Izzard at 4pm, followed by the Mixed Relay on Saturday at 5:30pm. Amateur athletes also take to the course in the Age-Group events on Saturday. Bring part of the overall Championships with other sports has been a huge success.

FULL RESULTS

John Levison
Written by
John Levison
TRI247's Chief Correspondent, John has been involved in triathlon for well over 30 years, 15 of those writing on these pages, whilst he can also be found commentating for events across the UK.
Discover more
TRI247 podcast p/b Challenge Family episode 2
Go behind the scenes at Challenge Roth with the latest episode of the TRI247 podcast
Cadomotus Chronos triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Challenge Family Roth
Five things you need to know about the Challenge Roth bike course
Challenge St. Pölten 2024 - image credit Jose Luis Hourcade / Challenge Family
Expert swim coach on the three most common swim mistakes age group triathletes make (and how to fix them!)
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
latest News
Georgia Taylor Brown wins supertri Toulouse 2024
British Olympic legend Georgia Taylor-Brown to make triathlon return
Gwen Jorgensen reflective World Triathlon Cup Vina del Mer 2023
‘Unbreakable’ Gwen Jorgensen ‘bruised’ after bike crash but vows to bounce back
IRONMAN CEO Scott DeRue Women For Tri 2024
IRONMAN announce new age-group qualification system for Kona and 70.3 Worlds
IRONMAN World Championship 2019 / Kona 2019
IRONMAN’s new age-group system for Kona – all the big questions answered
Frederic Funk finish line Challenge Samarkand 2023 photo credit Challenge Family
Challenge Roth 2025: German star goes into the unknown in iconic triathlon showdown
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

Share to...