Search
shop

Cassandre Beaugrand secures debuts WTS victory in Hamburg

A breakthrough performance for Cassandra Beaugrand (FRA) who produced a stunning run for a brilliant victory at World Triathlon Hamburg on Saturday
Chief Correspondent
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Bastille Day success for France at World Triathlon Series Hamburg

From a starting line-up packed with seriously powerful podium potential, it was to be France’s surprise package, Cassandre Beaugrand, who left the field in her wake to earn a first-ever WTS gold at Saturday’s WTS Hamburg. An excellent swim saw the French National Champion in contention early on and she held firm in the 6-strong lead bike pack, before taking the race by the scruff of the neck and flying through the 5km run in a time of 15:48, Germany’s Laura Lindemann out-sprinting USA’s Katie Zaferes to win silver.

“I am so, so happy, I can’t believe,” said the delighted 21-year-old after the race. “I had a crash here last year, and to be able to win one year later is just amazing. I have improved a lot on the bike, and I pushed a lot today to be in the front group”

With such a strong field, including the returning double World Champion Flora Duffy (BER), Series leader Zaferes and Great Britain’s WTS Leeds winner Vicky Holland, it always looked like victory would require something special. Jessica Learmonth (GBR) and Summer Cook (USA) were the two first out of the swim, but Beaugrand, Taylor Spivey (USA), Vittoria Lopes (BRA) and Duffy were part of a sizeable swarm exiting T1.

An early fall from Rachel Klamer (NED) may have seen her lose touch with the lead group, but did little to deter her from another gutsy display on the bike. She then merged with a chase group that included Zaferes, Nicola Spirig (SUI), Vicky Holland, Kirsten Kasper (USA) and Emma Jeffcoat (AUS), but there seemed little hope of catching the front six.

By the bell, that had all changed. The hugely experienced Spirig had pushed the pace of the chase group and both she and Zaferes, accompanied by the likes of Angelica Olmo (ITA), Kirsten Kasper and Non Stanford, were making up ground. By the time T2 came into view at the end of the six laps, Duffy, Georgia Taylor-Brown (GB), Learmonth, Taylor Spivey (USA), Beaugrand and Lopes had been caught.

2018 ITU World Triathlon Hamburg

As if to underline the momentum shift, it was Spirig who was first out of transition and onto the two-lap run, Australians Emma Jeffcoat and the in-form Natalie van Coevorden on her shoulder, Beaugrand dropping back to 16th and Laura Lindemann also struggling to negotiate T2 efficiently.

That merely seemed to dictate the French star’s tactics for the remainder of the race, however. Having put in a huge effort to get back among the leaders, Beaugrand clearly felt comfortable enough to maintain the pace and soon found herself alone out front.

2018 ITU World Triathlon Hamburg

Katie Zaferes and Nicola Spirig held firm, patiently awaiting their moment to pounce when the leader tired. That moment never arrived. Spurred on by her crowd, Germany’s Laura Lindemann locked in on the American’s shoulder as Spirig fell away, and it was an almighty sprint for the line as Lindemann won silver, bronze going to Zaferes with Spirig and Kirsten Kasper in fourth and fifth.

“I am very happy with second place, I didn’t expect it at all after the swim and the bike, because I had a really bad transition. But I just ran for my life and i’m very happy with the result. The crowds here are awesome, they really pushed me, and it felt like I was flying on the course with the cheers from the crowd.”

“I am so excited to come away with a podium in this race,” said USA’s Katie Zaferes. “When I came out of the water I was a bit further behind than I like to be, so being on the podium is a relief. The second group on the bike, the one I was in, was super motivated to catch the leaders and we did a really good job. When I saw Cassandre go i thought that we could close that gap but then it just seemed to be increasing. Winning the Series is on my mind now, and I hope third place here is the lowest I come in the rest of the races of the season.”

ITU World Triathlon Hamburg – Saturday 14th July 2018
750m / 21km / 5km

1st – Cassandre Beaugrand (FRA) – 58:06
2nd – Laura Lindemann (GER) – 58:36
3rd – Katie Zaferes (USA) – 58:37
4th – Nicola Spirig (SUI) – 58:42
5th – Kirsten Kasper (USA) – 58:44
6th – Non Stanford (GBR) – 58:45
7th – Jodie Stimpson (GBR) – 58:48

11th – Georgia Taylor-Brown (GBR) – 59:20
22nd – Vicky Holland (GBR) – 1:00:06

2018 ITU World Triathlon Hamburg

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
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
Vincent Luis San Francisco 49ers tri suit 2025
Triathlon great Vincent Luis plotting T100 comeback after injury setback
Alistair Brownlee Olympics Triathlon London 2012 Podium Gold
It’s exam results time – and Olympic legend Alistair Brownlee nails the careers advice
Jess Learmonth T100 Vancouver joy 2025
Jess Learmonth is still daring to dream after childbirth and injury comebacks
Marten Van Riel finish line T100 Dubai 2024 photo credit PTO / T100
Van Riel faces World Championship fitness battle after revealing injury and mental health concerns
Chelsea Sodaro IRONMAN World Championship 2024 post race
Last chance saloon as final Kona and Nice spots up for grabs
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...