Search
shop

Covid, dazzling sun and a charging Jason West – Leo Bergère overcomes them all

WTCS World Champ Leo Bergere didn't have things all his own way at IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside - but he was in front when it mattered
News Director
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

He stepped up from Olympic distance last year to land IRONMAN 70.3 Lanzarote and Leo Bergère repeated the trick at Oceanside, even overcoming a bout of Covid in the build up.

It didn’t hold him back as he led the swim, despite struggles with the rising sun.

And it was the same on the bike as he remained in the front group throughout.

He used his speed on the run to kick clear of his rivals but then had to withstand an incredible charge from CLASH Miami winner Jason West who clocked a 1:07 half marathon to close within 12 seconds at the line.

Challenges to overcome

Leo Bergere wins Oceanside 2023 [Photo credit: Donald Miralle for IRONMAN]
[Photo credit: Donald Miralle for IRONMAN]

And the reigning WTCS World Champion said afterwards: “I had a bit of a struggle in the swim with the sun and couldn’t see where I was going at times so I had to take a little bit of time to orientate.

“And then on the bike I spent a lot of energy staying in that front group.

“On the run Jason was just flying there and I did everything I could to take the win but it was pretty hard.”

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
Marquardt Hogenhaug Foley IRONMAN Lake Placid 2025
‘World Championship level’ – Marquardt says bike bar was raised at Lake Placid
Solveig Lovseth wins IRONMAN Lake Placid 2025
IRONMAN Lake Placid 2025 women’s results: Løvseth shows she’s the real deal and next Norwegian superstar
Matthew Marquardt wins IRONMAN Lake Placid 2025
IRONMAN Lake Placid 2025 men’s results: Marquardt wins as defending champ EXPLODES on the run
Matthew Marquardt IRONMAN Cairns 2025 Finish Line
WATCH AGAIN: IRONMAN Lake Placid 2025 as Løvseth and Marquardt bag brilliant wins
Ruth Astle
Triathlon star Ruth Astle says injury hell has her on the brink of QUITTING
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

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...