Search
shop

IRONMAN France 2024 results: Lucy Charles-Barclay validates World Championship spot with CRAZY run

Lucy Charles-Barclay was in spectacular form on the Cote d'Azur as she produced a brilliant display to dominate at IRONMAN France 2024.
Staff Reporter
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Lucy Charles-Barclay claimed her first win of the 2024 triathlon season as the Londoner emerged victorious at IRONMAN France Nice on Sunday (June 16) thanks to a lightning-fast marathon.

The 30-year-old, who prior to this race had finished as the runner-up at both the Miami T100 and Singapore T100 so far this season, took the tape by more than 15 minutes in the South of France.

Validating her slot at the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship, which takes place this year in Nice on September 22, Charles-Barclay can now look ahead to defending the title she claimed so brilliantly in Kona last October.

Advertisement

Swim – LCB takes an early lead

Setting a hot pace early on, Charles-Barclay was soon alone at the front of the race, with the PTO World #1 ranked swimmer quickly building an advantage over the rest of the field.

IRONMAN France 2024 swim course
Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images

By the time she exited the water in 50:00, the former IRONMAN 70.3 World Champion had a buffer of over six minutes, with French pro Justine Guerard the next best placed athlete, splitting 56:13.

Alongside Guerard in transition was Nina Derron, the Swiss athlete who had previously finished second over the half distance here, with American Sidney Andrew in fourth place the only other athlete to swim under an hour.

Bike – Charles-Barclay continues to build her advantage

On to the bike course, which includes more than 2,500m of elevation gain, and Charles-Barclay extended her buffer over the rest of the podium contenders with Derron moving into second as Guerard started to slip backwards.

Lucy Charles-Barclay on the bike at IRONMAN France 2024
Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images

Further back, Barbora Besperat of the Czech Republic and German Merle Brunnee were the only athletes making inroads into the Brit’s lead, having started the bike more than 15 minutes down on LCB.

By the time they reached T2, Brunnee had moved to within touching distance of Derron, with the pair 12 minutes back on Charles-Barclay. In fourth, Besperat was +14:04 down on LCB and two minutes behind Derron and Brunnee.

Advertisement

Run – Lucy pours it on with brilliant marathon

Despite being well clear of the rest of the field, Charles-Barclay didn’t hold back on the run course, with the Brit setting a ferocious early pace to pass through the hallway mark in 1:23:17.

Pushing on, Charles-Barclay took the tape in an overall time of 9:03:22 after running a brilliant 2:49:54, the first time she has broken 2:50 off the bike.

Crediting the crowd in Nice, she shared in her post-race interview that things went well across the board and that she’s excited for the world championship in September.

Lucy Charles-Barclay on the run at IRONMAN France 2024
Photo by Pablo Blazquez Dominguez/Getty Images

“It was a really great day! Obviously, my main plan was to get used to the course before the [IRONMAN] World Championship in September.

“I really enjoyed it! The bike course was super fun, so I have a super good feeling about it now. On the run, the crowd just kept me going and I felt like I was in a good flow, so I’m super happy.”   

IRONMAN France Nice 2024

Sunday June 16, 2024 – 3.8km / 180km / 42.2km

PRO Women

  • 1. Lucy Charles-Barclay (GBR) – 9:03:22 [50:00/5:16:44/2:49:54]
  • 2. Barbora Besperat (CZE) – 9:20:01 [1:07:05/5:13:37/2:52:41]
  • 3. Merle Brunnee (GER) – 9:25:21 [1:05:22/5:13:41/2:58:31]
  • 4. Nina Derron (SUI) – 9:35:33 [56:17/5:23:01/3:09:33]
  • 5. Nikita Paskiewiez (FRA) – 9:43:35 [1:01:59/5:27:26/3:06:43]
IRONMAN France 2024 Women Pro Podium - Lucy Charles-Barclay, Barbora Besperat, Merle Brunee
Photo by Pablo Blazquez Dominguez/Getty Images
Tomos Land
Written by
Tomos Land
Tomos Land is a triathlon & running journalist whose expertise lies in the professional world of short course & long distance triathlon, though he also boasts an extensive knowledge of ultra-running.
Discover more
TRI247 podcast
What is it really like to be a professional triathlete? NEW TRI247 x Challenge Family podcast takes you beyond the start lines this race season
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!)
French Riviera T100 bike course Esterel
Let’s race… French Riviera T100
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
Gustav Iden aero position body rocket
How to get better at holding your time trial position – Expert tips from former PRO time trial cyclist Alex Dowsett
latest News
Oliver Conway World Triathlon Cuo win Saidia 2025
Breakthrough World Cup win – and Brownlee Racing spot – in memorable week for British youngster
Lionel Sanders wins 70.3 St George 2025 photo credit Getty Images for IRONMAN
Triathlon superstar Lionel Sanders moving again but taking it step by step in injury battle
Magnus Ditlev - T100 San Francisco 2024 run
“I lost it mentally” – Magnus Ditlev reveals why he was shown red card at IRONMAN Frankfurt
Marjolaine Pierre World Long Distance Triathlon win 2025
World Triathlon Long-Distance Championships 2025 results: Pierre and Benito add second wins
Kristian Blummenfelt wins IRONMAN Frankfurt 2025
IRONMAN Frankfurt 2025 results: Blummenfelt defends title on drama-packed day
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...