Search
shop

Jeanne Lehair ecstatic to come out on top after epic run battle

Jeanne Lehair reacts to her win in Madrid.
Staff Reporter
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Jeanne Lehair of Luxembourg pulled off the biggest win of her career in Madrid at the Europe Triathlon Championships, just a week after her best ever WTCS performance, following an enthralling run battle with German Lisa Tertsch.

Lehair, who was fifth at WTCS Cagliari in Italy last weekend, looked to have succumbed to the surges of Tertsch in the latter stages of the run in Madrid, but remarkably rallied to take her first European title.

After the race, the Metz native shared her disbelief at the result, revealing that whilst she was confident of a podium performance, getting the win was a dream come true.

“My legs were really struggling”

After a brilliant career-best performance in Sardinia last weekend, Lehair said that she felt confident coming into the race, but that there was still some lingering fatigue from the previous weekend as she lined up in Madrid.

Jeanne Lehair WTCS Abu Dhabi
Photo Credit – World Triathlon

“I was expecting to be on the podium after my last race, but my legs were really struggling after racing at WTCS Cagliari last weekend.

“The run I’m not sure but I think we were ‘slow’, one moment Lisa [Tertsch] attacked and I was dropped, so I tried to push hard to finish, with no pressure, and I’m happy I continued to push because I won.”

Describing the efforts of Tertsch to get rid of her, Lehair recalled her initial submission, before realising that the race wasn’t quite over yet, as the German just left the door open for Lehair to hold on to a little hope, which was all she needed to pull through.

“I don’t know what happened, but I was thinking when she dropped me that the gap was staying the same, so I thought she might just be testing me and I could still get back. I think maybe she slowed down then, I’m not sure, but here we are and I won” 

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
Laura Siddall Challenge Roth 2025 finish line
PremiumLaura Siddall: 10 things I’ve learned from my professional triathlon career
Ruth Astle finishing IRONMAN Vitoria 2024
PremiumHow to cope with a DNF: Elite athletes share their stories
PremiumIs your evening workout routine wrecking your recovery? Expert physiologist on how to improve recovery and what NOT to do
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
03/07/2025 - Tour de France 2025 - Grand départ Jour 2 - Lille - Présentation des équipes -Jonas Vingegaard (Team Visma-Lease a Bike)
PremiumWhat triathletes can learn from the Tour de France pro peloton
latest News
Alex Yee wins Super tri Toronto 2025
Olympic triathlon champion Alex Yee says “I’ve still got it” after roaring back to action with terrific Toronto win
Superstar Hayden Wilde reveals decision day for potential comeback at T100 London
Sam Laidlow wins IRONMAN Leeds 2025
IRONMAN Leeds 2025: Laidlow validates Nice spot in perfect style with another win
Paula Findlay wins IRONMAN Boise 2025
IRONMAN 70.3 Boise results 2025: Findlay and Appleton the Idaho stars
Alex Yee wins Super tri Toronto 2025
Supertri Toronto 2025 men’s results: Stunning triathlon return from Olympic champ Alex Yee
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...