Search
shop

Triathlon star claims first big win despite being stung TWICE by a JELLYFISH during race in France

Sven Thalmann overcomes the adversity of being bitten twice on his neck in the sea swim to take the men's title at Challenge Cagnes-sur-Mer.
News Director
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Switzerland’s Sven Thalmann claimed an astonishing and record-breaking first pro triathlon victory in France on Saturday – despite twice being stung on his neck by a jellyfish in the swim!

The 24-year-old, whose previous highest finish had been fourth at IRONMAN 70.3 Switzerland earlier this month, led from the start at Challenge Cagnes-sur-Mer in the south of France, but it wasn’t just his rivals he had to battle.

For not long after an early start at Hippodrome beach, Thalmann revealed he was stung twice by a jellyfish – but he overcame that adversity to exit the sea first and never looked back.

Advertisement

Course record is shattered

The 85km bike course, which included the famous Col de Vence, saw Thalmann’s luck change when France’s Simon Viain – who had moved into the lead – suffered a mechanical and Thalmann took advantage.

He was first into T2 and then established a 42-second lead over Viain early on the run before powering across the finish line in 3:58:53 to shatter the course record by more than 10 minutes.

Sven Thalmann wins Challenge Cagnes sur Mer 2024 photo credit José Luis Hourcade
[Photo credit: José Luis Hourcade]

Jordi Montraveta Moya came through for second, just under a minute behind, with Viain taking third.

‘Somehow I managed to keep going’

Talking through his trials and tribulations afterwards, Thalmann said: “I got bitten two times by a jellyfish,” pointing to his neck where the scars were clearly still visible.

“But somehow I managed to keep going and it didn’t really affect me.

“Also the bike was really tough and I was suffering quite a lot on the uphill. But after Simon had a mechanical, I was forced to go out on my own and I managed to keep the lead.

“I was fading on the run, but somehow, it was also enjoyable.

“It’s my first podium and first win – that’s more than I could have wished for so I am quite happy now.”

The women’s race also saw a course record, with France’s Aurélia Boulanger making it three wins out of three in 2024 after previous successes at Challenge Cesenatico and Challenge Salou.

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
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
Lisa Tertsch Cassandre Beaugrand Beth Potter Hamburg WTCS 2024 Photo credit: Tommy Zaferes / World Triathlon
WTCS Hamburg 2025: Start time, preview and how to watch live
IRONMAN CEO Scott DeRue Women For Tri 2024
‘The more co-operation the better’ – Challenge Roth chief welcomes IRONMAN CEO’s visit
joe-skipper-kona-2022-bike
Joe Skipper says his Challenge Roth experience proves just how high the bar now is in triathlon
Anne Haug wins Challenge Roth 2024 [Photo credit: Simon Fischer | Challenge Roth]
Anne Haug on inspiration ahead of comeback, sub-eight and no intention of retiring just yet
Caroline Pohle Ironman 70.3 Zell Am See 2024
CHAOS as Lena Meissner wins amazing sprint finish to become 70.3 European Champion and is then DEMOTED
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...