Search
shop

‘A big fight to be part of it’ – Luis and Bergere on making Paris relay team

With a stacked squad and tremendous strength in depth, France look early favourites for the Mixed Team Relay title in Paris 2024.
Staff Reporter
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

As a triathlon nation, France have been a dominant force alongside Great Britain, Australia and the United States for quite some time.

After winning European and World titles in the Mixed Team Relay last season, Team France will be hoping for an upgrade on the disappointing bronze they won in the event at the Tokyo Olympics.

However, Leo Bergere and Vincent Luis, who have won three of the last four men’s World Championship titles between them, want the team to remain humble in the build up to Paris 2024.

Advertisement

‘A big fight’ just to make team

With such strength in depth in the French ranks, it is still yet to be seen who will form the quartet that will take on the world in the MTR next summer.

Team France Mixed Team Relay World Championship 2022
Photo Credit: Wagner Araujo / World Triathlon

The French had four men and two women in the WTCS Top 20 in 2022, plus a sweep in the men’s race at the European Championship, which makes Bergere believe that selecting a team will be a real challenge.

He told us: “With such top guys, like Vincent [Luis], Dorian [Coninx] and Pierre [Le Corre], plus Tom Richard and me, we have so many guys to pick from and it will be hard to race with just two”.

Luis shared those sentiments, adding that whilst the team are definitely among the favourites, the first step towards the Olympics is selecting the team.

He said: “I would say we are one to watch but we were already one to watch in Tokyo, but we were beaten so we will see. I think to begin with it will be a big fight just to be part of the team.”

Reflecting on that bronze in Tokyo, Luis believes that tactics played some part in Japan, and that the team will have to be at the top of their game to challenge in the French capital.

“In Tokyo, the Brits and the Americans beat us. We tried to go all in and put our worst swimmers first and we took the risk but it wasn’t worth it I guess.”

However, aside from more astute tactics, the 2020 World Champion also believes a stronger team will help France achieve their goal of gold.

“Now we have three girls and more of a chance to see who is strong and who is not. For the four men, I think we are all top swimmers and can play a part in the race too.”

Whilst there will be a huge amount of pressure on their shoulders, 2022 World Champion Bergere believes that the main concern for the French team is sticking to the task at hand:

“We need to be humble and we need to be ready to race. The other teams are so strong, so we cannot think we are favourites. We need to work hard and race hard and do our best on the day.”

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
Challenge Family Jort Vlam CEO
“It’s not just for nutty people who train 40 hours a week!” Jort Vlam on taking triathlon mainstream and why he’s still inspired to keep growing the sport
Chain hanging to dry after waxing
PremiumSwitching to a waxed chain could take minutes off your Ironman bike split, without riding any harder – and here’s why
PremiumAre women better than men at long distances? We uncover the truth once and for all
Castelli Aero Pro 8S women's cycling jersey
Castelli Aero Pro 8S cycling jersey review: can this ultra-aero jersey turn watts into speed without dialling down on comfort?
Sian Rainsley Vitus
PremiumThreshold or VO2 max? The best type of intervals for triathletes who want to get faster
latest News
Lucy Charles Barclay T100 London celebrations 2025
T100 win confirms the numbers – and now Lucy Charles-Barclay sets sights on Kona and more
Alex Yee London Marathon 2025
Alex Yee sets stunning new PB for 5,000m at international meet in Belgium
Hayden Wilde finish line T100 London 2025
‘He’s a superfreak’ – Jan Frodeno hails INCREDIBLE Hayden Wilde comeback
Hayden Wilde wins T100 London 2025
T100 London men’s results 2025: Hayden Wilde wins in one of the GREATEST EVER sporting comebacks
Lucy Charles Barclay wins T100 London 2025
T100 London women’s results 2025: FAIRYTALE win for Lucy Charles-Barclay in front of home fans
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...