Frenchman Vincent Luis, who won back-to-back world titles in 2019 and 2020, has been dealt with another injury blow, after the Olympic Bronze medalist was forced to withdraw on the run at the Paris Olympic Test Event last week.
Luis, who missed the bulk of this year with a stress response in his femur, was racing for the first time in almost six months at the Test Event, but now looks likely to be sidelined for even longer in what is turning out to be another difficult year for the World #15.
Set to compete for the Bahrain Victorious Scorpions in this seasons Super League Triathlon Championship Series, it remains to be seen whether or not Luis can overcome what has been revealed to be a tear in his soleus and make the start line for the series or the WTCS Grand Final in Pontevedra next month.
“Not the day I was hoping for in Paris”
Having gone into the race as part of a strong French team with high expectations of performing in front of a big home crowd, Luis was at the front of the race throughout the early stages, with the first sign of trouble not appearing until the 34 year old had started out on the run.
“Not the day I was hoping for at the Paris test event. Quickly on the run I could feel my left calf was really tight. An MRI just revealed a tear in my soleus. Not ideal after already some time off running but it is what it is and we can only work from there.”
Whilst the injury comes at the worst possible time for the three-time Olympian, who is in an intense battle for a slot on the highly competitive team, Luis offered his congratulations to the rest of the French squad and a thank you to his team for their support through the highs and lows.
“I want to thank the whole crowd for pushing us French the whole race. Also a massive thank you to the @fftriathlon – @insep_officiel – @jugalland for organizing everything so quickly. Thank you to all my partners for the support in the highs and the lows. Congratulations to the French boys and girls for their amazing results!”
For Luis, who already had plans to transition to middle distance racing after the 2024 Olympic Games, making the team in Paris will now be a big challenge, especially as teammates Dorian Coninx, Leo Bergere and Pierre Le Corre have all recorded podiums on the WTCS this season. As the countdown to next summer begins, one of the home nations best talents faces a race against time.
Are we in a triathlon boom, or hurtling towards burnout? Laura Siddall on the growth of the sport
