Vincent Luis was anything but disappointed after a T2 disaster cost him the chance of a podium at WTCS Leeds on Saturday. Just a few days ago he thought his triathlon career might be over.
The French superstar miscounted the number of laps at the end of the bike leg in Roundhay Park on Saturday, and crashed into a barrier in transition instead of dismounting to head out onto the run.
Luis, who was right with French team-mate Léo Bergere at the front of the race up to that point, lost time as a result and then was hit by a 10-second penalty for his faux pas.
Vincent would eventually come home in 10th as New Zealand’s Hayden Wilde claimed the win, but he will still leave Yorkshire with a very positive feeling. Not surprising after the issues he had endured during and after that recent race in Yokohama.
Vincent Luis on heart issues
“I feel good, a lot better than in Yokohama. I had some heart issues in Yokohama and I had to go to surgery last Wednesday, so I wasn’t sure about racing, but I got the green light.
“Whatever happened in the race, I was just very happy to toe the line and finish the race. I feel good, the body is working like full gas again.”
Luis admitted that just a few short days ago he feared his career might be over, but just like that he is now back and working at full power again.
“Ten days ago, that was almost me done with triathlon, but now I’m back and racing at full fitness.
“I still feel good. I feel a podium is just around the corner. It’s a good thing we play again in two weeks.”
Luis eyes podiums again
Luis admitted that he had great fun leading the field through the bike alongside team-mate Bergere, and is now looking forward to waht comes next.
“I really want to podium again on the overall, I feel I can do it,” he said.
Now Luis will continue to focus on WTCS and Super League Triathlon’s 2022 Championship Series, but will also look to take in some middle-distance racing too.
That could include being a part of Team Europe for the Collins Cup in Samorin in August.
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