Search
shop

Long Distance Champs 2023 men’s results: Mignon reels in Benito

A dramatic men's race at the World Triathlon Long Distance Championships in Ibiza went the way of France's Clement Mignon.
News Director
Last updated -
STRENGTH. ENDURANCE. PERFORMANCE.

France’s Clement Mignon overcame a spill on the bike heading into T2 to take the title in a dramatic men’s race at the World Triathlon Long Distance Championships in Ibiza.

He was disputing the lead throughout the bike section but hit the ground virtually on the dismount line, costing him around half a minute.

And that looked like being costly on the run as Spain’s Antonio Benito appeared to be heading for a narrow victory, despite cramping issues early on the 30km route.

But agonisingly for him, Mignon had timed his late effort to perfection and he swept into the lead with around a kilometre to go to claim the win by 32 seconds in a time of 5:17:17. Matt Trautman (RSA) rounded out the podium in third a further couple of minutes back.

Advertisement

Swim – Varga leads the way

The swim went very much to form with Richard Varga (SVK) and Josh Amberger (AUS) leading the way.

Varga was out of the water first after the 3km in 35:40, with four seconds back to Amberger and then a gap of 24 seconds to Rico Bogen (GER) who led a chase pack which contained both Benito and Mignon.

Joe Skipper (GBR), the pre-race favourite, appeared to get detached and distanced in the swim, giving up nearly six minutes and he would never be a factor.

Bike – Late drama for Mignon

At the end of the first of two bike laps there was virtually nothing between Bogen, Benito and Mignon – but big gaps were opening up elsewhere.

On the second lap, Benito dropped off the pace late on and it was Bogen who reached T2 with what was a narrow advantage from Mignon.

But that crash for the Frenchman just ahead of the dismount line meant he had suddenly had a 55 seconds deficit to overcome.

Run – Agony for Benito

And there was plenty of drama on the run too.

It was Benito who was moving fastest despite an early cramping scare and he led by a minute from Mignon after halfway, with Bogen having dropped out of contention.

But heading into the closing stages it was clear that Mignon was going much the better and the question was whether he would have enough road left to reel in the leader.

The answer to that was yes and he eased past soon after bridging the gap and readily pulled clear.

“It was a long day and a tough race – with not much between us at the end!” said the winner afterwards.

“I did that crash at T2 so the start of the run was very hard for me. Antonio had passed me early on and there was a big gap between us so I was super happy to catch him at the end in the last kilometre – a crazy day!”

And the day would later become even more memorable for Mignon as his partner Marjolaine Pierre claimed a dominant victory in the women’s race.

Clement Mignon wins Long Distance World Champs Ibiza 2023 Benito Trautman [Photo credit: World Triathlon]
[Photo credit: World Triathlon]

World Triathlon Long Distance Champs 2023 Results

Sunday 7 May 2023 – 3km / 116km / 30km
Ibiza, Spain

ELITE MEN

  • 1. Clement Mignon (FRA) – 5:17:17
  • 2. Antonio Benito (ESP) – 5:17:49
  • 3. Matt Trautman (RSA) – 5:19:52
  • 4. Tristan Olij (NED) – 5:20:20
  • 5. Joshua Amberger (AUS) – 5:21:33
  • 6. Ondrej Kubo (SVK) – 5:22:36
  • 7. James Teagle (GBR) – 5:22:54
  • 8. Kenneth Vandendriessche (BEL) – 5:23:12
  • 9. Kacper Stepniak (POL) – 5:24:42
  • 10. Samuel Huerzeler (SUI) – 5:25:20
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
Challenge The Championship Marjolaine Pieree
How to qualify for Challenge The Championship – and why it should be on your triathlon bucket list
Cadomotus aero triathlon cycling shoes
Can your triathlon cycling shoes make you faster? How shoe choice could speed up your triathlon finish times
French Riviera T100 bike course Esterel
Is this the ultimate middle distance triathlon bike course? We rode the French Riviera T100 bike course and it’s EPIC
Ironman gear guide – everything you need to get to the finish line of a full distance triathlon
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!)
latest News
IRONMAN World Championship 2024 Nice Age Group Swim Start
IRONMAN to review World Championship slot allocation model after fears raised for Age Group women
Jonny Brownlee / Jonathan Brownlee - Super League Triathlon London 2023
Did the Brownlee brothers nearly join pro cycling’s Team Sky after 2012 Olympic heroics?
Kristian Hogenhaug interviewed after The Championship 2025
Danish triathlon star highlights blistering bike split as key to The Championship success.
Alistair Brownlee - T100 San Francisco 2024 bike
Olympic triathlon legend Alistair Brownlee completes iconic Gralloch race in latest gravel test
Jeanne Lehair Beth Potter WTCS Yokohama 2025
From Olympic heartbreak to joy of first WTCS win as emotions flow for Jeanne Lehair
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...