Search
shop

Long Distance Champs 2023 women’s results: Pierre a class apart

France's Marjolaine Pierre won the women's Long Distance Championships - but there were DNFs for Brits Kat Matthews and Ruth Astle.
News Director
Last updated -
STRENGTH. ENDURANCE. PERFORMANCE.

France’s Marjolaine Pierre was the impressive and emphatic winner of the women’s race at the World Triathlon Long Distance Championships in Ibiza.

She asserted on the bike in what was the longest race of her career so far and then produced a flawless run to win by a massive eight-and-a-half minutes from Sara Svensk (SWE), with Gurutze Frades Larralde (ESP) in third.

And a memorable day was made even more special by the fact that Pierre’s partner Clement Mignon was the winner of the men’s race.

But it wasn’t to be for British hopes Kat Matthews and Ruth Astle who both failed to finish.

Advertisement

Swim – In the mix early on

The only time Pierre didn’t lead was in the swim as she exited the water in third, 27 seconds behind Spain’s Helene Alberdi Sololuze.

Matthews, who crowned an incredible comeback with victory at IRONMAN Texas just a fortnight ago, was seventh at that point, with Astle in 12th.

Bike – Brits both ruled out

It was on the bike that Pierre really took control.

She surged into the lead early on and was over four minutes ahead of Matthews at the halfway point.

Matthews would pull out soon after – uninjured but potentially feeling the effects of those recent IRONMAN exertions.

That left fellow Brit Astle as Pierre’s closest challenger, five minutes back.

She’d reduced that deficit to 3:29 by T2 thanks to the fastest bike split of the day but had said beforehand: “Taking a bit of a roll of the dice with the calf but let’s see what happens.

“One thing is for sure – the swim and bike will be 👌”

Run – Dream double

The calf problem, which had prevented Astle doing much running in the build up, meant she would exit the race early on the run, saying afterwards on Instagram: “Gave the run a little go, calf not playing ball.”

But even in prime form, Astle would have had a huge challenge trying to catch Pierre.

The Frenchwoman simply went further and further clear, looking super smooth in doing so and would cross the line in 5:53:35.

Marjolaine Pierre wins Long Distance World Champs Ibiza 2023 [Photo credit: World Triathlon]
[Photo credit: World Triathlon]

And afterwards she said: “I think it will take a long time to sink in. It’s my first time at this distance and I had a terrible time last year with injuries.”

Referencing Mignon’s dramatic victory in the men’s race, she added: “I’m so happy to win with him – what a crazy day!”

World Triathlon Long Distance Champs 2023 Results

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

ELITE WOMEN

  • 1. Marjolaine Pierre (FRA) – 5:53:35
  • 2. Sara Svensk (SWE) – 6:02:10
  • 3. Gurutze Frades Larralde (ESP) – 6:06:48
  • 4. Camilla Pedersen (DEN) – 6:08:57
  • 5. Svenja Thoes (GER) – 6:09:50
  • 6. Helene Alberdi Sololuze (ESP) – 6:13:45
  • 7. Giorgia Priarone (ITA) – 6:14:24
  • 8. Anna Noguera (ESP) – 6:14:55
  • 9. Ai Ueda (JPN) – 6:15:41
  • 10. Natia Van Heerden (RSA) – 6:16:44
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
French Riviera T100 bike course Esterel
Let’s race… French Riviera T100
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
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!)
Gustav Iden aero position body rocket
How to get better at holding your time trial position – Expert tips from former PRO time trial cyclist Alex Dowsett
SunGod FORTY2s running sunglasses review
First look at the NEW SunGod FORTY2s running sunglasses – TRI247 Review
latest News
Lucy Gossage Winter Spine Race 2024
Triathlon star and doctor Lucy Gossage hails new research which says exercise is medicine in the fight against cancer
Paris 2024 Olympics - Cassandre Beaugrand wins
Olympic triathlon greats Beaugrand and Brownlee head star-studded Supertri cast for 2025
Riana Crehan IRONMAN Cairns 2025
SAS Australia superstar Riana Crehan ACES triathlon by passing epic IRONMAN Cairns test
Lionel Sanders training pic August 2023 photo credit Talbot Cox
Triathlon superstar Lionel Sanders is injured and seeking answers as he confirms IRONMAN Lake Placid DNS
Hiromu Inada IRONMAN 70.3 Cairns 2025
92-year-old IRONMAN triathlete completes 70.3-mile course in iconic Australian race
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...