Search
shop

It’s insane! Leo Bergere on Abu Dhabi thriller and becoming World Triathlon Champion

"I didn't want to do the maths... I just wanted to race all out". As plans go, that proved perfect today for new World Champion, Leo Bergere
Chief Correspondent
Last updated -

Saturday’s Elite Men’s race at the World Triathlon Championship Series was one for the ages, with the World Championship title decided, quite literally, in the final metres of the race.

We, like everyone else, were geared up for another Hayden Wilde vs. Alex Yee battle to take the crown, but France’s Leo Bergere had other ideas. In conjunction with his French team mates, he not only achieved the first WTCS victory of his career, but the necessary results for both Yee and Wilde, that allowed him to take overall honours too.

Advertisement

I can’t believe it

It could not have been closer, as one place higher for either Yee (who was fourth) or Wilde (who was sixth), would have seen them as the new World Champions. It was so close that in his post-race interview with Trevor Harris, Leo wasn’t even certain that he had even won.

“I still can’t believe it… is it right?”

“That’s insane! I don’t know what to say, because I didn’t want to do the maths before the race, I just wanted to race all out and try for the breakaway with Vince, with Pierre and with Dorian. We went for it as a team, and I can’t thank them enough.

“I was really focussed on what I was doing because I didn’t want to think about anything else, other than my effort. I was really focussed on myself. I told myself I will think about the overall ranking after the race, not during the race, and that’s what I did. I’m just… I can’t say anything!”

Leo Bergere World Triathlon Championship Finals Abu Dhabi 2022
Photo Credit: Wagner Araujo / World Triathlon

A winner – and in style

Given that he also won the European Championship title this summer in Munich, it would be unfair to give Bergere with the ‘nearly man’ tag. However, at WTCS level at least, he’s become known for his enviable consistency for silver and bronze. That was put firmly in place today, something he’s believed was coming for some time.

“I was chasing this win since a long time. I knew I was capable of doing it, but I just needed all the stars to be in line, you know. To do it on the Grand Final here in Abu Dhabi, it’s insane.

“I want to say a big thanks to everyone in my corner, especially my girlfriend, who is maybe crying in front of a TV, my coach, my team mates – I just say hello to them.”

John Levison
Written by
John Levison
TRI247's Chief Correspondent, John has been involved in triathlon for well over 30 years, 15 of those writing on these pages, whilst he can also be found commentating for events across the UK.
Discover more
Challenge Family Kaiserwinkle-Walchsee triathlon bike
The ultimate triathlon bike courses to ride before you die
TRI247 Wahoo KICKR RUN treadmill review
Wahoo KICKR RUN treadmill review – can Wahoo do for treadmill running what they did for indoor cycling?
Challenge Cesenatico 2024 debut - image credit Jose Luis Hourcade / Challenge Family
5 ways to improve your FTP – Expert tips to level up your cycling
Challenge The Championship Marjolaine Pieree
How to qualify for Challenge The Championship – and why it should be on your triathlon bucket list
sumarpo triathlon swimming wetsuit
Wetsuit buying guide – How to choose the best wetsuit for triathlon, open water swimming, SwimRun and cold water
latest News
Joe Skipper IRONMAN Lake Placid Results 2023
British triathlon star Joe Skipper challenges Norwegian greats as he flies off for comeback race
gustav-iden-kristian-blummenfelt-kona-2022-run-7
IRONMAN reveals list of BANNED super shoes for 2025 triathlon season
Ruth Daniels British Triathlon CEO
British Triathlon CEO on her first year in charge and trying to move the dial from surviving to thriving
Alex Yee run palm trees Torremolinos WTCS Grand Final 2024 photo credit World Triathlon
Why the London Marathon can make Olympic champ Alex Yee EVEN BETTER at triathlon
Lionel Sanders training pic August 2023 photo credit Talbot Cox
Lionel Sanders details new training mantra ahead of 2025 triathlon season
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...