Parádní teploty slibuje nádcházející víkend, ideální na výlet. Co si udělat výlet na fotbalové hřiště a zafandit? 

With the 2024 World Triathlon Race Calendar underway, the World Triathlon Development and Education program continued providing athletes with opportunities to develop, technical officials to grow and coaches to learn further, ensuring the growth of our wonderful sport in all areas of the world.

This March, notable projects included -
- The endorsement of the ‘Body Confident Sport’ program is aimed at education for those coaching young women in sport.  World Triathlon has a strong history in maintaining gender equality, and coach revalidation through March required all TRI coaches to complete this course.
- In continent news, Development Agreements were signed by Africa Triathlon and Asia Triathlon, outlining specific goals for regional progress.

Athlete development through March included -
- An extension of invitations for applications into Team World Triathlon at the 2024 World Triathlon Cup Samarkand.
- The 3rd Testing and Benchmarking Camp for Europe Triathlon, held in Slovenia as the first development activity of the year
- The naming of Seven Para Athletes from 3 continents (Africa, America and Europe) awarded the Para Athlete Support Grants for 2024 - enabling them increased support to travel and compete at World Triathlon-sanctioned events on the way to the Paris 2024 Paralympics and beyond

Coach and Technical Officials Education in March saw -
- Coach education revalidation continues through March, with the deadline for this process closing at the end of the month on 31 March.
Technical Officials’ certification and revalidation results were also released in March. 

In closing, important upcoming events for April include -
- The NF open hour celebrated the 35 years of ITU/World Triathlon
- All NF’s are reminded their 2024 Membership Obligations are to be completed by 30 April. 

All details these activities, programmes and initiatives in April can be found below.- World Triathlon Development and Education

2024 DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT OF AFRICA TRIATHLON AND ASIA TRIATHLON

World Triathlon signed the 2024 Development Agreement with Africa Triathlon and Asia Triathlon in March.

Africa Triathlon will focus on the Development Regional Cup implementation in three countries (Algeria, Kenya, and Senegal), with complex development projects involving coaches, athletes, technical officials, and event organisers simultaneously. Redesign junior development camps to support athletes’ careers from junior towards U23 by introducing strict and targeted selection criteria.  Focus on Level 1 coach education this year with possible support from Olympic Solidarity. Being in the final phase of the Olympic and Paralympic qualification with targeted support of athletes and Para triathletes to ensure African athletes take new flag slots for both major games in Paris.

For more details on the signed development agreement, please click here.

Asia Triathlon follows its recently approved strategic plan to develop all five regions in Asia with tailor-made development programs in all areas (athletes, coaches, technical officials, events and Para triathlon) based on each region’s needs and specific development objectives. The goals are to design an athlete and coach development programme that serves excellence and competitiveness among the continents,  with targeted Technical Officials and Event Development to increase the quality of event delivery, increase female participation and promote Para triathlon across the continent.
Please visit triathlon.org for all continental development agreements. Documents • World Triathlon.
 
2024 MEMBERSHIP OBLIGATIONS TO BE COMPLETED BY 30 APRIL

World Triathlon extends its heartfelt gratitude to those National Federations who have already taken the time to fulfil the 2024 Membership Obligations. Your prompt response is genuinely appreciated, and we acknowledge your commitment to this vital matter.  As a friendly reminder to all World Triathlon members, we urge you to fulfil the 2024 Membership Obligations by completing the following tasks before 30 April 2024.
1.    Submit the 2023 NF Survey.
2.    Provide the Financial Statement for the previous year.
3.    Pay the annual membership fee of 300 USD.
If you have any enquiries or encounter challenges while completing the Survey, please do not hesitate to contact us at federations@triathlon.org.
 
NF OPEN HOURS IN APRIL - LET’S CELEBRATE OUR 35 YEARS TOGETHER

World Triathlon invites all members to join the next edition of the National Federation Open Hours on 17 and 18 April. Besides the usual TRI updates, the World Triathlon Family is celebrating its 35th anniversary. Let’s celebrate together!

Wednesday, 17 April (ENG-FRA), 9:30 CEST - Click here
Thursday, 18 April (ENG-ESP), 16:30 CEST - Click here

Please visit triathlon.org for more information: NFs Open Hours • World Triathlon.

ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT

Team World Triathlon - Samarkand WC

World Triathlon extends the application deadline for the Team World Triathlon | Development • World Triathlon linked to the 2024 World Triathlon Cup Samarkand in Uzbekistan on 18 May 2024.
The deadline is Wednesday, 10 April 2024.
Application form.

After introducing the Testing and Benchmarking Camp concept in 2023,  Europe Triathlon continued this initiative for the first development activity of 2024. The camp took place in Koper, Slovenia, with the support of the University of Sport, Laboratory for Physiological Testing - Ljubljana.
Seven athletes from four National Federations (Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania, Slovenia)  and two coaches attended the camp from 5 to 10 March led by Milos Petelin (SLO) and Ljudmila Medan (SRB) TRI Head Coaches.

The Tests used in the Camps:
1. The University of Montreal Track Test is a continuous maximal indirect multistage running field test based on the energy cost of running. The test is conducted on a 400m running track, with marker cones at every 50m along the track. The test begins at 12 km/h, and the speed increases by 0.3 km per hour every 200m. The trial stops when the triathlete falls 5m or more short of the designated marker or feels they cannot continue the stage.
2. Bicycle Conconi 100 + 20 W/min protocol.
3. Swimming CSS test.
4. Measurement of body composition.
5. Spirometry.

“The purpose of this specific camp is to measure and gain insights into the current performance of athletes by utilising a team of experienced professionals in a laboratory for physiological testing. The participating athletes are members of the Team Europe initiative selected to race in various European Cup events in 2024.” - Ljudmila Medan (SRB), TRI Head Coach.

“Being in the Europe Triathlon Team has always been a pleasure. They support us to be the best version of ourselves, learn and grow like an athlete. With the tests conducted during the camp, I now have more data about my training zones, which will help my coach and me in the next training period. The testing facilities and staff were very professional, and everything was great. This format is a great idea; it helps us stay motivated and focused on improvement. Nice people, good athletes and great coaches.” - Alice Perjoiu (ROU), Athlete.

PARA TRIATHLON

Recipients of the Para Athlete Support Grant in 2024 named
For the third consecutive year, World Triathlon awarded seven (7) Para athletes representing three continents (Africa, America and Europe) with a support grant for their racing at World Triathlon-sanctioned events on the way to the Paris 2024 Paralympics and beyond. Congratulations to the athletes and their National Federations.

2024 Para Athlete Support Grant Recipients:
Laura-Liis Juursalu (EST) PTS5
Alisa Kolpakchy (UKR) PTS5
Fethi Zouinkhi (TUN) PTWC
Juan Esteban Patino (COL) PTS2
Joe Kurt (LUX) PTS4
Darius Dumitru (ROU) PTWC
Lazar Filipović (SRB) PTVI

World Triathlon may open a second round of Para athlete support grants in the second half of the year. Stay tuned.

For more details, please visit Para Athlete Support Grant | Development • World Triathlon.
 
COACH EDUCATION

The 2024 Korea Triathlon - World Triathlon Coach Education Project

The sixth edition of this remarkable coach education program will come back in parts during the year. From 16 to 23 May, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Korea, the Korean Sport and Olympic Committee, and the Korea Sports Promotion Foundation will host a Level 2 cohort in the beautiful city of Cheonan. Nominations for this are already in, and the selection process will end shortly.

The Level 1 course will take place in early November, and eligible National Federations (ODA recipient countries) will receive a call for nominations in due time.

Results of the 2024 Certification Revalidation of Coaches (CRoC)

An all-time high number of approximately 840 coaches (results are still being analysed) completed their annual coach revalidation tasks on the World Triathlon Education & Knowledge HUB between 1 February and 31 March 2024. The feedback was very positive, particularly regarding the ‘Body Confident Coaching’ course.  Many found this course a ‘real eye-opener’ regarding a sensitive and less discussed topic.  The continental completion ratios (among coaches holding valid certificates) are the following:

Africa Triathlon: 82%
Americas Triathlon: 67%
Asia Triathlon: 89%
Europe Triathlon: 80%
Oceania Triathlon: 77%

TECHNICAL OFFICIALS EDUCATION

Annual Certification Results Are Released

World Triathlon has released the annual Technical Officials Certification results, which always occurs at the beginning of the year.  Thanos Nikopoulos, Head of Operations, and Alpar Nagy, Sport Operations Manager, spent long days summarising the results, achievements and assignments of the 2023 year. Technical Officials & Event Organisers Education is the core assurance to run fair and safe World Triathlon-sanctioned events at all levels, from Regional and Continental Cups to World events in triathlon, Para triathlon and multisports.
We cannot thank each and every member of the TO Community enough for this voluntary and valuable work on the blue carpet and beyond.

2023 TO Certification & Revalidation in figures:

Gender Equity: We are getting closer!
- 8% Increase in the female TOs in the TO Level 1
- 9% Increase in the female TOs in the TO Level 2

Certified World Triathlon Technical Officials
World Triathlon Level 1 Technical Officials’ Certification List (NTO)
World Triathlon Level 2 Technical Officials’ Certification List (CTO)
World Triathlon Level 3 Technical Officials’ Certification List (ITO)
World Triathlon List of Inactive Technical Officials
World Triathlon Honorary Level 3 Technical Officials’ Certification List (ITO)

Eligible Technical Officials for Level 2
Asia Triathlon – list of eligible officials for Level 2 Seminar
Africa Triathlon – list of eligible officials for Level 2 Seminar
Americas Triathlon – list of eligible officials for Level 2 Seminar
Europe Triathlon – list of eligible officials for Level 2 Seminar
Oceania Triathlon – list of eligible officials for Level 2 Seminar

Revalidation: Eligible Technical Officials for Level 1 & Level 2 E-Seminars
Africa Triathlon - List of eligible officials for Level 1 E-Learning Seminar
Americas Triathlon - List of eligible officials for Level 1 E-Learning Seminar
Asia Triathlon - List of eligible officials for Level 1 E-Learning Seminar
Europe Triathlon - List of eligible officials for Level 1 E-Learning Seminar
Oceania Triathlon - List of eligible officials for Level 1 E-Learning Seminar

List of eligible officials for Level 2 E-Learning Seminar

Are you a TRI-certified Technical Official?
Download your certificate, badge or card from here: World Triathlon Development: Technical Official Certification • World Triathlon
All TO Certification-related documents can be found here: World Triathlon Development: Certification Documents • World Triathlon

Hong Kong trained officials to deliver safe and fair World Cup
Eighteen participants attended the 2024 Hong Kong World Triathlon Technical Offical Level 1 Seminar held at the Chinese Recreation Club in Wanchai, Hong Kong, between 16 and 17 March. All of them are locals, and only one participant is from Thailand.

“Thank you to Asia Triathlon and World Triathlon for giving the opportunity for our Technical Officials to gain understanding and furthering their pathway in officiating. They will also be able to gain experience immediately by officiating at the 2024 Hong Kong World Triathlon Cup held on the following weekend.” – Rebecca Mok, Triathlon Association of Hong Kong China representative.

“It is very well organised with clear instructions. It’s educational for anyone interested in becoming a Technical Official. I look forward to any other seminar from World Triathlon to enrich my understanding.” - Ngok Pang Ronald Chan, HKG

“The atmosphere is friendly. There are clear details and easy to understand.” - Busakorn Jantavach, THA.

“I always enjoy facilitating Level 1 seminars as I meet people from all walks of life who are now joining our triathlon family. Witnessing their enthusiasm, participation during the seminar and facilitating their learning in our World Triathlon ways makes me happy.” - TRI Facilitator Melody Tan.

Technical Officials Training in Mercedes, Uruguay

Americas Triathlon continues using the World Triathlon Development Regional Cup to boost events, technical officials, athletes and coaches’ development across the continent.

Mercedes, Uruguay, hosted a Development Regional Cup in March. Athletes from Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, Puerto Rico and Uruguay. In conjunction with the event, a World Triathlon Level 1 Technical Officials education took place, led by Gustavo Svane (ARG), TRI TO Facilitator.

The seminar also provided an excellent opportunity to mentor and guide the newly trained facilitator, Carlos Fernandez from Argentina, who is now ready to conduct similar training in the future and serve Latin America’s needs, spreading technical knowledge and events expertise around the continent.

Stay updated on World Triathlon National Federation Services & Development
Contact us at development@triathlon.org or federations@triathlon.org

Velikonoční I. B třída východ žádná velká překvapení nepřinesla. O vítězi často rozhodly individuální chyby a někde také špatný výkon rozhodčího, jak znělo z několika hřišť.

Kanonýr velikonočního fotbalového víkendu na Jablonecku, Jakub Gaši, obléká dres FK Jablonec. Prošel mládežnickými kategoriemi na Střelnici a nastupuje za B tým. Premiéru už ale měl i v áčku u trenéra Látala. A vypadá to, že se mu vydařila. 

Ve velikonočních zápasech I. A třídy chtěl Rychnov vykoledovat body v Doubí. Odjel s nadílkou tří gólů, ale ve své síti (3:0). Mšenu se před zápasem zranil nejlepší střelec, trenér měl plné ruce práce, s remízou 1:1 se spokojil.

The long road to Olympic qualification continues this weekend with major continental events in both Asia and Africa. In Dexing, China, the Asia Triathlon Sprint Championships will pit direct rivals against one another in both the men’s and women’s New Flag hunts. Over in Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa, several New Flag contenders will likewise gather for a race that could have big Paris 2024 implications for athletes from Africa and beyond.

Asia Sprint Championships – Dexing, China

Ayan Beisenbayev (KAZ) will arrive in Dexing with a target on his back. The defending champion holds a slender lead over Jason Tai Long Ng (HKG) in the world rankings with five places and a total of 68 points separating them. Realistically, the men’s Asian New Flag spot will go to one of the two.

With Ng also due to start in Dexing after a flat in Hong Kong saw him disappointed to be off the pace over the bike, he could still supplant Beisenbayev with a big performance. So close has their personal battle been thus far, only a win might be enough for the Hong Kong athlete.

The Asian women’s New Flag could also take a decisive turn in Dexing. While Ekaterina Shabalina (KAZ) holds a healthy lead in the world rankings over her continental rivals, Bailee Brown (HKG) is still in with a chance of catching her.

Brown has exactly twenty places and a little over 200 points to make up. A win in Dexing could go a long way in bringing her onto Shabalina’s heels.

On the flip side, both Beisenbayev and Shabalina will be aware that they can lock out Ng and Brown, respectively. With both at the forefront of Kazakhstan’s rise in triathlon, they will not relinquish their New Flag slots without a fight.

As for the championships themselves, Kazakhstan and Hong Kong athletes will face stiff opposition. The home team will be led by Junjie Fan and Yunxiang Ma in the men’s race while Xinying Lu and Meiyi Lu will strive to bring home medals for China in the women’s event.

Japan will also field a host of experienced campaigners, such as Takumi Hojo, Ren Sato and Jumpei Furuya in the men’s race and Minori Ikeno and Miyu Sakai in the women’s. Beyond the possible Olympic permutations, a dynamic set of races can therefore be expected.

Africa Cup – Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa

Meanwhile, more than one New Flag place will be at stake in the women’s race in Nelson Mandela Bay. Sinem Francisca Tous Servera (TUR) currently occupies the lead in the European race although she will be glancing over her shoulder as several rivals gain ground on her.

Tous, though, will be racing in Nelson Mandela Bay knowing that a podium performance could extend her advantage. What happens in Africa, then, could well shape the fortunes of several other European athletes.

Edda Hannesdottir (ISL) is also on the start line in Nelson Mandela Bay and could likewise start to influence the European New Flag race with a win. In addition, she could potentially earn Olympic selection through the Tripartite invitation procedure with a top 180 World Ranking. 

The more obvious New Flag competition in South Africa can be found in the African women’s race. Vicky Van Der Merwe (RSA), the reigning African champion, is the incumbent and only has to maintain her position across the remainder of the Olympic qualification window.

Her domestic rivals, Shanae Williams (RSA) and Amber Schlebusch (RSA), are among the starters in Nelson Mandela Bay and either could stage a late charge against Van Der Merwe.

Over in the men’s race, Siefeldeen Ismail (EGY) will be one to watch. He is only ten places behind Jean Gael Laurent L`entete in the African men’s New Flag race and a podium finish in Nelson Mandela Bay would see him close the gap.

Several paths to Paris could therefore be shaped this weekend. Stay abreast with all the latest updates across the World Triathlon channels.

The first ever indoor World Cup delivered a groundbreaking spectacle in Lievin and gave fans of triathlon plenty to discuss. Over the shortest format contested yet at the World Cup level, with races lasting barely 10 minutes, speed was the order of the day. Quick wits proved as important as being physically fast as the threat of elimination was never far away. Here are five things we took away from the action at the weekend, and you can watch it all back on demand over on TriathlonLive.tv.

1. Home team impresses

A regular on the Para Cup circuit, it had been a long time since France had hosted a World Cup event – the last one was in Lorient in 2008 – and the home team more than made up for lost time as they put two athletes into the women’s final and four into the men’s. Of the finalists, a few names caught the eye.

Vincent Luis (FRA) was a constant threat throughout each round of racing. He qualified safely in 4th place in the sixth qualifier before claiming 3rd place in the third semi-final. The former world champion then rounded things off with 2nd place in the final. In doing so he claimed his first World Cup medal in several years and offered a clear sign that his return from injury is gathering momentum.

On the other end of the experience spectrum, Leo Fernandez (FRA) dazzled on his way to the final in the men’s event. In his World Cup debut, the 2022 European Junior Champion even took the lead early on during the run. While he would eventually slip back to 6th place, Fernandez certainly brought the home crowd to their feet.

Also taking a star turn was Leonie Periault (FRA). The WTCS medallist stepped up in the women’s final to take 4th place and was seconds away from claiming a medal.

2. A tale of two medallists

Laura Lindemann (GER) looked in fantastic form as she charged to the gold medal in the women’s event. The German star has already qualified for the Olympics and is coming off a big 2023 season in which she won multiple WTCS medals for the first time and anchored the German Mixed Team Relay to golds in Hamburg and Paris. The short format in Lievin proved perfect for her and offered further evidence that she might just be the preeminent woman over the relay distances and below.

Right behind Lindemann in Lievin was Georgia Taylor-Brown (GBR). Whereas Lindemann arrived after a glittering 2023, Taylor-Brown had a trickier season ended prematurely by injury. Notwithstanding the fact that Taylor-Brown won WTCS Cagliari, she entered 2024 with plenty of uncertainty around her injury comeback and with a potential Olympic slot still up in the air.

In a sign that her form is coming right back, though, Taylor-Brown claimed the silver medal in Lievin. That came after she finished 3rd at the European Cup in Quarteira a week prior, and both performances were highly encouraging.

Thus, while Lindemann and Taylor-Brown arrived in Lievin in different places, both will no doubt be satisfied with how they are building into their season.

3. Stornes’ storming comeback

In the build-up to the Tokyo Olympics, Casper Stornes (NOR) was a rising force in triathlon. An upset win at WTCS Bermuda in 2018 preceded a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympic Test Event in 2019. However, after the early rise came the setback. Injury struck at the Arzachena World Cup in 2022, forcing him to rebuild.

After working his way back to full strength once more, Stornes made a significant step forwards in Lievin. Indeed, he made a double comeback of sorts.

On the one hand, he claimed his first World Cup medal. In doing so, he reasserted himself at the world level and served a reminder of his class. On the other hand, his bronze medal itself was the product of an electric comeback on the bike and then on the run. For much of the final, Stornes had seemed out of contention only for him to barrel down the finishing straight into the medals.

Whether in terms of returning from injury or in races, Stornes’ comeback antics will be something to watch across the season.

4. The near misses

After striking down Vincent Luis with his win at the Quarteira European Cup, Hugo Milner’s name was on the lips of many in Lievin. However, it was not to be his weekend as he narrowly missed out on making the semi-finals in both his qualifier and then the repechage. In both instances, he missed out by 2 seconds and one finishing position.

Meanwhile, the final highlighted the fine margins of the indoor format. Tim Hellwig (GER) expertly navigated the early rounds and found himself in the perfect position as he came off the bike in the final. However, a wobble on the dismount line left him fearing a potential penalty. With his mind elsewhere, he slipped from 1st place in the closing stages of the run to miss the podium in a photo finish.

One athlete to escape a mishap of his own was Vetle Bergsvik Thorn (NOR). The Norwegian athlete revealed after his qualifier that he had completed a lap too many on the bike. He was nonetheless able to recover to take 4th place and claim the last semi-final slot from his heat, with a roaring 2:42 1km run split sparing his blushes followed by the overall gold to fire his own Paris 2024 mission.

5. Lightning splits

When it came to rapid splits, there were almost too many to count in Lievin. Zuzana Michalickova (SVK) and Mitch Kolkman (NED) were among the stars of the show in the water, with both leading out the swims in their respective finals. The Hungarian youngster Zalán Hóbor was another to catch the eye with his swimming speed in the qualifiers.

When it came to the bike, no one would match Hellwig’s 4:22 split from the first qualifier.

It was on the run that some of the greatest fireworks were produced. Gwen Jorgensen (USA) blasted a 3:01 1km in the women’s final to catapult herself to bronze. Her time would stand as the quickest by any woman on the door. Lindemann and Taylor-Brown managed splits of 3:04 and 3:02, respectively, in the final.

Another eye-catching run split came from Tereza Zimovjanova (CZE), clocking 3:05 to win the B Final.

On the men’s side, Stornes earned the fastest run of the day with his 2:39 in the men’s final. Thorn, Luis and Csongor Lehmann were all close behind with Final run splits of 2:41.

After all the excitement of Lievin, stay up to date with the action to come across the season on TriathlonLive and across World Triathlon social channels.

Ve velikonočním krajském přeboru si některé týmy vykoledovaly pořádnou nadílku bodů a některé i gólů do vlastní sítě. Počasí přálo velké návštěvnosti a fotbalové pohodě na mnoha hřištích. Při dobrém občerstvení fanoušci odpustili i prohru svých barev.

V dohrávaném utkání čtvrtfinále MOL Cupu, když v původním termínu se pro hustou mlhu nehrálo, přicestovali na jablonecký trávník fotbalisté plzeňské Viktorie. Viktorka byla v zápase favoritem, mluvilo pro ni nejen postavení obou týmů v ligové tabulce, ale také pohled do historie. A svoje postavení potvrdila vítězstvím 3:0.

Anketa o nejpopulárnější fotbalový klub v Libereckém kraji je u konce. O celkovém pořadí ve finále, do kterého se dostaly vždy tři nejlepší celky z jednotlivých okresů, rozhodlo celkem 71153 hlasů.

Velikonoční víkend v podobě bodové nadílky se nepovedl Turnovu, který "jen" remizoval s Hlinskem 0:0. Áčko Velkých Hamrů bylo šťastnější, vykoledovalo si od Spojů Praha tři body.

Pouze jediný gól rozhodl utkání sedmého a osmého týmu tabulky ČFL skupiny C. K vidění moc brankových šancí nebylo, tu největší domácí využili. I tak ale Kolínští na svém hřišti porazili rezervu Jablonce 1:0 a přiblížili se svému soupeři na dostřel jednoho bodu. 

It was exactly 35 years ago, on April 1, 1989, when the city of Avignon, France, played a pivotal role in the history of triathlon, hosting the first ITU Congress where the International Federation of Triathlon was founded. From its humble beginnings to its current global stature, World Triathlon has played a pivotal role in shaping the sport and fostering its growth on a global scale. Let’s celebrate together our 35 years of history!

Founded with the vision of promoting triathlon as a premier athletic pursuit, the organization has evolved under the leadership of two remarkable individuals, its first president, Canada’s Les McDonald, who laid the foundation for its success. Today, World Triathlon is guided by the visionary leadership of President Marisol Casado, whose dedication and passion have propelled the organization to new heights of excellence.

Over the past three and a half decades, World Triathlon has witnessed remarkable expansion and evolution of the sport of triathlon, including its inclusion in the Olympic and Paralympic programs. Triathlon’s debut at the Olympics in Sydney 2000 marked a historic moment for the sport, with individual men’s and women’s events captivating audiences worldwide. The addition of the mixed relay event in Tokyo 2020 further solidified triathlon’s status as a cornerstone of the Olympic program, showcasing its dynamic and inclusive nature.

Central to World Triathlon’s mission are its key pillars: gender balance, development, sustainability, growth of the sport, and good governance. With a steadfast commitment to promoting equality and inclusivity, World Triathlon has championed initiatives to ensure gender parity in all aspects of the sport, from participation, prize money or leadership roles. Moreover, the organization has spearheaded efforts to promote sustainability and environmental stewardship, recognizing the importance of protecting the planet for future generations.

At the heart of World Triathlon’s success is its unwavering dedication to the growth and development of the sport. Through grassroots initiatives, youth programs, and elite competitions, World Triathlon has fostered a vibrant global community of athletes, coaches, and fans. Moreover, the organization’s emphasis on good governance and transparency has set the standard for integrity and accountability in sports administration.

As World Triathlon celebrates its 35th anniversary, it stands as a beacon of excellence and innovation in the world of sports. From its inception in Avignon to its present-day global reach, the organization continues to inspire athletes and fans alike with its commitment to excellence, inclusivity, and sustainability. As we look to the future, World Triathlon remains dedicated to advancing the sport and shaping a brighter, more equitable world through the power of triathlon.

It was not an easy day in the office for Vettle Bergsvik Thorn (NOR) in Lievin, but the Norwegian managed to overcome a complicated Heat (in which he did one extra lap on the bike), made it through the semi finals and then stormed the field in the Final, winning by just a few inches the local hero, Vincent Luis (FRA). Another Norwegian, Casper Stornes, found a last push in the last meters to claim bronze on the first World Cup medal for him in two years.

The World Triathlon Indoor Cup Lievin proved to be one for the records for Team Norway, with Vetle Thorn claiming his maiden World Cup title in a thrilling display while Casper Stornes clinched bronze, marking his first-ever podium finish in a World Cup event.

The Heats brought unexpected surprises, notably with Hugo Milner of Great Britain, known for his impressive run in Quarteira last week, failing to advance to the semi-finals after finishing fifth in both his Heat and the repechage.

In the semi-finals, the tension continued to mount as athletes fought tooth and nail for a coveted spot in the final. Tim Hellwig (GER), Samuel Dickinson (GBR), Gregor Payet (LUX), and Genis Grau (ESP) advanced from the first semi-final, while Aurelien Jen (FRA) thrilled the local fans by winning the second semi-final, alongside Casper Stornes, Antoine Duval (FRA), and Mitch Kolkman (NED). The last semi-final saw a thrilling sprint to the finish, with Vetle Thorn, Vincent Luis, Leo Fernandez (FRA), and Csongor Lehmann (HUN) booking their spots in the Final.

The stage was set for an electrifying showdown in the final, with Thorn and Kolkman leading out of the water before the field regrouped on the bike. With the pack riding together for 15 intense laps, tactics and strategy came into play as athletes jostled for position. In a daring move as soon as out of the second transition, Leo Fernandez surged ahead, followed closely by Thorn, Lehmann, and Luis, with Stornes biding his time at the back.

With the finish line in sight, Thorn and Stornes unleashed a burst of speed, attempting to break away from the chasing pack. However, Luis showcased his experience, finding an extra gear to surge past his rivals and secure second place. Thorn’s relentless pace proved insurmountable as he crossed the finish line to claim a historic victory, with Luis settling for silver and Stornes narrowly edging out Lehmann and Hellwig to snatch bronze.

“It was a long day for me, tough from the get-go. I did an extra lap on the bike in the first heat and really had to push the run to get through to the Semis, couldn’t really go much worse than it did to keep that fourth place in the end. Semis was a bit easier, where I could be with the front guys from the get-go. We were five guys together and I knew to be safe I had to put a little bit of effort for the sprint, all the way to the finish. Onto the Final, you’re tired after two really hard races. Nobody knows what they have to come with to the Finals, just to be at the front and pushing and going for the win at the end, it feels amazing. What a venue to do it at, I think it might have been the craziest crowd at a race I have ever been to. It’s amazing here”, said Thorn.

“It’s been a while (since my last World Cup podium), it was also a while since the last Continental Cup so 2nd was really good last week. This week I feel a bit more like myself, I was really in contention until literally the last couple of metres, I am happy with the result. It’s been a really long time since I worked a World Cup, I think it was 2019 in Banjoles. That was a long time without racing or a podium but I am happy to be back”, explained Luis, who has just returned to competition after an injury. “It’s crazy, everyone that’s raced here will have really good memories. The final felt like I was during the Olympic stadium. It was really great. The people in the north of France, they welcome you warmly and I am happy to be back here. It will definitely be the last time I will race here, that was a good way to say farewell to the crowd. Thanks again to the club and to the team at Lievin for organising this event.”

Stornes said: “It feels amazing. It’s been a rollercoaster these last few years. I am really over the moon to come here and get third place. It’s a bit mixed feelings as I don’t really know if I will get to the Olympics.(In the Semi-Finals) I was saving myself on the bike and on the last bit of the run. I was just hoping the other guys were a bit more tired than me so I could get that advantage, for a longer type of endurance guy but I am glad I could take a podium here,” he said.

With a fantastic final sprint, Laura Lindemann mastered the sizzling super-sprint format of the World Triathlon Indoor Cup Lievin, outsprinting in the last meters Georgia Taylor-Brown (GBR) and Gwen Jorgensen (USA) on an epic battle in the blue carpet.

The World Triathlon Indoor Cup in Lievin delivered a spectacle that will be hard to forget, with almost 3.000 espectators cheering on the stands, thrilled with the format that makes its debut on the World Cup circuit: 12 athletes line up on each race -6 heats for the men, 4 for the women- followed by three semi-finals for each gender and then the B final and A finals-. A 150m swim - 6 lengths of the pool with two athletes to a lane - is followed by a 15-lap, 3km bike and out onto the 5-lap, 1km run, with heats and repechage to decide the 36 athletes into three semi-finals per gender, the top four of each semi-final progressing into the final, the next four on the finish line of each semi-final into a B-final.

The stage was set for an exhilarating competition as 38 women lined up for the four Heats, all vying for a spot in the finals. With the top six from each Heat advancing, the pressure was on for athletes to deliver their best performances. Despite the intense competition, all the leading contenders navigated their heats successfully, except for Vicky Holland, the Rio 2016 bronze medalist, who faced disqualification for not serving a penalty during her Heat, that she in fact had won.

Leonie Periault, Laura Lindemann, Jessica Fullagar, and Audrey Merle secured their places in the Finals from the first semi-final, while Jolien Vermeylen, Lena Meissner, Georgia Taylor-Brown, and Zuzana Michalickova advanced from the second semi-final. The final semi-final saw Swiss athletes Nora Gmur and Cathia Schar dominate, with Gwen Jorgensen and Robin Dreijling earning their spots in the ultimate showdown.

As the finals commenced, Zuzana Michalickova once again demonstrated her prowess in the water, leading the field after the swimming leg. The athletes went through transition in one large pack and on the bike segment, a tight-knit group tackled 15 fast laps, with Jorgensen strategically conserving energy at the rear. Periault and Cathia Schar set a brisk pace, closely pursued by Taylor-Brown and Lindemann.

The tension mounted as the competitors hit the final transition, with Periault emerging as the frontrunner on the run, trailed closely by Michalickova, Lindemann, Vermeylen, and Taylor-Brown, while Jorgensen fought to close the gap. In a breathtaking climax, Lindemann summoned a burst of speed in the last lap, leaving her rivals trailing in her wake. Taylor-Brown managed to hold off Jorgensen, securing second place as the American claimed bronze. Periault, buoyed by local support, crossed the finish line in fourth, with Lena Meissner rounding out the top five.

“It was really hard, I think it was one of the toughest races I have ever done I think. I tried to follow and have some energy for the last metres but it really was all out from the beginning”, said Lindemann after claiming the victory.

“I am really happy with today, I don’t feel super run fit at the moment but I am getting there and it was really exciting today”, explained Taylor-Brown, who tried to save a bit of energy for the last leg, but was not really able to do it. “That was the idea (to save legs) but when you’re here and the atmosphere, you get carried away and I went harder than I wanted to in the heats and semis. The heats were a shock and it really hurt my throat because it’s such a dry air in here but everyone was the same but the Finals were really hard because it was busier and more compact on the bike and the run was super fast.”

“I came out here and I really wanted to treat this like my Abu Dhabi as the race was cancelled. I obviously came here to win but I got outdone by Laura (Lindemann) and Georgia (Taylor-Brown) and it was a really fun atmosphere, there are just so many people here in the crowd and it makes it really exciting, I’d like to see more of this format. It was really special,” said Jorgensen.

Tomáš Slavík se vrátil na stupně vítězů při druhém kole světové série Red Bull Guanajuato Cerro Abajo v Mexiku, kde získává bronzovou medaily.

Kanonýr prvního fotbalového víkendu v jarní části I. B třídy východ obléká dres harrachovského týmu. Ten jaro hraje na novém hřišti a je vidět, že domácím hodně svědčí. Dohrávku s Držkovem a první mistrák s Jablonečkem vyhráli a připsali si dvakrát tři body.