Two Alsatians competing in the European triathlon cup in Quarteira, Portugal, did not have the same race. Thomas Hansmaennel from Krutergersheim finished in 20th place after coming out of the water far from the leaders, including local winner Vasco Vilaca.
“Of course, there is a bit of frustration because the form was really good,” he reacted. “A bad positioning at the start cost me dearly. I chose to go to the left and it wasn’t the best option… I came out of the water with the 4th group. On the bike, few athletes wanted to cooperate. Then, on the run, I had very good feelings. Then big blisters appeared under my feet, making the end of the race very difficult. At the finish, it’s frustrating but I’m satisfied with my state of mind.”
He now has over a month to prepare for the World Cup stage in Chengdu, starting in early May in China.
“I am a bit disappointed but…”
Jules Rethoret, on the other hand, did not finish the event. The Guebwiller native dropped out just after starting the running race.
“I had to stop because I really hurt my back,” he explained. “I couldn’t run after 1 kilometer, it was pulling way too much. There was no point in continuing. I am a bit disappointed but that’s how sport is: I will take care of it, bounce back, and come back stronger.”
He has a month to get ready for his next race. It will be in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, for a WTCS event. Hansmaennel
