Jelle Geens wins the 70.3 IRONMAN 2024 World Championship

After the women's event in Taupo, where Taylor Knibb He took the victory and his third consecutive world title Yesterday it was the turn of the men's event at the World Championships HOMBRE DE HIERRO 70.3 2024.

The test was exciting, where the local public eagerly awaited the triumph of HaydenWilde, one of the favorites for victory.

For much of the race, everything pointed to the New Zealander being crowned champion, but the Belgian Jelle Geens, with a final part of the race to remember, surprised in the last kilometers of the half marathon, taking the final victory.

Swimming

The day began with the swimming segment in the waters of Lake Taupō. Greg Harper (USA), with experience in Olympic swimming events, came out on top with 12 seconds ahead of Josh Amberger (AUS), Léo Bergère (FRA) and Marc Dubrick (USA).

Defending champion Rico Bogen (GER) started half a minute behind, with Henri Schoeman (RSA), Kyle Smith (NZL) and Wilde (NZL) all coming out of the water close behind. Jelle Geens (BEL) was also close to the main group, keeping his hopes up.

Cycling:

The cycling segment (90 km) consolidated a group of strong men, ready to fight side by side.

American Matthew Marquardt, a contender for the Grand Prix of IRONMAN Pro Series, suffered severe cramps that left him with no options. In the meantime, a leading group formed with eight triathletes: Bergère, Wilde, Geens, Bogen, Dubrick, Schoeman, Amberger and Smith.

In the final stage of the cycling, Margirier (FRA) was penalized with five minutes for drafting.

 As the second transition approached, Wilde took the lead and reached T2 first after clocking the best cycling split (1:58:51). Geens, Bergère, Bogen and Nieschlag followed shortly after.

Race on foot

At the start of this sector, Hayden Wilde wasted no time and moved forward to open the gap.

Everything remained the same until the last 5 kilometers arrived. Wilde began to lose rhythm and behind Geens continued with a good pace which made him gradually reduce the distance.

With about 4km to go, Geens caught Wilde and overtook him. The New Zealander, despite his best efforts, was unable to respond and the Belgian went off alone to claim victory.

Geens ultimately won the 70.3 IRONMAN 2024 World Championship with a time of 3:32:09.

second was  Hayden Wilde (3:33:22) and third Léo Bergère (3:35:08)

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