Europe Triathlon

For a season that has had it all, the 2019 WTS Grand Final delivered the ultimate final chapter with France’s Vincent Luis and Katie Zaferes (USA) crowned the 2019 ITU World Champions.

In the women’s World Championship race Katie Zaferes was crowned world champion after winning the overall ITU World Triathlon Series title, capping a stellar season with a gold medal at the ITU World Triathlon Grand Final. Zaferes became the first US elite triathlon world champion since Gwen Jorgensen won in 2014 and 2015.

The world title is years in the making for 2016 US Olympian Zaferes, who finished fifth in the ITU World Triathlon Series in 2015, fourth in 2016, third in 2017 and second in 2018.

“There are so many people who were a part of this and who make it special,” said Zaferes.

Zaferes won four of the eight WTS races this season and earned silver in a fifth. The US Olympian shares the overall 2019 Series podium with Great Britain’s Jessica Learmonth (silver) and Georgia Taylor-Brown (bronze), who finished in that same order in the Grand Final race.

In the men’s World Triathlon Championship race Kristian Blummenfelt (NOR) allowed himself a couple of looks back only to see the gap over Mario Mola (ESP) growing, leaving him to soak up the joy of a first World Triathlon Series win, Mola finishing second ahead of Fernando Alarza (ESP) and Gustav Iden (NOR).

Luis’ fifth secured a magnificent World title, Javier Gomez’ (ESP) sixth place ensuring he finished the season third, just pipping his compatriot to the overall podium.

During his winning speech, Luis honoured his friend and countryman, the late Laurent Vidal and recognised the support of his family.

“You can’t buy a world title, beating guys like Mario and Javier. It is great to have my name with theirs,” said Luis.

Replay the races on-demand and exclusive triathlon coverage at www.TriathlonLIVE.tv

Review the 2020 World Triathlon Series calendar.