World Triathlon and PTO announce 12-year strategic partnership to grow the sport

 

World Triathlon and the Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) have announced a 12-year strategic partnership that will run until 2036. Following the announcement in August 2023 to collaborate on a new Official World Championship Tour of Long Distance Triathlon and then the launch of the T100 Triathlon World Tour in January 2024, World Triathlon and the PTO have taken their work together a step further by expanding their commercial relationship to grow the sport longer term.

The initial partnership term is for 12 years, running through to 2036, and will include: the sole and exclusive Official World Championship Tour of Long Distance Triathlon, Anti-doping, Safeguarding and collaboration on rights management, including sponsorship and broadcast. It also includes a framework for both parties to explore new opportunities to grow the sport together, including hosting shorter-distance events alongside the T100 Tour.

Speaking about the new announcement, the World Triathlon president and IOC member Marisol Casado said:

“Having seen three amazing Olympic Triathlon races in Paris, and just before the Championship Finals in Torremolinos and the T100 Finals in Dubai, we believe that it is both ours and PTO’s responsibility to double down on the good work that we’ve already started and use the great exposure our sport enjoys at the moment as a catalyst to grow deeper engagement with the sport’s committed fan. We also want to find a way to promote our sport to the broader sports fan. We believe we’re already starting to answer part of that question through our partnership with the PTO around the new T100 Triathlon World Tour and want to ensure we provide it with the right support and solid foundation to go from strength to strength. We will see in the near future athletes moving from the World Triathlon Championship Series to the T100 Tour, and we see more and more fans engaging with both worlds and enjoying the shorter or longer distances events alike. This brings excellent opportunities to all of us. And we want to continue embracing this cooperation and take it to further levels”.

Responding on behalf of the PTO, CEO Sam Renouf said:

“We have had a very productive relationship with World Triathlon since our first event, including hosting the World Long Distance Championships alongside the Collins Cup in 2021. In working closely through the formation and then launch of the new T100 Triathlon World Tour - quickly becoming the pinnacle of long distance racing - one of the by-products has been the discussion and identification of other opportunities where we can grow the sport. By forming a 12-year partnership, both sides have the opportunity to invest together in the longer-term development of the sport.”

PTO Athlete Board member David McNamee added:

“From an athlete perspective, the introduction of the new T100 Triathlon World Tour has been a significant step forward in giving longer distance triathlon the global platform and profile we think it deserves. But along that journey, it has also highlighted other things we could explore, in order to continue taking our sport forward and to grow and engage more fans and audiences around the world. It’s an exciting time to be a professional triathlete.”

This announcement follows the two organisations introducing new anti-doping measures earlier this year.

After five T100 rounds so far this year, in Miami, Singapore, San Francisco, London and Ibiza, Australia’s Ashleigh Gentle leads the women’s T100 standings, ahead of Great Britain’s India Lee and Lucy Charles-Barclay; whilst Denmark’s Magnus Ditlev leads the men’s series from New Zealand’s Kyle Smith. The next race is the Lake Las Vegas T100 on 19-20 October.

A Full Schedule of Activities for Santorini Experience 2024

 

Events for the Municipality of Thira with Mouroutsos, Kagialis, Iakovakis, Printezis, Papanikolaou, Arlauckas, Chountras

Santorini Experience is getting ready for its 7th year, presenting its most comprehensive schedule to date from October 3 to 6, 2024. Professional and amateur athletes from around the world will have the opportunity to combine unique sports activities in stunning locations on the island, such as the Volcano and the trail connecting Oia to Fira, with the impressive Caldera and breathtaking views of the Aegean.

Swim with Safety from the Volcano!

On Friday, October 4, at 10:00 a.m., participants will swim from the Volcano to the old port of Fira, with the imposing view of the island in front of them in the thrilling 1.5-miles (2.4 km) open water swimming race. The swim route will be conducted safely in the magical waters of Santorini (with an average water temperature of 22-23 degrees Celsius) with the support of the Santorini Boatmen’s Association, which assists in both race execution and swimmer transport from the old port to the Volcano. Safety will be ensured by professional lifeguards and rescue boats from Lifeguard Patrol, providing essential medical and first aid equipment. Nautical Club of Santorini, Thira’s Volunteer Rescue Team, and Caldera Yachting will also support the swim with boats and personnel, while the event provides every athlete with a safety buoy, which is mandatory for all participants. The swim race’s Technical Director is Nikos Gemelos, with Olympic and world honors.

Great Swimmers from the Paris Olympics Come to Santorini

The world’s elite open water swimmers, including those from the Paris Olympics, are expected to participate in the swimming from the Volcano. Among them are Italian world champion and European champion Barbara Pozzobon, Hungarian silver medalist and 4th place Olympic finisher Anna Olasz, German world and European champion Leonie Beck, and Italian European champion Mario Sanzullo. The renowned Italian Olympic and world championship-winning coach Fabrizio Antonelli will also attend the event.

Run on the Caldera with a View That Takes Your Breath Away

The event returns this year with three familiar and stunning trail-running routes along the Caldera on the path that connects Oia to Fira. On Saturday, October 5, participants will enjoy the breathtaking view of the volcano with running routes designed for everyone. At 08:15 a.m., the 15km race powered by HOKA and the 10km race powered by SIXT, a member of MOTODYNAMICS Group, will start. At 11:00 a.m., the 5km “Aristides Alafouzos” race powered by Miele will begin. All routes start from the desalination plant in Oia, including dirt paths, and finish back in Oia.

Watch the running route video here: https://youtu.be/6Ivv_lt20UM

There’s Still Time to Register:

https://www.more.com/sports/santorini-experience-en/

The schedule of Santorini Experience includes several side activities aimed at the young people of the Municipality of Thira, promoting sports and healthy role models.

Taekwondo Lessons with Michalis Mouroutsos

On Saturday, October 5, Olympic gold medalist Michalis Mouroutsos will implement taekwondo lessons for children at 16:00, followed by a taekwondo seminar for the competitive teams of the clubs Leontes Santorini, Panthiras, and Olympic Academy of Santorini at 17:00. All lessons will take place at the Indoor Gymnasium Basketball Court, Municipality of Thira.

Printezis Teams Up with Arlauckas for Basketball Lessons!

For the first time, two legendary athletes, the two-time champion and EuroLeague record holder Georgios Printezis and the EuroLeague legend and European champion with Real Madrid Joe Arlauckas, will teach the island’s children the basics of basketball at the basketball clinic powered by Trace ‘n Chase on Sunday, October 6, at 12:00 p.m. at the Indoor Gymnasium Basketball Court.

Kids Running with Olympian Periklis Iakovakis

Among the side activities of Santorini Experience, a Kids Running event will be held with Olympian and European champion in the 400m with hurdles Periklis Iakovakis. The children’s run will be held for children of Santorini’s local clubs, with the dynamic participation of the club Hephaestus Thiras, on Sunday, October 6, at 10:00 a.m., at the Thira Municipal Stadium (Panthiraikos).

Speeches about Diversity of Dimitris Papanikolaou powered by MOTODYNAMICS Group

Speeches about diversity with the former international basketball player and European champion Dimitris Papanikolaou, who is also an ambassador for the MOTODYNAMICS Group, will be organized for the first time for middle and high school students in the Municipality of Thira. These will take place on Thursday, October 3, at 9:00 a.m. at Fira Middle School and at 12:00 p.m. at Mesaria Middle School, while on Friday, October 4, he will speak at 8:30 a.m. at Emporio Middle School and at 11:30 a.m. at Fira High School.

Speech of Pavlos Kagialis powered by MOTODYNAMICS Group

In this year’s event, on Saturday, October, at 13:00, there will be a speech by the Olympic bronze medalist in sailing, Pavlos Kagialis, powered by the MOTODYNAMICS Group, for the children of the Santorini Nautical Club.

Road Safety Speeches powered by MOTODYNAMICS Group

At the same time, the MOTODYNAMICS Group together with motorsport coach Thanasis Chountras, will organize road safety speeches for middle and high school students in the Municipality of Thira. These will take place on Thursday, October 3, at 9:00 a.m. at Fira High School and at 12:00 p.m. at Thira Vocational School (EPAL), while on Friday, October 4, at 8:30 a.m. at Fira Middle School and at 11:30 a.m. at Mesaria Middle School.

See the event’s full schedule here: https://santorini-experience.com/en/schedule-2024/

Rich Prizes for Participants & Race Winners!

Each participant will receive a participation package, which includes: a bag, a technical t-shirt, a medal (for those who finish), a timing chip, a swim cap (for the swimming race), a race number (for running), a waterproof race number (for swimming), personal item storage, refreshments at the start/finish and along the running route, refreshments at the swim finish, medical coverage with rescue teams for the run and lifeguards for the swim, and rich prizes from sponsors.

Additionally, hoper, the company introducing scheduled helicopter flights to Greece, will be the Official Helicopter Partner of Santorini Experience for the first time. hoper is reshaping transportation in Greece by bringing destinations closer than ever. As part of this year’s event, the innovative company will offer the winner of the open water swimming race a tour, ensuring safety with their fleet.

HOKA, one of the leading running shoe brands, is participating in the event for the first time as the Official Footwear Sponsor. The company will gift a pair of unique HOKA shoes to both the first man and woman in the 15 km race powered by HOKA. HOKA shoes are specially designed for running, utilizing advanced technologies unique to the brand.

SportAdore, as the exclusive distributor of Luanvi in Greece, a top company known for its presence in major running events like the Valencia Marathon, will provide gift vouchers and exclusive sports equipment to athletes finishing second and third in all the races.

Kois Optics, a leader in the optics market, highlighting the history and culture of Syros, as the event’s Official Optics Partner will offer the first-place male and female winners in the 5 km “Aristides Alafouzos” powered by Miele and 10 km powered by SIXT, a member of MOTODYNAMICS Group races a pair of glasses.

Finally, Messinian Spa, with products based on Kalamata olive oil and other natural treasures of Greece, will provide special gifts to the top three male and female winners in both the running and swimming races.

Free Participation for Thira Residents

Residents of Thira can participate in Santorini Experience 2024 for free. Free registrations are exclusively available at Alafouzos Sport in Fira, the Official Sports Store of the event. From Thursday, October 3 at 10:00 a.m., participants can visit the store to collect their participation package.

Thira Municipality was the first municipality since 2015 to offer free participation to its residents in the activities of major events. The need for exercise and wellness is more necessary than ever, and this opportunity for residents to be alongside top names in sports is unique.

SKY express, Official Airline Partner of Santorini Experience 2024

SKY express, with the newest fleet in Greece, flies you to the largest network of 33 destinations in the country and a continuously expanding network of 22 international destinations. With daily flights from Athens to Santorini, it is the ideal choice for visitors of Santorini Experience 2024.

Travel to Santorini with a 30% Discount on Ferry Tickets

Those visiting Santorini by ferry for Santorini Experience can travel with the safety and comfort of Blue Star Ferries, the event’s Official Sponsor. The top Greek shipping company offers a 30% discount on ferry tickets (all seats except cabins) from Piraeus, Cyclades, and Dodecanese to Santorini on round-trip tickets and 30% on vehicles for those participating in the event and visiting the island from October 1 to 8, 2024. Each person who has completed their registration is entitled to the same discount for 3 additional people (if they are their escorts).

Participants who have completed their registration can contact the following port offices for seat reservations and ticket issuance:

-Piraeus, GIOVANTI TRAVEL, Tel. +30 210-4119171

-Santorini, DAKOUTROS TRAVEL, Tel. +30 22860 22201

Book Your Helicopter Flight with hoper & Enjoy a Stunning View with a 20% Discount!

To make this event even more memorable, hoper offers exclusive helicopter flights to your destination. Enjoy beautiful landscapes from an exceptional vantage point. Improving the travel experience from booking to landing, hoper]

provides seamless experiences perfect for seasoned travelers. Reward yourself with an unforgettable, thrilling flight experience.

Book now and enjoy a 20% discount on your helicopter flight. Just use the code SANTORINI20 when booking.

Don’t miss the chance to add an unforgettable experience to your participation!

Book Your Flight Now: https://flyhoper.com/

20% Discount on Participant Transportation

Organize your transportation from Santorini’s port or airport with the help of Santorini’s Best Driver. Enjoy the comfort and quality services provided. Book now for any transportation needs during the event and receive a 20% discount on your transfers.

For more information: https://santorinisbestdriver.gr/

Capture the Moments

Preserve the unique moments of the event with a GoPro. Take stunning time-lapse photos while walking and avoid missing the moments by trying to capture them yourself. GoPro will do it for you!

SAMI TARAZI Pharmacy, located in Karterados and Megalochori in Santorini, support the Santorini Experience 2024 as a Partner, offering their services to every athlete.

Sponsors Supporting the Event

Premium Mobility Partner of the event is SIXT, a member of the MOTODYNAMICS Group.

Athina Luxury Suites is the Silver Sponsor.

GoPro is the event’s Official Action Camera.

HOKA is the Official Footwear Sponsor.

Vikos Natural Mineral Water is the Official Water.

Miele and NOUS Santorini are the event’s Bronze Sponsors.

hoper is the Official Helicopter Partner.

SKY express is the Official Airline Partner.

Blue Star Ferries is the Official Sponsor.

Alafouzos Sport is the event’s Official Sports Store.

Luanvi is the Official Technical T-shirt.

Kois Optics are the Official Optics Partner.

Santorini Boatmen’s Association, Caldera Yachting, Nobu Hotel Santorini, Santorini’s Best Driver, Seaside Santorini, Messinian Spa, Santo Wines, Ftelos Brewery Santorini, Lifeguard Patrol, Agaze Restaurant, SAMI TARAZI Pharmacy, Ηealth Spot, Thira’s Volunteer Rescue Team and Trace ‘n Chase are the event’s Partners.

π³= Plastic Pollution Prevention is the Sustainability Partner.

 

Athens University of Economics & Business is the event’s Educational Partner.

The event will be implemented with the invaluable support of our Hospitality Sponsors, who promote the island with special prices and offer enormous support to the event. The confirmed hotels so far are the following: Athina Luxury Suites, NOUS Santorini, Nobu Hotel Santorini, Katikies Garden Santorini, Vedema, A Luxury Collection Resort Santorini (Empiria Group), Santo Pure Oia Suites & Villas, Santo Mine Oia Suites, Apeiron Blue, 270 Oia’s View, West East Suites, Lydia’s House, Santorini Folia Bianca, Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Santorini, Coco-Mat Hotel Santorini, De Sol Hotel & Spa, The Majestic Hotel Santorini (Kord Hotels), Meltemi Suites, Meltemi Village, Atlantis Beach, Neoklassiko Koukouli, Noni Studios, Santoriviera House, Ifestau4, En Plo Boutique Suites, Mon Signor, Fanouris Condo, MONOLiTHIA, Epavlis Hotel (Meraki Collection), Eteoro Suites Santorini, Sea Breeze Beach Resort Santorini, K & K Unique Holiday Homes, Aja Retreat, Blue Dolphins, Loizos Stylish Residences, Venus Sunrise Suites & Villas, Sienna Eco Resort.   

Check here for the available special offers from the hospitality sponsors for the participants of Santorini Experience, which are only valid during the event’s days: https://www.santorini-experience.com/en/event-info/accommodation-offers/

Santorini Experience is organized by the Municipality of Thira and ActiveMedia Group. The event is held under the auspices of the Greek Ministry of Tourism and the Greek National Tourism Organization.

For more information visit: www.santorini-experience.com

Photo credit: Santorini Experience

WORLD TRIATHLON Golden day for David Cantero in Valencia

 

The golden hour in Valencia has a special meaning for David Cantero del Campo. The Spanish rising star made it clear that racing at home gives you “about a 10% of extra power” to claim the 2024 World Triathlon Cup Valencia in front of the home crowd that included his parents, friends and family. Second on the day was Australia’s Callum McClusky, while another Spaniard, Sergio Baxter Cabrera, rounded a perfect day for the Spanish team claiming the last spot of the podium.

The course in Valencia, flat, fast and technical looked like homemade for the star of the large Spanish team deployed in the Mediterranean city for the World Cup, David Cantero. The young rising star, only 22 years of age and born and raised in Valencia, had proven before that he is one of the fastest men on the circuit when it all comes down to a run, but the question of the day was if he would be able to repeat his outstanding victory on the same course just one year ago.

But one year can be a really long time, especially if the summer was one with a few set backs for the young Spaniard, who had to cope with a few injuries after his 4th place earlier this season in Hong Kong and a 5th in Samarkand. But missing the Olympics meant a long block of training for Cantero, and by the results of the race in Valencia, it did pay off.

The race started with a fast non wetsuit swim that was led by Darr Smith (USA) and Nicola Azzano (ITA), and both of them led a small group of 8 athletes that tried to break away in the first meters of the bike segment. The group of nine had newcomers on the circuit and getting organised was not easy, and soon the 15 seconds difference faded away, as the chase group led by Antonio Serrat Seoane, Sergio Baxter Cabrera, David Cantero and Gabor Faldum got the chasers organised.

Half way through the 20km bike, the leaders were caught by the chasers and a massive train, with over thirty athletes, just tried to save some legs during the remaining two laps of the flat bike course, but also trying to stay out of trouble by keeping positions in front of the group.

The first one to touch the ground in the second transition was Cantero, displaying a super fast dismount and transition, enough to give him a few seconds of a lead in the first meters of the run, along with Australia’s Callum McClusky, the only one able to follow the speedy Spaniard.

McClusky, another great runner, stayed right at the heels of Cantero during the first lap of the run, while behind them three other Spaniards -Serrat, Baxter and Genis Grau- along with Hungary’s Gabor Faldom followed their feet, knowing that they would have to fight for the remaining spot on the podium.

But Cantero was not willing to give anyone a chance and didn’t want to leave the glory for the last sprint. With almost two kilometers to go, the Spaniard pushed and this time, McClusky was not able to follow him, while the crowds went wild. Cheering Cantero’s name, the Spaniard flew back to the Marina to step on the blue carpet not looking back, ready to enjoy the last meters by himself, and crossed the finish line all smiles, with time to bow in respect for the crowds that helped him to get the victory in Valencia, second in a row for him. “This race couldn’t have been any better. I had my family and friends here supporting me and they gave me all the strengh I needed today to be able to win here”, he said. “This season has not been easy for me, but this win here gives me the confidence to end the season with a high. Today was a really tactic race but it did play out, I am really happy”, he explained.

Second on the day was McClusky, on his second podium on a World Cup after his win in Napier, the first World Cup of the season. “David Cantero pushed me all day today, it was a really good showdown and I can only congratulate him”, he said. “The start of the season was really good for me but I was not able to match that performance afterwards so I am really happy to be back in good form now”.

The sprint for bronze between Serrat and Baxter ended up with the younger, Baxter, claiming the remaining spot of the podium, a third place that meant the world for him, after a year dealing with multiple injuries and being sick in bed the last four days. “It feels great to be back on the podium, last time was quite a while ago, surely not this year. I haven’t been able to train properly for a while, so really happy to be back on the podium, and even more here on home soil”. “I tried to leave Serrat behind on the second lap but I couldn’t. We both knew that one will go home without a medal and I didn’t want to be that one, so I found a last push and made it”, he said.

Serrat ended up with the bittersweet chocolate medal, fourth place, while Arnaud Mengal (BEL) closed the top five with a great run split, 14:30. The 6th place was for Azzano, with Reese Vannerson (USA), Liam Donnelly (CAN), Grau and Faldum rounding the top ten, a mix of new comers to the circuit with some of the most experienced athletes.

Canoe Polo Clubs European Champion titles to Spain and Great Britain

 

We have the 2024 ECA Canoe Polo Clubs European Champions. FOA Liverpool took the win in men's part of the tournament, held in Bacoli – Naples, Italy, while Spanish team Deportiva Pinatarense won the title in women's tournament.

After two days of exciting 2024 ECA Canoe Polo Clubs European Championships in Bacoli – Naples, two new teams were crowned Club Champions of the old continent. FOA Liverpool succeeded MKC Duisburg in men’s tournament, and Deportiva Pinatarense last year’s champions Avranches in women’s part of the tournament.

In men’s gold medal match the defending champions MKC Duisburg played against the British team FOA Liverpool. It was not a match for those with weak heart as it brought a lot of interesting developments. The FOA Liverpool took the lead 3:0 thanks to Andreas Iverson, Jack Inder and Shivan McCutcheon, but this lead was not enough for tranquil remaining of the match. The Germans were very persistent, and they managed to get back fully into the game with three consecutive goals and the result was tied to 3:3. Tim Riecke with one goal and Erik Beukenbusch tied the result for open remaining of the match. Then Andreas Iverson scored his second goal of the final match for another lead of British team, when Moritz Backer scored the fourth goal of the MKC Duisburg. The hero of the final for FOA Liverpool was Santanman McCutcheon who scored the winning fifth goal.

The local club Canoa Club Napoli played in the bronze medal match against French team Avranches and managed to win the third place in front of their home crowd. Italians won with a result 5:4. The match was very intense with the result tied at 1:1, 2:2, 3:3 and 4:4. The winning fifth goal was scored by Alessandro Schiano Di Cola. Andrea Silvio Costagliola scored twice for Napoli, and Michele Manuel Pugliese and Fabrizio Massa contributed a goal each to bring a win to the local team. Pierre Batin, Guillaume Morin, Leo Dehainault and Thomas Thieulent scored for Avranches.

The winners of the women’s part of the tournament come from Spain. The Deportiva Pinatarense club celebrated European Champion title in a match against German KRM Essen, where they won with a score 3:2. The Spanish team took the 3:0 lead thanks to Beatriz Carmona Quevedo, Lorena Nieto Perez and Nerea Saez Dia. The German team fought hard, and they were brought back into the game with goals from Annabel Wolff and Jill Rutzen (3:2). However, the result was not overturned, and the Spanish team managed to defend their minimal lead until the end of the match.

There were more goals scored in the bronze medal match. KV Keistad from Netherlands stood against Italian team Canottieri Ichnusa and won with a result 4:2. The Dutch team took a 3:0 lead. Selina Dijkstra scored the first two goals of the match and Sara Lanao – Madden scored for 3:0. The next two goals were scored by Anna Esposito and Roberta Catania, but the hopes were crushed by the fourth goal of KV Keistad, scored by Marijke Dijkman for a final 4:2 win.

WEBSITE: https://ecaclub2024.wixsite.com/eca-club-bacoli-2024/

SCHEDULE/RESULTS: https://www.tournifyapp.com/live/eca-bacoli-2024/schedule

MORE: https://canoepolo-tournaments.eu/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/canoanapoli/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canoaclubnapoli/

WORLD TRIATHLON Lisa Tertsch outruns the field to take the tape at the Valencia World Cup

It was no turning back for Germany’s Lisa Tertsch as the current Olympic champion of the Mixed Relay delivered a classy run segment to take the tape of the 2024 World Triathlon Cup Valencia on her first race after the Olympics. Second on the day was Olivia Mathias, delivering an impressive race beginning to end after two years struggling with injuries, while the bronze medal was for France’s Candice Denizot on her first ever World Cup podium.

Over 40 women lined up at the Valencia Marina with the sun shining bright up on the sky of the Mediterranean city, with the water at 28 degrees and the sea calm and flat, but the swim was not an easy one, with a large group making it together to the first buoy, ending up with many involved in the usual ‘washing machine’ before heading back to the Marina.

And it was Australia’s Emma Jeffcoat the one who faced the swim exit ramp in first place, followed by Candice Denizot (FRA), Olivia Mathias (GBR) and Sophie Howell (CAN), with Zuzana Michalickova (SVK) and Diana Isakova (AIN) the first ones that were not able to make the lead group.

As soon as the four leaders were on the bike, Mathias and Jeffcoat started to get organised and push hard to try to open a significant break, knowing that the German squad, led by Lisa Tertsch and Tanja Neubert, would be trying to catch them before they finish the 20km bike course.

Mathias and Jeffcoat put their heads down and worked in turns, followed by Howell and Denizot, and by the time they were half way through the bike, the four had a 40 seconds lead over the chase group, let by Tertsch, Anna Godoy Contreras (ESP), Noelia Juan (ESP), Maria Casals Mujica (ESP), Solveig Løvseth (NOR) and Tanja Neubert (GER). The flat out and back course made it hard for the large chase group, while the four in front were not taking it easy. With less than one lap to go, Løvseth and Neubert added one extra gear and left the chase group on the chase of the leaders, but ended up on no one’s land for the last two kilometers, to hit the second transition just 15 seconds before the leading four.

Mathias and Denizot had both excellent transitions and were quickly on the run before the chasers hit the blue carpet, but the large group managed to finally get organised and started the run only 21 seconds behind. And that’s the moment when the real chase started. While Mathias and Denizot moved up in front, Tertscht moved like a panther, and by the time they had finished the first couple of kilometers, she was already breathing on the neck of Emma Jeffcoat, at that moment in third place.

Mathias and Denizot started to look behind them quite nervous, but the German look determined and continued the chase, and with 1.5 kilometers to go moved to the first place, not even looking back when she passed the Brit and the French, knowing that behind them another fast German was coming: Tanja Neubert. She also managed to move in front of Jeffcoat, who struggled in the second lap of the run, and brought with her Solveig Løvseth, also in the chase of a podium position.

Facing the blue carpet, Tertscht had no one on sight and was all smiles when she grabbed the tape to claim the second gold of her career at the Valencia World Cup, after her victory in 2022, a boost of confidence for the German before heading to Weihai for the next stop of the World Triathlon Championship Series. “I am exhausted now, but I could feel that my legs were ready for a good run today, so I am really happy with the result”, she said, after crossing the finish line. “I knew that I had some time to make up for, I was trying to run at my own pace in the first lap, but of course you see that you are coming closer and is easy to go too fast so I was trying to not over pace myself, although is very tempting to push more. I didn’t want to leave it til the blue carpet, you never know what every one has on their legs at the end but it did work out well for me”, she said.

The German clocked a fantastic 16:05 run split to claim gold, while Mathias managed to cross the finish line in second place, a silver with a taste of much more after the challenging year for the Brit. “Finally we managed to make a swim-bike breakaway and make it until the finish line or almost. All four of us worked so hard on the bike to get away, I can only congratulate them (Jeffcoat, Howell and Denizot) for their amazing work today. It doesn’t happen often to have all of us willing to commit and I can only thank them. I knew that after that bike the run will be hard, but I just tried to stay calm and believe on myself. This year has been rough, so this just feels great”, said Mathias.

Also delighted was Denizot, climbing on a World Cup podium for the first time of her career on her second World Cup appearance. “I am really happy, we all did a great jov today”, she said.

Fourth on the finish line was Neubert, with Løvseth close behind to round a top five. Diana Isakova crossed the finish line in 6th place, followed by Emma Jeffcoat, Jule Behrens (GER), Anna Godoy Contreras (ESP) and Zuzana Michalickova (SVK) closing the top 10.

WATER POLO USA Women Take Fourth Place At Paris Olympic Games Following Heartbreaking Loss To The Netherlands

 

Paris, France - August 10 - The U.S. Olympic Women's Water Polo Team earned fourth place at the Paris Olympic Games following a heartbreaking 11-10 loss to the Netherlands earlier today. Maddie Musselman, Ryann Neushul and Jenna Flynn all scored two goals in the loss with Ashleigh Johnson adding 10 saves. The loss snaps the program's streak of winning a medal in every Olympic Games to offer women's water polo dating back to 2000. Team USA built a four goal lead in the second half but couldn't hold off a rally from the Netherlands that saw five goals in the fourth quarter.  Click here for more on USA Water Polo at the Paris Olympic Games.

Rachel Fattal delivered the opening salvo in the first quarter putting Team USA up 1-0 at the 6:27 mark. The Netherlands tied it up a few minutes later at 1-1 on the first of six goals on the day from Sabrina van der Sloot. With just about two minutes to go in the quarter the United States made a push as Ryann Neushul and Musselman each buried power play goals for a 3-1 edge. The Netherlands got one back late in the period for a 3-2 game headed to the second quarter.

Team USA looked to take control in the second period as Flynn opened with a power play goal followed by a player advantage strike from Emily Ausmus for a 5-2 lead with 4:20 remaining in the first half. The Netherlands got one back shortly thereafter for a 5-3 match but the United States had a strong response. With less than 90 seconds to play in the half Kaleigh Gilchrist and Neushul scored on natural goals for a 7-3 game at halftime. Early in the third quarter the Netherlands got back within three but a Musselman penalty shot score pushed it back to four at 8-4 with 5:33 to play in the third. The Netherlands closed the quarter hitting on two of the last three goals scored to make it 9-6 in favor of Team USA going to the fourth.

van der Sloot hit on a penalty to open the fourth but Flynn came back with her second goal to make it 10-7 with 4:26 to play. After that the Team USA offense went cold and the Netherlands gathered up all the momentum. The Dutch scored two goals in less than a minute to make it 10-9 with a little over three minutes to play. At the 1:19 mark it was a power play goal that tied the match at 10-10. Then with just one second left in regulation van der Sloot finished things off with her sixth tally, the game-winner to push the Netherlands to victory at 11-10. A final attempt from mid-pool by Team USA was halted as time ran out.

Team USA went 5/9 on power plays and 1/2 on penalties while the Netherlands went 4/8 on power plays and 2/2 on penalties.

Scoring - Stats

USA 10 (3, 4, 2, 1) J. Flynn 2, R. Neushul 2, M. Musselman 2, E. Ausmus 1, K. Gilchrist 1, R. Fattal 1, J. Raney 1

NED 11 (2, 1, 3, 5) S. van der Sloot 6, V. Sevenich 2, S. van de Kraats 1, B. Rogge 1, L. Moolhuijzen 1

Saves - USA - A. Johnson 10 - NED - L. Aarts 8

6x5 - USA - 5/9 - NED - 4/8

Penalties - USA - 1/2 - NED - 2/2

WATER POLO USA Men Defeated By Serbia 10-6; Will Play For Bronze On Sunday

 

Paris, France - August 9 - The U.S. Men's Olympic Water Polo Team came up short in their semifinal battle with Serbia, losing 10-6 earlier today. Marko Vavic scored twice to lead the offense with Adrian Weinberg recording 15 saves in net. Team USA now looks towards the bronze medal match on Sunday against the loser of the Hungary/Croatia semifinal. Game time is set for 10:35am Paris time/4:35am et/1:35am pt with LIVE coverage on USA Network and Peacock. The match will re-air on USA Network at 10:30am pt. Click here for more broadcast details. Click here for more on USA Water Polo at the Paris Olympic Games.

Marko Vavic picked up where he left off on Wednesday evening, scoring the first goal in this one after hitting the game-winner in the quarterfinal round. Team USA led 1-0 before Serbia came back to tie the match with 3:39 left in the quarter. Ryder Dodd hit on a power play moments later to put the United States back ahead at 2-1. With less than ninety seconds to go in the quarter Serbia scored again to even the match at 2-2 after one. Halfway through the second quarter it was Serbia taking a lead they would never give up as they pulled ahead 3-2 with 4:22 to play. Serbia followed with another as Nikola Jacksic scored one of his three on the way for a 4-2 lead. Luca Cupido came back with a strike on the next possession to get the United States back within one at 4-3. With under three minutes to go it was Serbia hitting again, this time on the power play for a 5-3 lead. Ben Hallock kept the see-saw battle going, drilling a power play try for a 5-4 game with 2:27 to play. Serbia had the last word as Nikola Dedovic hit on one of his four goals in the match for a 6-4 edge at intermission.

Serbia opened up a three-goal lead in the first minute of the third quarter, leading 7-4. Vavic clawed one back on a power play to make it 7-5. Serbia again went up three at 8-5 but Alex Bowen connected on a power play to keep the USA close at 8-6 with play moving to the fourth quarter. Serbia tightened up their defense over the final eight minutes as they held Team USA scoreless. On the other end Serbia was able to keep their offense going. Two power play goals spelled doom for Team USA as Serbia took the match by four.

Team USA went 5/16 on the power play while Serbia went 7/10 with neither side attempting a penalty shot.

Scoring - Stats

USA 6 (2, 2, 2, 0) M. Vavic 2, R. Dodd 1, A. Bowen 1, L. Cupido 1, B. Hallock 1

SRB 10 (2, 4, 2, 2) N. Dedovic 4, N. Jaksic 3, N. Vico 1, P. Jaksic 1, S. Randelovic 1

Saves - USA - A. Weinberg 15 - SRB - R. Filipovic 10

6x5 - USA - 5/16 - SRB - 7/10

Penalties - USA - 0/0 - SRB - 0/0