There were some amazing athletes at the 9th edition of the Standard Bank Indian Ocean Triathlon, which was held successfully on Saturday, November 11th. Co-organized by LUX * Sports, VO2MAX Voyages and the Mauritian Triathlon Federation, the event hosted four international champions, including Frenchmen Cyril Viennot, Laurent Jalabert, Nathalie Simon and Toumy Degham, who won the last two editions. 220 passionate and dedicated triathletes from various parts of the world were on the starting line. The day ended with a superb victory for Cyril Viennot in the men's and Jade Roberts for the ladies.
It was a clash of titans at the 9th edition of the Standard Bank Indian Ocean Triathlon on Saturday November 11, with a beautiful fight between two champions. Toumy Degham was the first to come out of the water a few seconds ahead of Cyril Viennot. A chase ensued between the two men on the spectacular and scenic routes of the south of the country. Cyril Viennot made for the difference during the running event to win his first victory at the Indian Ocean Triathlon, thus dethroning the double winner Toumy Degham. Laurent Jalabert, a faithful of the race, finished in the 4th place.
Cyril Viennot was long distance running world champion in 2015 and silver medalist in 2016. He was also the best French triathlete in Hawaii in 2014 and 2015 and has a well-packed track record with several victories on the IRONMAN circuit and the Gerardmer Triathlon XL in France. On the women's side, it was South African champion Jade Roberts who won her first and well-fought victory in this event, ahead of her compatriot Kirsten Schut, last year’s big winner.
"We are pleased to see the growing popularity of this event every year. The Standard Bank Indian Ocean Triathlon strengthens its international dimension with many participants from France, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Finland, South Africa and Reunion, among others, but also many great international champions. It is also considered as one of the most beautiful triathlons in the world by Triathlete Magazine, because of the beauty of its course and its landscapes," explains Albert d'Unienville, Manager of LUX * Sports.
The Standard Bank Indian Ocean Triathlon prides itself on offering an exceptional tour: from the magnificent lagoon of Le Morne to the scenic routes through the villages of Bel Ombre, Le Morne, Chamarel, Baie du Cap and La Prairie. Nathalie Simon, famous French TV host and windsurfing champion, is not one to dispute that fact. "It really is the most beautiful triathlon in the world; the atmosphere is superb, the tracks magnificent and the LUX* Le Morne resort is simply amazing. I very much hope to be able to come back next year," she said after her performance.
Laurent Jalabert, one of the greatest French cycling champions and World Road Champion, made his trip to Mauritius for the sixth time. “It's a wonderful triathlon that I particularly like. It is very technical; the organization is excellent and the atmosphere very friendly. In addition, LUX* Resorts and Hotels including LUX* Le Morne, offers quality accommodation. I will definitely come back!”
Laurent Gillard, creator of the event and director of VO2MAX Voyages in France, is very proud of the success of each edition of the Standard Bank Indian Ocean Triathlon. "Our customers come from all over the world to take part in this event and have a wonderful holiday. They also have the privilege of participating in pre-race training sessions with the champions," concludes our interviewee, inviting everyone to come up against the champions next year.
Data sheet & results
Large format
Swimming: 1.8 km in the Morne lagoon
Road Cycling: 55 km [Le Morne-Chamarel-Fantasy-Baie du Cap-Bel Ombre / Bel Ombre-Baie du Cap-Macondé-Village du Morne-Le Morne]
Running time : 12 km [Embafilaos Restaurant-Pointe du Morne-LUX beach * Le Morne-Restaurant
Embafilaos (3 x 4 km)]
Small format
Swimming: 500 m in the Morne lagoon
Road Cycling: 13 km [Le Morne Road]
Running: 3 km [Embafilaos Restaurant-Pointe du Morne-Lux Beach * Le Morne-Restaurant Embafilaos]
Sponsors et partners
Sponsors: Standard Bank
MTPA
LUX* Resorts & Hotels
Phoenix Bev
Sailfish
Triathlète Magazine
City Sport
Meltonic
Energade Drinks