If you have been paying attention recently, the French men have given their game away. More specifically, they have subtly revealed how they plan to dominate this year’s World Triathlon Championships Series.
One of the hints came from the reigning world champion, Léo Bergere. In an Instagram post, he emphasised the work he has done in the pool. In his words, “I want to make sure my swim allows me to make it to the front pack all the time this year”.
Moreover, two time WTCS gold medallist Dorian Coninx similarly posted about his swimming. In his post, he simply shared a video of himself swimming at 1:06/100m pace in what appears to be a 50m pool.
Pierre Le Corre also posted a clip of his swimming. Indeed, he appeared to produce a 1:03 100m in a 25m pool. Whether that was on its own or part of a session is unclear.
What is clear is the message the French men are sending.
They are going to push the swim and try to take control of every race from the off.
On the one hand, it is easy to read too much into these posts. Had only one of the French athletes posted about their swim, it would have been easier to dismiss. Three, however, speaks to a trend.
Consider the subliminal message of the posts. There’s Coninx swimming at 1:06 pace. There’s Le Corre dropping a 1:03. When leading contenders like Hayden Wilde admit to not having broken the 1:00 barrier in the 100m, the pace the French athletes are broadcasting is telling.
The strategy of seizing control in the water paid handsome dividends last year. Vincent Luis won WTCS Bermuda on the back of it while we all know what happened in Abu Dhabi.
Back in December, we suggested this trend would pick up but what we had not counted on is the French being so open about it. They are effectively signalling to the field what they plan to do, daring anybody to do something about it.
It is known that Hayden Wilde is trying to improve his swim. Indeed, he stated that it would be one of his core priorities over the winter. He will need to.
What of Alex Yee and Kristian Blummenfelt? Will their swims be able to live with the French armada?
Recently we highlighted the swimming performances of some of the best swimmers in the men’s field. It was no surprise to see Vincent Luis and Coninx among them. With Vincent Luis’ swimming prowess included, there is every chance that the French quartet of WTCS medallists set a ferocious pace at the front of the race.
The strategy, then, that the French team plan to deploy this year is obvious. They will be gunning for the swim at every single race and will try to break the field with their speed. Once two or three or four of them break clear into a small group, the rest of the field will be on the back foot.
So, if we know what the French plan to do, there is only one real question to ask.
Will anyone be able to stop them?
