Prior to WTCS Abu Dhabi, we wrote that the French men’s team had effectively broadcasted their strategy for the upcoming WTCS season.
With a range of posts about their swimming coming almost simultaneously, it seemed the French were making a subtle point. This came after wins for Vincent Luis and Leo Bergere at WTCS Bermuda and WTCS Abu Dhabi last year. At each race, the French set a stiff pace in the swim to break up the field. Once they made it onto the bike, they formed a small breakaway, one that would not be caught.
At the first WTCS race of 2023, the French were faced with a Sprint distance test. This slightly altered the dynamics from their previous Olympic distance successes.
Nevertheless, Vincent Luis led the way in the swim, setting the fastest time. Right on his feet was Dorian Coninx.
Leo Bergere, though, did not make the front group and conceded over 20 seconds to his team mates. Had he made that front group, the plan would have worked almost perfectly. The Coninx-Luis group had a small advantage out of T1. However, it was a smaller gap than the ones they enjoyed in November 2022.
Moreover, the lead group did not quite get organised and so within the first two laps the main pack enveloped them.
On paper, then, the French strategy worked at first and showed promise, but did not quite come together.
Over the Sprint distance, that is a reasonable outcome. More so, given that it was so early in the year. Once everyone is in full fighting shape in the summer, it could be a different situation.
If Luis and Coninx are able to stay at the front of the swim all season, they will have plenty of opportunities for wins and medals.
One aspect that stood out was how much that front group actually missed Bergere. Once he made it to the front with the main group, he attacked and created a four man breakaway that out-rode a pack ten times bigger for a couple of laps.
Such is Bergere’s nous and riding ability, it is hard to shake the notion that if he had made that front group with Luis and Coninx, a breakaway would have had a much better chance of sticking.
Finally, there was one other point to consider.
At WTCS Abu Dhabi (2022), Pierre Le Corre produced a series of mammoth turns on the bike. He is one of the most experienced athletes in the field and a strong swim-biker. Having him back in the race would no doubt reinforce the French team and provide a lot more firepower with which to pursue their strategy.
While long distance triathlon may be turning Le Corre’s head, he might be one the most important pieces in the French team. If they want their swim-driven breakaways to stick, France might have to call Pierre.
Overall, the French showed more than enough in Abu Dhabi to make the rest of the field wary this year. Even though their tactics did not completely pay dividends, they finished 4th, 5th and 6th.
Once the Olympic distance races roll around, then, watch for France to try their strategy again. If the field is not careful, there is a real danger of the French men locking out at least one WTCS podium this year.
