Lewisham’s Alex Yee wins gold at Triathlon Olympic Test Event in Paris
Lewisham’s Alex Yee sent out a statement to his triathlon rivals ahead of next summer’s Olympic Games as he claimed a dominant gold medal in the Triathlon Olympic Test Event, on the same course that they will race on in 2024.
Yee, who won individual silver and team gold in Tokyo, came into the race after winning twice in the World Triathlon Championship Series earlier this year, and executed a near-perfect game plan to beat Portugal’s Vasco Vilaca by 14 seconds.
He said: “I’m really happy with the way the race went.
“It was beautiful [the course]. It had lots to do, with currents on the swim, the cobbles on the bike and tight turns and it becoming a big pack. There were lots of exciting things happening. I was just really pleased with how it went, and we’ve got a great course for next year.
“It’s amazing, you’re just in awe all the time as you’re racing through the amazing landmarks that you dream of racing down. I have grown up watching the Tour de France all my life, those cobbles are a holy part of cycling, so for us to get an opportunity [to race on them] is just bonkers.
“I appreciate this is the Test Event and there’s a long time until we race next year but to be able to have the first experience on this course, it gives me confidence that I can come back and do my best to replicate what I did today.”
The Brit finished the 1,500m swim in 20th but quickly moved up the field on the bike section of the race. With over 50 athletes separated by just five seconds at one stage of the 40km bike course that passed the sights of the French capital, Yee did well to keep out of trouble and remain in contention in the world-class field.
As the group moved on to the 10km run, the 25-year-old found himself behind America Morgan Pearson, but Yee quickly overtook him and never looked back. With each lap his lead grew, reaching almost 30 seconds at one stage, allowing him to soak up the atmosphere and the occasion as he crossed the finish line to take the win.
The attention for the British triathletes will now turn to Sunday’s mixed team relay event.
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