[Triathlon] Mixed fortunes in the rain

Gene Leher shines, struggles Stefan Zakos, falls Bob Haller and Eva Daniels: It was a mixed day for the Luxemburgers on Saturday during the WTCS in Yokohama.

It was near Yokohama, in Japan, the last event, which counted towards the first year of qualifying for the Paris Olympics. Therefore, the international crème de la crème was present to try and get as many points as possible before attacking the second leg.

On the Luxembourg side, there were four to start with, with two girls, Jane Leher and Eva Daniels, and two boys, Bob Haller and Stefan Zakos. The best performance, by far, goes to Jeanne Leher, who finishes an impressive 12th^H 2’07 place from the winner, Britain’s Sophie Caldwell. The new Luxembourgers in particular relied on a great race (2^H general chrono) to get this result. who remains his second best player in the WTCS.

Where Jane Leher had to fight for: “I didn’t swim hard, even if I had something stuck in my wetsuit. At the start of the bike I start alone, then I’m caught up by a German who doesn’t take over. Finally I was caught up in a big group in which there was a lot A good sprinter. From the start of the race I put myself in front and there’s a German sticking to me. I have to do 9,950 meters in front without being passed in the relay, and in the sprint she knocked me down. Besides, I think she can beat some guys .

“Top 12 Incredible!”

At the time of crossing the line, she had no idea where she was: “Top 20, I told myself, it wouldn’t be disgusting, but then I’d be disappointed. Top 15 would be great. But Top 12 is unbelievable!” “I’m doing it for the second time on foot. I don’t know if it was me who did something crazy or the others weren’t at their level. But I’m really happy!” Less fortunate was her fellow countrywoman, Eva Daniels, who was forced to retire after a fall her bike.

It must be said that the heavy rain did not help the athletes, who, at the age of about fifteen, had given up. And unfortunately, Bob Haller is one of them. A heartbreak for the elite athlete of the Army of Luxembourg, who went well: “Swimming went well. Admittedly, I’m still a little behind. But compared to last year, when I swam really hard, this year I was able to stand up for myself in the water. To do what is necessary “.

Once on the bike, he immediately sensed something was wrong: “From the first corner, I noticed my rear wheel was slipping. In corners where I’m usually comfortable, I didn’t necessarily feel good. But after three or four corners, I gained confidence and things went smoothly.” Better. Unfortunately, it wasn’t going to last: “At the end of the first lap, coming into Yamashita Park, in the penultimate corner, we switched from the macadams to a cobbled part, which is much more slippery. And my rear wheel is gone.

A severe fall prevents him from continuing. And he leaves the physical consequences to him: “I was badly hurt. I have scrapes all over and a small hole in my knee. Luckily, we didn’t need to sew it up. But beyond the physical aspect, it is morale that has taken a big hit above all. It’s a letdown.” Great. For me, the possibility of finishing this first part of the Olympic qualifying well and getting into the tacks before attacking the second part with important Olympic points. Now we have to put that aside. I hope to be able to integrate the WTCS in Cagliari, in a couple of weeks To be able to show what I can do.

Thus, there will only be one player in Luxembourg’s trio: Stefan Zakos, 41^H Center, 5’16″ from the big winner, New Zealander Hayden Wilde: “Stefan does a good part of the swim, it was more difficult on the bike and he does a decent run,” analyzes Thomas Andreus, coach of the national team.