As Beaugrand Eyes Historic Gold at Home, Potter and Co. Hope to Play Spoiler

TOGETHER WITH BLUESEVENTY

Good morning everyone,

Was it a surprise to anyone that the Men’s triathlon had to be postponed due to water quality issues? 

• Well, it certainly was to me!

$1.5 billion spent on infrastructure to improve water quality in the Seine was no match for the heavy rains during Friday’s opening ceremony. It’s disappointing as many of us thought that the after-effects would be washed out before Monday morning when the water quality tests were taken.

So now, the men’s race has been postponed to tomorrow at 10:45 AM local time. Right after the women tear up the course.

• I’m still optimistic that the athletes will be competing tomorrow in what will be a historic day of racing.

Thanks for being here,

-Matt Sharpe, newsletter editor

Have a triathlete in your life who can't stop swimming, biking, or running? Fire this off to them. Forwarded from a friend? Sign-up for free. 

TOGETHER WITH BLUESEVENTY

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TEMPO AT THE GAMES

As Beaugrand Eyes Historic Gold at Home, Potter and Co. Hope to Play Spoiler

What is it: Only three years removed from a thrilling Tokyo Olympic triathlon, the women will have the opportunity to captivate on the Champs.

• But the gold-medal landscape has shifted significantly since 2021, with two athletes looking to prove they can win on the biggest stage.

France’s favorite: Since Tokyo, Cassandre Beaugrand has evolved into an all-around threat. Always at the front of the race in the swim, she now holds her own on the bike and uses a devastating run to fly to victory.

• This year she’s asserted her dominance even more by winning WTCS Cagliari and the most recent World Series race in Hamburg.

She’s a top pick for the win. The only way she misses the podium is if a group of athletes catches her off guard as they head out onto the bike…

Potter returns: After making her Olympic debut in athletics in 2016, Beth Potter (GBR) returns to the Games as a three-sport star.

In every year since 2021, Potter has improved her performance. This culminated in 2023 when she became World Champion after winning the Paris Test Event and the World Triathlon Grand Final.

• However, 2024 has seen her off her winning ways as she’s been distanced twice on the run by Beaugrand.

And similar to Beaugrand, if her swim is off she could see a high-powered front pack ride off into the gold-colored sunset.

Runners high: Should the favorites falter, some athletes will look to run their way to a surprise win.

• Leonie Periault (FRA) - won WTCS Yokohama with a 33:02 run split.

• Lisa Tertsch (FRA) - Two recent WTCS second-place finishes where she bested Potter.

Front pack firepower: Paris will be anything but a run race if Taylor Knibb (USA) has her way. The American, who is always a threat for the podium, will be looking to use her game-changing bike strength to shed the runners.

Likely race scenario: As explained in our men’s preview, the Olympic triathlon is more likely to feature a front pack out of the water. Throw in the dynamic conditions of a river swim and it will cause even more chaos to those who struggle in the first leg.

• Tokyo featured a small breakaway of 7 athletes. Paris looks to be similar, but with even more athletes flexing from the front.

Tempo’s take: After the amuse-bouche of the mens race, triathlon’s plat principal will be served. In my eyes, the women’s race is incredibly intriguing and absolutely wide open.

• And unlike the men’s race, the women’s race will guarantee a thrilling breakaway. There is simply too much firepower up front to imagine a second pack reeling them in.

So, besides select favorites listed above, these athletes could all feature on the podium in a breakaway scenario,

• Flora Duffy (BER)

• Emma Lombardi

• (FRA)Georgia Taylor-Brown

• (GBR)Kate Waugh

• (GBR)Laura Lindemann (GER)

• Kirsten Kasper (USA)

• Taylor Spivey (USA)

The 8 AM Paris start time is rough for those in an unfavorable time zone - and on a school night no less! And now that the men’s race is happening right after, it could be a long night for triathlon fans.

• So, if you can only lose sleep for one race. Make it this one.

FAVOURITES

🧂 Why is your sweat so salty? Is it from diet changes alone? What about during longer races like half or full-distance events? The crew at GTN have the enlightening answer! [GTN]

🚴 After maybe winning another gold medal in tomorrow’s Olympic Triathlon, Norway’s Kristian Blummenfelt won’t be celebrating for too long. Instead, he’ll begin his quest to win the Tour de France in 2028! [Velo]

🧠 We’ve all heard about the benefits of probiotics and how they a help maintain gut health. But if probiotics are a thing, does that mean postbiotics are? Apparently yes! And they could help your training by improving your mood and reducing fatigue. [Tom Coughlin]*

*Our apologies for not having the link yesterday!

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