Germany’s Lisa Tertsch showcased her exceptional talent by winning the elite women’s race at the World Triathlon Championship finals held in Wollongong, Australia, on March 10, 2024. This victory marks Tertsch’s first world championship title as she outperformed a competitive field, finishing the race with a time that secured her a 14-second lead over Italy’s Bianca Seregni.
Tertsch, who has been a prominent figure in triathlon, maintained a strong presence throughout the 1.5 kilometers swim, 40 kilometers cycle, and 10 kilometers run. She led the pack after the first lap of the swim and entered the cycling segment in a strong position. Following the first transition, she was in command of the race, with the Olympic champion Cassandre Beaugrand trailing closely behind.
During the cycling leg, a six-rider breakaway group formed, comprising Tertsch, Beaugrand, Beth Potter of Britain, Seregni, Emma Lombardi of France, and Jessica Fullagar from Britain. As the race progressed, it became evident that Tertsch’s performance would be decisive. She entered the second transition just two seconds behind Lombardi, who had taken the lead.
As the run unfolded, Beaugrand began to struggle and ultimately withdrew from the race. Potter also fell back, leaving Tertsch, Seregni, Lombardi, and Fullagar to battle it out for the championship. Tertsch, a former cross-country star, displayed her endurance and speed in the final lap, pulling ahead decisively from Seregni.
With this victory, Tertsch not only claimed the championship title but also secured her position at the top of the world championship standings, finishing with a total of 3,886.26 points. She surpassed Leonie Periault of France, who finished second with 3,577.04 points, while Potter rounded out the top three. Taylor Spivey of the United States finished in fourth place.
Tertsch’s achievement is a testament to her dedication and skill. The 26-year-old athlete, who has previously won gold as part of the German team in the mixed team relay at the 2023 Paris Olympic Games, continues to rise as a formidable competitor in the world of triathlon. Her performance on Sunday not only reflects her potential but also sets the stage for her future endeavors in the sport.
