TAUPŌ, New Zealand (Dec. 15, 2024) – The best male triathletes in the sport racing for World Championship glory have capped off a sensational VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Taupō, New Zealand. Jelle Geens (BEL) took the crown and was named IRONMAN 70.3 World Champion, with Hayden Wilde (NZL) and Léo Bergère (FRA) rounding out the podium. Gregory Barnaby’s (ITA) ninth place finish gave him enough points to claim the inaugural IRONMAN Pro Series.
Athletes began their journey with a 1.9-kilometre swim in the pristine waters of Lake Taupō with views of Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro, and Mt Ngāuruhoe in the distance. The 90-kilometre, single loop FulGaz bike course featured stunning and wide-open countryside, challenging rolling hills, and punchy climbs. The final leg, the 21.1-kilometre HOKA run course, featured two laps along the Taupō lakefront in front of a sea of triathlon fans.
A First for Belgium: In a race for the ages, it was IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship rookie Jelle Geens (BEL) who rose above the rest of the professional men’s field to take the tape in 3:32:09 – setting a new IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship course best by 13 seconds. Close to the front all day, Geens would make his final and decisive move 18km into the run to pass a gutsy Hayden Wilde (NZL) for the lead to become Belgium’s first ever IRONMAN 70.3 World Champion. (Photo Credit: Fiona Goodall / Getty Images for IRONMAN
Making Waves in Lake Taupō: Athletes woke to another day of clear skies and expansive mountain views across Lake Taupō. The south-westerly breeze made for slightly choppier conditions than Saturday’s race, but the professional men made lightwork of the 1.9km ROKA swim with a group of 14 exiting within 30 seconds of each other. Almost 3,200 age group athletes followed the pros, swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Taupō from the Yacht Club to shoreline opposite transition in Kaimanawa Reserve. (Photo Credit: Graeme Murry / IRONMAN)
Accepting the Challenge: As the seconds ticked down before the start of the men’s race, a waka made up of Ngāti Tūwharetoa tāne (men) rowed ashore before laying down a wero (challenge) to all those preparing to race. Performing a spinetingling display of strength, the Tūhingamata kapa haka group showcased Ahai (rakau/paddle moves) and a powerful haka, setting the tone for the day. (Photo Credit: Graeme Murray / IRONMAN)
Straight Out of National Geographic: This is the bike course that keeps on giving, with New Zealand’s stunning North Island landscapes on display at every turn. From rolling farmland to pristine rivers to lush forests, the 90km VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship bike course had it all. (Photo Credit: Graeme Murray / IRONMAN)
Crowds Out in Force: The Taupō community is renowned for its incredible support of both events and athletes when IRONMAN triathlon come to town and today, they turned up like never before – both in numbers and volume. With Taupō duo Hayden Wilde and Kyle Smith near the front of the race all day, thousands of spectators basked in the sun while cheering on their heroes. Respectful and knowledgeful, those cheering from the sidelines were keen to show their support for every athlete out on course from around the world, and VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 World Champion Jelle Geens was given a hero’s reception as he crossed the finish line on Tongariro Street in the heart of the Taupō. Photo Credit: Fiona Goodall / Getty Images for IRONMAN)
The Bar Tab is on Barnaby: After a consistent and successful year of racing, Italy’s Gregory Barnaby became the first ever men’s IRONMAN Pro Series Champion with an overall score of 19,059. Finishing in ninth place in Taupō today, Barnaby earned 2,515 points to secure his place in history and a significant bonus payout of $200,000 USD. With much to celebrate, including an upcoming wedding to fellow professional triathlete Giorgia Priarone, Barnaby will no doubt be a popular man at the bar tonight. (Photo Credit: Fiona Goodall / Getty Images for IRONMAN)