Morning, endurance fans…

After a thrilling Supertri Pro Series Final and the emotional news that Jonny Brownlee is calling time on his remarkable career, the triathlon world now turns its attention to Nice.

The IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships take centre stage this weekend, with two stacked fields preparing to battle for global glory on the spectacular – and potentially decisive – French Riviera course.

Here’s what we have lined up for you today…

🥇 RETIRING: British triathlon legend Jonny Brownlee has announced his retirement from professional racing after more than 15 years. Read HERE.

❌ SHOCK: American triathlete Sam Long, regarded as one of the best at the 70.3 distance, has pulled out of the world championships. Read HERE.

✋ BANNED: Recently retired triathlete Joe Skipper has given an emotional response after he was banned due to ‘whereabouts failures’. Read HERE.

🚴‍♂️ PICKED: All-rounder Taylor Knibb has been selected to race for USA Cycling at the UCI Road World Championships later this month. Read HERE.

🙌 FAREWELL: Australian Sam Appleton will call an end to his professional triathlon career this year after two more ‘bucket-list races’. Read HERE.

MEN’S RACE: Matt Hauser produced a commanding final run to win the Supertri Pro Series Final in Jersey and land the huge $100,000 first prize on triathlon’s biggest single payday of 2026.

The Australian was in contention throughout a breathless Enduro showdown before making his decisive move on the last of three run legs, quickly putting daylight between himself and Hayden Wilde (NZL).

Hauser had the added luxury of a Short Chute in hand, and by the time he took it, the outcome was effectively decided, allowing him to enjoy the final 800m lap before crossing the line seven seconds clear of Wilde.

Mitch Kolkman (NED) completed the podium in third at +11 seconds, with defending Supertri champion Csongor Lehmann (HUN) fourth and Seth Rider (USA) fifth.

But there was heartbreak for Olympic champion Alex Yee (GBR), who had worked his way right into contention alongside great rival Wilde before a snapped chain brought his challenge to a cruel end during Stage 2.

ELITE MEN’S RESULTS: (ENDURO FORMAT)
🥇 Matt Hauser (AUS): 52:06 ($100,000)
🥈 Hayden Wilde (NZL): +7 ($75,000)
🥉 Mitch Kolkman (NED): +11 ($60,000)
4 Csonor Lehmann (HUN): +16 ($45,000)
5 Seth Rider (USA): +35 ($30,000)
6 Luke Willian (AUS): +1:09 ($25,000)
7 Tim Hellwig (GER): +1:23 ($20,000)
8 Michael Gar (GBR): +1:31 ($17,500)
9 Nathan Grayel (FRA): +1:41 ($15,000)
10 Nathan Lessmann (FRA): +2:03 ($14,000)

WOMEN’S RACE: Cassandre Beaugrand produced a brilliant all-round display to claim the $100,000 first prize at the $800,000 Supertri Pro Series Finals in Jersey.

The French superstar came into the race having won all four of her WTCS starts this season and underlined her status as the woman to beat with another superb performance over the frantic Enduro format – three successive swims, bikes and runs, with no rests in between.

But she was made to work incredibly hard for it, particularly on the bike, as British duo Georgia Taylor-Brown and Jess Fullagar repeatedly put the pressure on the Olympic champion.

In the end, Beaugrand’s devastating run speed proved decisive as she powered clear on the final leg, with Taylor-Brown taking an excellent second and defending champion Jeanne Lehair (LUX) rounding out the podium in third.

ELITE WOMEN’S RESULTS: (ENDURO FORMAT)
🥇 Cassandre Beaugrand (FRA): 56:45 ($100,000)
🥈 Georgia Taylor-Brown (GBR): +19 ($75,000)
🥉 Jeanne Lehair (LUX): +27 ($60,000)
4 Jess Fullagar (GBR): +44 ($45,000)
5 Léonie Périault (FRA): +1:00 ($30,000)
6 Emma Lombardi (FRA): +1:08 ($25,000)
7 Jolien Vermeylen (BEL): +2:14 ($20,000)
8 Olivia Mathias (GBR): ELIM ($17,500)
9 Annie Fuller (USA): ELIM ($15,000)
10 Zuzana Michaličková (SVK): ELIM ($14,000)

The world’s best middle-distance triathletes descend on the French Riviera this weekend as Nice hosts a mouthwatering IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship – and boy, what a thrilling couple of races we have in store.

While we can’t ignore the big-name drop-outs, who have decided instead to focus their attention on Kona a mere 27 or 28 days later… depending on whether you are male or female, we can still look ahead to what will undoubtedly be a battle between the best our sport can offer.

Even without last year’s champion Lucy Charles-Barclay (GBR) and much-fancied American Sam Long, the start lists are truly stacked with so many contenders that it is almost impossible to predict what might happen.

We love a challenge here at the Daily Split, so here are our picks… ranging from ‘The ones to beat’ down to ‘Potential podium disruptors’. The rules were simple: three athletes per bracket, three brackets… plus one outside bet. Let us know if you agree…

🔴 THE ONES TO BEAT: We start with the three women who are most likely to take a place on the podium, and it is already hard for us to stick to our own rules of just three athletes per bracket. However, rules are rules, and we have to be strict, so our three for the podium this weekend are:

🔴 CHAMPIONS IN WAITING: OK, so this is where we put those athletes who could very easily win on the day but who didn’t quite get into the top three – let’s just say there was plenty of argument over the first on the list.

🔴 ONE BIG DAY FROM GLORY: These athletes have all enjoyed success in 2026 and are more than capable of causing a small upset by taking the tape in Nice… worth an each-way bet.

🔴 POTENTIAL PODIUM DISRUPTOR: Finally, we pick one long-shot who has the potential to make a nuisance of themselves on the day.

🔴 THE ONES TO BEAT: If anything, the men’s start list is even harder to whittle down, with big-name athletes and serial winners wherever you look. However, there are three who undoubtedly stand out.

🔴 CHAMPIONS IN WAITING: Three names who could easily be in the top group and will certainly push for a podium place come Sunday.

🔴 ONE BIG DAY FROM GLORY: Again, don’t be surprised if these guys challenge on the day… they certainly have what it takes.

🔴 POTENTIAL PODIUM DISRUPTOR: So many to pick from… but.

Five-time Tour de France champion Tadej Pogacar will not race again this season after suffering injuries, including a neck fracture, when he crashed at the Vuelta a España.

Read more on this story at Cycling Weekly HERE.

Triathlon legend Jonny Brownlee announced his retirement from professional competition last week, ending a career that saw him achieve three Olympic medals, a world title, 26 race wins and 60 podiums.

The team here at The Daily Split would like to add their thanks to a man, athlete and indeed pioneer who gave us so much enjoyment over the space of his 15-year career.

Thanks, Jonny… 🙌 🙌 🙌 🙌

Mounting and dismounting your bike smoothly can make the transition between disciplines faster, safer, and less stressful. The goal is not to perform the most advanced technique possible. It is to move through the mount and dismount areas without hesitation, losing control, or interfering with other athletes.

WHY IT MATTERS: A poor mount can turn a good T1 into a stressful start to the bike leg. Common problems include selecting too difficult a gear, looking down while trying to find the pedals, struggling to clip in, or attempting to accelerate while other athletes are directly ahead.

Your sequence should become predictable:

KNOW THE COURSE RULES: Find both MOUNT and DISMOUNT lines before the race begins. During transition setup, walk from your rack toward the bike exit and identify where athletes are permitted to mount. If possible, also understand how you will approach the dismount area at the end of the bike leg. Always follow the event’s specific rules.

PREPARE THE BIKE BEFORE T1: A smooth mount starts before the swim. Make sure your bike is correctly racked and ready for the cycling leg. Check your tyres, brakes, drivetrain, bottles, and any equipment allowed by the event. Pay particular attention to your starting gear.

If the bike exit immediately leads uphill, an excessively hard gear can make your first pedal strokes difficult. A very easy gear may also create unnecessary rapid pedalling before you can accelerate.

Selecting the right gear is easier when you understand how to get stronger on the bike before race day, particularly if the first section of the course requires an immediate change in speed or gradient.

USE A CONTROLLED MOUNT FIRST: A basic mount is reliable and easy to practise. Once you have crossed the mount line, create enough space, hold the bike securely, place one foot on a pedal if appropriate to your setup, and mount in a controlled movement. Focus on three things:

If the mount area is congested, waiting briefly for safe space may actually get you moving faster than attempting to force your way through.

LOOK WHERE YOU ARE GOING: Many mounting problems begin when cyclists stare at their pedals. Looking down reduces your awareness of athletes, barriers, corners, and changes in the road ahead. Keep your vision forward as much as possible. This becomes easier when clipping into the pedals is already automatic. Practice finding and engaging your pedals without needing prolonged visual attention.

BUILD SPEED BEFORE ADJUSTING: Once mounted, establish control before making unnecessary adjustments. Do not immediately start reorganising nutrition, adjusting clothing, looking at your bike computer, or making other changes while still navigating a busy mount area.

Once the course opens and conditions allow, you can begin following your planned race strategy. The opening minute should feel controlled.

PRACTICE CLIPPING IN UNDER PRESSURE: Clipless pedals can save no time if you repeatedly miss the pedal. Practice starting from a stationary position until clipping in becomes reliable.

Then practise in different gears and on gentle gradients where it is safe to do so. If you miss the pedal during a race, do not panic. Keep control of the bike, continue moving when safe, and try again.

The goal is automatic execution rather than maximum speed.

DON’T RUSH INTO ADVANCED TECHNIQUES: Some experienced triathletes leave their cycling shoes attached to the pedals and put their feet into the shoes after mounting. This can reduce time spent in transition. You need to be able to:

If any of these steps are unreliable, use a conventional mount.

For beginners, a controlled standard dismount is usually the best starting point. Reduce your speed before the line, unclip safely, come to a controlled stop where appropriate, and step off before crossing the designated dismount line according to the event’s rules.

A reliable basic dismount is better than an advanced technique that works only occasionally. Once it is automatic, you can decide whether learning a faster technique provides a meaningful benefit for your racing.

PREPARE FOR THE DISMOUNT EARLY: A smooth dismount begins before you reach the line. Do not wait until the final few metres to remember that you need to get off the bike. As you approach T2:

The final approach should become simpler as you get closer to transition.

PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE: Do not practise mounting only as an isolated skill. Create a simple training transition. For example:

T2 sequence: Use the same approach for dismounting. Ride toward a clearly marked practice point, prepare your dismount, reduce speed, get off safely, and move with the bike toward your simulated rack.

Then rack the bike before continuing with your normal T2 sequence. Occasionally follow the practice with a short run.

📍 1,020km.
⏱️ 152 hours.
😴 Almost no sleep.
🍔 🍟 Fuelled partly by cheeseburgers and chips.

Australian ultrarunner Phil Gore completed a 6.71km loop every hour for more than six days before his extraordinary Project 168 challenge finally ended last week.

He may have fallen 16 laps short of his week-long target, but he raised around A$285,000 for charity in the process.

What’s the longest you’ve ever stayed on your feet? 👇’.

Together, we go the distance. — @247_endurance 🏃‍♂️🚴‍♀️🏊‍♂️