Leo Bergere clinches men's European triathlon title as France sweep the podium

Leo Bergere overcame a very tight field to claim gold in the men’s event at the European triathlon championships in Munich, Germany, on Saturday (13 August).

The Frenchman overcame a tight field to finish ahead of his compatriots, to win the race in 1:41:09. Pierre Le Corre and Dorian Coninx came home in second and third respectively to see ensure a clean sweep of the podium for France.

Just like in yesterday's race the results were determined by the grueling run course which started with a flat section and then a 600-metre uphill section. The four loops up the Olympiaberg decided the fate of the athletes as Bergere, who stayed close to the leading pack moved into the lead on the third lap and consolidated his lead to clinch gold.

72 athletes took to the start line in front of a large crowd gathered around the Olympiapark. The Olympiaberg stands were full as the athletes started the 1.5-kilometre swim leg at the Olympiasee.

Hungary's Mark Devay worked his way into the lead in the water as the field entered the transition area to grab their bikes. There was not a lot separating the front pack and soon Devay was relegated to the back of the pack with Italy's Nicola Azzano initially leading the way as they set off on the 40-kilometre bike section.

The crowd cheered as the lead pack arrived in the transition zone for the final time, as Austria's Alois Knabl led the group with Germans Jonas Schomburg and Tim Hellwig in close pursuit ahead of the 10k, run.

Portugal's Joao Pereira was the first to get to the top of the Olympiaperg but he was unable to break away from the chasing pack which included the three French athletes.

Bergere prevailed to bring home gold as Le Corre claimed silver. A fierce battle for third place broke out among their pursuers, which Coninx eventually won to complete the clean sweep for France.

One more set of triathlon medals will be awarded in Munich with the Elite mixed relay on Sunday.