The 2025 World Triathlon Long-Distance Championships (3km swim/ 120km bike/ 30km run) in Pontevedra delivered a masterclass in endurance racing, with Spain’s Antonio Benito claiming a stunning victory and successfully defending his world title in front of an electrifying home crowd.
A stacked field of 25 elite men lined up to contest the gruelling event, and it was Antonio Benito who set the early tone, exiting the swim alongside Australia’s Josh Amberger. The pace intensified early in the bike as a lead group formed featuring Benito, Spain’s Guillem Montiel, Belgium’s Tom Vaelen, France’s Casimir Moine and Amberger.
At the 80km mark, it was the young Spaniard Montiel who made a bold move, breaking away to establish a 30-second lead. He held strong to the end of the 180km bike leg, entering T2 with over a minute on the chasers, a group that included Benito, Vaelen, William Draper (GBR), Dylan Magnien (FRA), Lukáš Kočař (CZE), Ondrej Kubo (SVK) and Amberger.
But it didn’t take long for the reigning champion to reassert his dominance. Benito surged through the first lap of the run, overtaking Montiel with his signature run strength. As the kilometres ticked by, Benito extended his lead, looking unstoppable on the streets of Pontevedra.
Behind him, the race dynamics shifted dramatically. Montiel, valiant in his efforts across swim and bike, began to struggle with what appeared to be an injury, while Vaelen, initially in podium contention, faded mid run and dropped down the field. That opened the podium up for France’s Dylan Magnien, who pushed into second place and Great Britain’s William Draper, who held strong in third.
Fuelled by the roar of the home crowd, Benito blazed through the final stretch with confidence and composure, crossing the line to secure back to back back World Championship titles. The victory was made even sweeter with his coach, Pablo Dapena, silver medallist in this event in 2019m waiting at the finish line to celebrate.
“I am really happy, I don’t believe. Pontevedra is my second home. I come here with my family, my father, my mother, my girlfriend, my friends. It really has been a special week here.
“I control from the swim and the bike but the run was very hot and hard. I tried to keep the push and finally I can win. With the public here in Pontevedra was really special, it’s amazing,” said Benito.
A proud Dylan Magnien claimed the silver medal for France after a composed and strategic race, while William Draper delivered a career highlight performance to take the bronze for Great Britain.
“I am very happy for second place. Antonio (Benito) is too strong for me. It’s so good to race here in Pontevedra, it’s a very hot race. I am very happy,” said Magnien.
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