Xinyu Lin does it again as she backs up her Beijing win in Tongyeong
When it rains, it pours, and right now the World Cup medals are pouring in for the Chinese triathlon team. In sodden conditions similar to last week’s Beijing World Cup, Xinyu Lin (CHN) once again timed her finish to perfection to claim a second straight victory. Finishing right behind her was teammate Anqi Huang (CHN) as she became China’s second ever female World Cup medallist, while Mathilde Gautier (FRA) made a return to the podium after more than holding her own until the final decisive sprint.
In chilly conditions that called for wetsuits, Yifan Yang (CHN) led the way in the 750m swim. She was joined out of T1 by Gautier and the pair set about trying to force a break that would stick. The lead pack that ultimately formed was bigger than perhaps either would have liked, especially as the likes of Lin, Huang, Nina Eim (GER) and Paola Sacchi (ITA) were all present.
World U23 Championship medallist and 2025 World Junior champion Léa Houart (FRA) was another to feature at the front on her World Cup debut. However, after riding so prominently in the breakaway a week prior in Beijing, Brea Roderick (NZL) was among those left behind in the chase pack.
Mariana Vargem (POR) led the front pack into T2 while Eim assumed the lead heading out onto the run. That pair dictated the early tempo over the 5km but Huang was quick to seize control of proceedings. Meanwhile, Lin quietly tucked into the pack on the heels of the leaders, careful not to over-exert herself too early.
Despite the best efforts of Huang and eventually Lin, Vargem would not yield the lead. The Portuguese athlete lifted the pace and suddenly Huang vanished. At the end of the first run lap, the Chinese athlete had to serve a 10 second penalty. With Vargem and Lin up the road, the chase was on.
After putting in so much work, Vargem came under immense pressure from Lin on the uphill section. Unable to answer, she could only watch as the Beijing World Cup winner powered clear. Behind, Huang had sped past the chasing pack and picked up Gautier, acting as a perfect pacesetter for the Frenchwoman.
As Vargem faltered further, Huang and Gautier flew past. And with every step they gained on Lin. The blue carpet came and Huang blasted away from Gautier as she sensed the gold medal. Yet Lin had timed her effort perfectly and held on to win by 3 seconds. Gautier then followed 2 seconds behind Huang to repeat the Tongyeong bronze medal she won in 2022. Next came Vargem who took a best ever World Cup finish herself, with Eim leading the chase pack home to finish in 5th.
