0-3000: Warren Barguil finishes second in a triathlon that takes on new heights on Réunion Island.

The 0-3000 is a medium-distance triathlon that took place on December 3 on Réunion Island, starting at the Saint-Pierre Lagoon and ending at the summit of Piton des Neiges. The triathlon was replaced at the last minute by a duathlon due to a slight contamination of the water. After a 2.5-km run, a 45-km bike ride (1,800 m of elevation gain), and a 10-km run/trail run (1,800 m of elevation gain), Warren Barguil, one of France’s top professional cyclists, took second place behind local mountain biker Cyril Bourdon. Julien Absalon, the former mountain bike world champion, finished in sixth place.

Photos: Activ’Images

Warren Barguil, who came to Réunion Island as part of his winter training, is already showing great physical form by posting the fastest time on the cycling segment and finishing second overall. For his part, Julien Absalon is delighted with his experience, finishing 6th in the race.

Warren Barguil:

“I got up early this morning, and unfortunately, I had a sore throat, so it wasn’t great. I started the run at full speed. I wanted to go with the flow a bit so I wouldn’t get held up and could get out of the bike park smoothly, then I took the lead. I thought I’d be caught much earlier on the climb. In the end, Cyril Bourdon caught up to me in the last kilometer, and I finished almost 5 minutes behind. I didn’t want to take any risks and wanted to enjoy the view as much as possible. It was a great experience! It’s a triathlon like no other, and I’m really glad I took part…".

Julien Absalon:

"I’m thrilled with this first experience, even though it wasn’t a triathlon but a duathlon. It’s still incredible to start by the sea and finish at the summit of a volcano, at an altitude of over 3,000 meters. I really liked the format! I’m super happy. A little disappointed to arrive at the mountain hut in the fog, but what a surprise to have bright sunshine at the summit."