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Whether they were seasoned triathletes or not, all the representatives from Saint-Barth who took part in the Half Ironman Puerto Rico 2025 shared a sporting spirit and a desire to surpass themselves in order to experience a great moment. It has to be said that the challenge was a tough one for the 731 entrants: almost 2 km of swimming, then 90 km of cycling and over 21 km of running to finish. And although not everyone's performance objectives were the same, between the members of the St-Barth Triathlon club, the former rugby players from the Barracudas and the other athletes, everyone left happy with their Puerto Rican escapade.
Starting with the experienced triathlete Pierre Chassaigne, who was competing in Puerto Rico for the 6th time, and who, following his ranking, obtained a new qualification for the world championships in the discipline, scheduled for next November in Marbella, Spain. This makes two triathletes from St-Barth Triathlon (Jean Marc Outil last December -JSB 1596) to qualify for these world championships. For the occasion, he raced with his son, Matthieu Chassaigne, also a triathlete. They finished 4th and 5th respectively in their age categories, and just outside the top 50 overall. A fine performance: "My son and I are proud of what we did, but also of what we Saint Barths did, in general, in this edition. For example, Théo Estasse finished in 1st place in the swimming event... no mean feat! For my part, it's my best ranking here, the weather hasn't been too fickle on the bike and running in old San Juan, despite the sweltering heat of the houses, is always an incredible pleasure", sums up triathlete Pierre Chassaigne.
For the former Barracudas who came to try their hand at this Half Ironman, the experience was also incredible, with notions of surpassing oneself that are close to what is expected of a rugby player during a match. Chris Bassage, one of the surviving Barras, finished beyond 500th place, but no matter, what he experienced was exceptional for him: "What a test of strength with yourself, it's an incredible experience. I'm glad I was able to test my limits by doing something I didn't think I could do. At times like this, you think of your family and friends who cheered you on. The St Barth Triathlon team also gave us a lot of help and advice along the way. Novices like me would like to thank them in particular. "David Lestas, former president of the Saint-Barthélemy rugby club, was behind the initiative to bring together former club members and experienced players: "We're glad we did it with friends, because when the body reaches its limits, it's a bit like the rugby atmosphere we've always known. And then we finished with a great 3rd half. I think we'll do it again. "For Romain Gardette, "it was a leap into the unknown, yet there wasn't a second's hesitation when it came to taking the plunge. The toughness of the race was matched only by the happiness of seeing us all cross the finish line."
Working together, the Saint Barths finished in the top 100 of their respective categories, proving that surpassing one's limits was within everyone's grasp. The La Horde team, comprising Hélène Girardeau and Nicolas Ganzer, came 32nd out of 60 in the Mixed Relay category.
Specialist Pierre Chassaigne concludes: "The St Barth Triathlon club and I are delighted that so many people from our island were at the start of the Puerto Rico Half Ironman. Hats off to the "rookies" who gave it a go and didn't give up. We formed a great team with a lot of mutual support, and we'd like to do it again! "
Next rendezvous for Saint Barth triathletes (new and experienced alike) on April 13 at the Swimrun organized by the Saint Barth Triathlon club.
