- It was a disastrous end to the Challenge Vieux Boucau triathlon in France
- 23-year-old Mika Noodt was less than a meter away from victory
- French athlete Mathis Margirier made a late mistake and won the race
There are thrilling sprints to the finish that leave you in disbelief, and then there are those that evoke exactly the same reaction, but for all the wrong reasons. Sunday’s Challenge Vieux Boucau in France was one of those moments.
The men’s event featured some of the sport’s biggest names, including Team GB Olympic champion Alistair Brownlee, but it was Germany’s Mika Noodt who stole the spotlight in a chaotic finish.
In an impressive performance in the first triathlon to take place in the south of France, the German led almost the entire final running stage before being beaten across the line with less than a meter to go.
It was a disastrous moment for Noodt, who after turning down the home straight was cheered by members of the crowd who began celebrating his victory.
However, a quick glance over his shoulder showed him that Frenchman Mathis Margirier was closing in and that’s when disaster struck for the 23-year-old who would finish second in the race.
German triathlete Mika Noodt endured a nightmare during Sunday’s Challenge Vieux Boucau in France
Noodt was in the lead just before the finish before falling and crawling to the line
Noodt tried to increase his speed at the last minute as Margirier emptied his tank in an attempt to move in front, but was unable to match his opponent’s stride as he stumbled on the red carpet and eventually fell over.
The German crashed into the ground shoulder first as the Frenchman passed him at the last possible moment to cross the line first and seal a final victory.
There were shocked shouts from the crowd as confetti cannons went off as Margirier claimed a famous win at the event as Noodt crawled to the finish.
Frenchman Mathis Margirier (photo) won the race after Noodt fell less than a meter from the finish line
Attempting to explain his unfortunate end to the triathlon, Noodt explained that he “lost control of his legs.”
The win gave Margirier his third victory of the season in a race that was hotly contested in the opening exchange.
Brownlee started strongly but eventually faded as he tried to claim a first win since returning from injury, eventually finishing sixth overall.
Reigning world champion Rico Bogen took third place among the men with a time of 70.3 after finishing behind Noodt.
