LANGKAWI: Paris Olympic silver medallist Julie Derron lived up to her nickname “Little Pistol” as she produced a sizzling display to win the women’s IRONMAN 70.3 Langkawi title on Saturday, conquering the island’s brutal heat, hills and humidity in emphatic style.
The 27-year-old Swiss triathlete, racing for the first time since a bike crash in August, completed the 1.9km swim, 90km cycle and 21.1km run in 4:13:52, to edge Australian Natalie van Coevorden (4:18:11) and France’s Justine Guerard (4:22:17).
“It was quite a last-minute decision to come here, but I’m so glad I did,” said Derron, who was all smiles at the finish line.
“I haven’t raced in a while, so I was curious, and honestly a bit nervous, about how it would go. But I’m really pleased I had a good race out there.”
The Swiss star, coached by triathlon guru Brett Sutton, admitted she took a cautious approach after her crash.
“It wasn’t too bad, but recovery took some time. I just wanted to get back to feeling strong and confident on the bike again,” she explained.
“To come here and win after that, it’s a great feeling.”
Known for her trademark calm under pressure, Derron laughed when asked about the small pistol-shaped earrings glinting under the Langkawi sun.
“Oh, those!” she said.
“When I joined Brett, he gave me the nickname ‘Little Pistol’. Before the Olympics he gave me these earrings as a sort of talisman, something to bring me luck on race day. And so far, they’ve done a pretty good job.”
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The conditions, however, were far from lucky.
Langkawi’s reputation as one of Asia’s toughest triathlon venues held true, with scorching heat and relentless humidity testing even the most seasoned athletes.
“The swim was nice and smooth but the bike was tough. There are some really punchy hills, especially towards the end when you’re already tired.
“Then the run — it just drags on. The stretch near the airport feels endless, and with the heat it really creeps up on you. You have to manage your effort and stay mentally strong.”
Derron, who claimed Olympic silver in Paris last year, described the race as a crucial stepping-stone toward the final two stops of the T100 Triathlon World Tour in Dubai in mid-November and Qatar in December.
“This race showed me where I’m at fitness-wise,” she said.
“It gives me confidence heading into the T100 races. After that, it’s time for Christmas.”
She also hinted at her long-term target — the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
“The plan is definitely to aim for another Olympics,” Derron said.
“We’ll take it year by year, keep improving. I had such a great experience in Paris, and I’d love to do it again.”
On the men’s side, Australia’s Josh Ferris delivered a powerhouse performance to take the title in 3:46:56, ahead of Denmark’s Jens Emil Sloth Nielsen (3:50:25) and Canada’s Tyler Mislawchuk (3:55:30).
It capped a remarkable season for the 26-year-old, who also won in the Philippines earlier this year and finished runner-up at home in Australia.
“It’s been a really solid year,” he said.
“To add a win here in Malaysia feels awesome.”
Ferris described the Langkawi course as “the toughest I’ve done so far.”
“The last 10 kilometres of the run were brutal,” he said.
“I rode quite hard today because that’s where I thought the gaps could open up, especially with the heat and the hills.
“But I paid for it later. That last section was all about mental strength. You’re out near the airport, no shade, no crowd — just the sun beating down. It’s lonely out there.”
Ferris confirmed he plans to return next year.
“A 100 per cent, If you guys invite me back, I’ll definitely be here,” he said.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
