When you're a pro triathlete, some races are essential for their prestige. Others for their large start lists. And then there are those you choose based on a simple feeling, an intuition.
That's what he did Quentin Barreau , heading alone to Ecuador to compete in the IRONMAN 70.3 in Manta .
A gamble without a safety net, without reference points, without certainties — but with a solid conviction: it was The right race, at the right time .
And Quentin turned that bet into gold.
A perfectly controlled race
Under the Ecuadorian sun, Quentin shone in all three disciplines . An efficient swim in 23'26, an aggressive bike leg in 2h06, and a supersonic running in 1 hour 14 minutes, which allowed him to make the difference in the final kilometers.
He establishes himself in 3:48:08 , ahead of the Brazilian Fernando Toldi and the Mexican Rodrigo Gonzalez .
This victory comes crowning months of demanding preparation , and validating a race strategy carried out with composure, patience and accuracy.
She also opens it for him the gates of the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships — which will be held in 2026, at Nice . A beautiful coincidence, and a true symbol for this runner who is very attached to the French Riviera.
A return to France worthy of a movie
But while the race itself was straightforward, the return leg turned into a... the incredible adventure .
It all starts right after the finish line: his return flight is brought forward by two hours Without notification. And what about the airline? No record of any changes in their system. No hotel, no assistance, no alternative.
Figure it out yourself.
Quentin finds a bus to Quito. Seven hours is the estimated time… it'll take him a while. Nearly 20. What's the cause? A tanker truck caught fire , completely blocking the road in the middle of the Ecuadorian countryside. The result: 20 hours of waiting without a network, without information, without visibility . Just humid heat, a sports bag, and strangers who also hope to leave one day.
Arriving in Quito, the wait continued. Endless queues, overwhelmed staff, no plan B. Quentin finally... buy back a ticket himself to finally return to Europe.
But it's not over yet. Madrid Ten extra hours of layover, a body drained, a mind elsewhere. And only one desire: to go home, to put down the suitcases. and savor this victory .
A victory with a taste of adventure
Nevertheless, Quentin is still smiling . This weekend in Ecuador offered him much more than just another line on his list of achievements : a first major victory, a world qualification, and a A story so we don't forget .
Because in sports, as in life, it's these unexpected turns that create the most beautiful memories. We are happy and proud to support Quentin on this adventure.
