Michele Sarzilla narrowly wins the Challenge Peguera in Mallorca

At the Peguera triathlon in Mallorca, Michele Sarzilla prevailed after an exciting final sprint. Only 13 seconds decided the victory — the atmosphere and the sea sent goosebumps down many spines.

Narrow victory on the coast: Sarzilla takes the title in Peguera

Early Sunday morning, under a slightly hazy sky and a stiff breeze from the northwest, hundreds of athletes gathered on the promenade in Peguera. At 8:00 a.m., the elite field started to applause from residents and holidaymakers who crowded along the barriers. In the end it was the Italian Michele Sarzilla who crossed the finish line in 3:39:34, thereby winning the race.

A duel to the finish line

The race remained open until the end. Sarzilla and the Frenchman Damien Le Mesnager traded heavy blows in a true sprint over the last kilometers. Only 13 seconds separated them after a long running stretch along the coastal paths and the steep sections of the surroundings. In third place came James Teagle from Great Britain with 3:41:36, visibly exhausted but satisfied.

Women's race: Schär with consistent performance

Among the women, Cathia Schär from Switzerland prevailed. Her final time: 4:09:09. Directly behind her was the German Lena Meißner (4:12:20), followed by Daisy Daives from Great Britain (4:13:08). On the finish straight it became clear how much discipline and preparation go into such times — especially in the midday heat that set in later.

More than just times

Apart from the results, the atmosphere is what lingered: volunteers in yellow vests, students handing out water, and the rattle of the bike-change zones. In a bar on the corner of Carrer del Mar, there was much discussion — about tactics, tire choice, and the best parts of the course. An older spectator laughed and said that he is not an athlete, but such a final sprint is better than cinema.

The Challenge Peguera is a fixed date on the European triathlon calendar. For locals, the race is now also a small folk festival: local stalls, music, and the usual Sunday conversations along Mallorca's promenade. The full result lists are published by the organizers; the performance on the course remains in memory for many — especially Sarzilla's nerve-wracking final act.