World Triathlon Series 2026: Beth Potter finishes second in Sardinia as Alex Yere retires

Britain’s Beth Potter claimed her third podium spot of the season as she finished second at the World Triathlon Series event in Alghero, Sardinia as Olympic champion Alex E failed to finish the men’s race.

Yeh His triathlon comeback was fifth in Yokohama two weeks ago after focusing on running the marathon in 2025.

The 28-year-old Olympic champion, who did well to avoid a few crashes in the bike phase, started the run a minute and a half behind the leading pack led by Italy’s Alessio Crociani and struggled to make more of an impact.

As the heat endured and the gap grew, Ye stopped running and eventually began walking before retiring after the first of four 2.5km laps.

Portugal’s Vasco Villaca claimed his second win of the season in one hour 45.16 seconds from Brazil’s Miguel Hidalgo (1:45.35), with Villaca’s compatriot Ricardo Batista third (1:45.45).

Potter, who claimed bronze in Paris, Won his season opener Samarkand, in Uzbekistan, and second in Yokohama.

But his hopes of victory in the first race of the Los Angeles Olympic qualifying window were ended by a late kick from France’s Olympic champion Cassandre Beaugrande.

Beaugrand finished in 1:53.49 for her third consecutive victory on the Italian island, with Potter four seconds behind and Germany’s Lisa Tersch third, a further five seconds behind.

“The start of the season has been better than I expected and I’m pleased to back up my two results,” said Potter.

“I knew I’d be strong over 10k, maybe not kick at the end, but I’m hanging tight and I’m happy to be second today.”

Georgia Taylor-Brown was sixth after falling behind the lead group at the start of the run. First T100 win last week.