Olympics-Triathlon-France makes its mark in Paris, more success for Britain

By Helen Reid

PARIS (Reuters) - France had a breakout performance in the triathlon at the Paris Games, earning its first individual medals in the sport, as Britain continued its strong pedigree by winning three medals for a total of 11 - nearly double the next-best nation.

France's Cassandre Beaugrand was the darling of the crowds lining the streets to watch, comfortably beating Switzerland's Julie Derron and Britain's Beth Potter to gold in the women's race, even though nerves had made her throw up just before the starting gun.

In the men's race, Britain's Alex Yee seemed on track for silver but gave a last kick to overtake New Zealand's Hayden Wilde and claim gold, with France's Leo Bergere winning bronze.

Germany claimed the final triathlon gold on offer, with Laura Lindemann leading her team to the mixed relay title in a thrilling down-to-the-wire sprint.

Potter and the United States' Taylor Knibb finished so close together that organisers initially announced Britain as runners-up before backtracking and awarding the U.S. team the silver.

A bike crash in the first lap of the mixed relay relegated France to the back of the pack but the vocal home support helped the team fight their way back to fourth.

"The French crowd is so loud. We were last, and they were pushing us so much," Beaugrand said. "I will keep a very strong memory from that."

The triathlon was in the spotlight thanks to its spectacular setting, with a course taking athletes along iconic streets of central Paris and finishing on the Alexandre III bridge.

The swim in the Seine was also a key component, and turned out to be a headache for organisers and athletes as unusually heavy rain ahead of the competition showed more progress will need to be made for the river to be swimmable and free of sewage - a key promise Paris 2024 has made to residents.

Athletes said the stress of not knowing until the last minute whether they would race or not, depending on water quality tests, had impacted their focus and performance.

With crowds of spectators lining the Champs-Elysees, the Invalides bridge and the Quai d'Orsay, athletes said they were pleased to be showcased in the heart of the city where fans including those new to the sport, could turn up and watch for free.

"The sport won today," Yee said.

(Reporting by Helen Reid; Editing by Peter Rutherford)