1989 Triathlon International de Cannes
The image used on the 1990 Triathlon International de Cannes poster (above) is from the 1989 race. It shows Simon Lessing and Jorg Ullman in the process of running down Karel Blondeel. Lessing won. He was 18.
Lessing had only arrived in Europe from South Africa at the start of the season. He raced Southport, the first televised UK triathlon, on 18th June. Where he got 6th at Mark Allen’s only ever UK race appearance.
He then moved to France where he was welcomed by Salon Triathlon. That’s the kit that he’s wearing on the poster. Mandy Dean, the women’s winner in Southport and Cannes, also raced for Salon.
After his arrival in France Simon raced the Vars Triathlon on 9th July where he got 2nd to Danish athlete Michael Rughede.
Then 3rd at Courcouron the week after behind Greg Welch and Pierre-Alain Frossard. I spoke a bit about that race in TSP17.
He raced Toulouse on the 27th August. 2nd again behind Patrick Girard. Finally Monaco on 1st October. Another 2nd. Behind Yves Cordier.
The French scene was fast and deep at this time. So to instantly get results like this. At 18 years old. Showed a remarkable talent.
Simon might have also made a trip to Germany in August and / or September. As friend and training partner Mandy Dean had a West German passport and would race for them at the World Championships in Avignon.
Cannes is just 30km from Nice. And the course is somewhat similar. A tough sea swim from Iles de Lerin to the mainland. A bike ride through the mountains behind the town. And an out and back seafront run.
In 1989 Nice moved to June. Mainly to not clash with Hawaii anymore. So Cannes could take up an October date. The 1989 race was on the same weekend as Hawaii. So Yves Cordier was over there. Where he got 8th.
The poster below annnounced Cannes for the 17th September. But it eventually took place on 15th october. I’m not sure why.
Here’s race report from Cannes in 1989. And I’m currently working on a translation. I’ll copy and paste it below when it’s finished.
Images: Tri-Athlete (FR) Nov-Dec 1989
