Summary
In the stunning landscapes of Haute-Loire, two brothers, Gaspard and Jules Chabanel, embarked on an unforgettable journey that would mark their debut in the France Triathlon team. Recently, the French triathletes triumphed on home soil, clinching two dazzling medals at the Olympics—setting the stage for a promising future filled with potential behind stars like Cassandre Beaugrand and Léo Bergère. Last weekend, the Chabanel brothers stood side by side at the European Youth Championships in Banyoles, Spain, where they represented France with pride. Among the young cadets, the trio of French competitors, including our two heroes, claimed all three gold medals up for grabs in the male and female categories as well as the relays. As they prepared for this new adventure, Gaspard (born in 2007) and Jules (born in 2008) braced for an experience that felt as unfamiliar as navigating through uncharted waters. The competition format, a whirlwind of intensity, included a brisk 300 meters of swimming, followed by 8.8 kilometers of cycling, and a final test of endurance with a 1,700-meter run. Their main goal was to showcase their skills in such a high-stakes environment, hoping to earn a spot in the finals that awaited them the very next day. With determination in their hearts, both brothers excelled, finishing second in their respective heats—a feat that left them both in awe. “This was our first international race and a significant trip for us,” shared Gaspard, excitement and apprehension mingling in his voice. “We were told there was a chance to qualify, but we truly didn’t know what to expect.” Post-race, the brothers cleverly utilized home-trainers for recovery, much like seasoned pros, gearing up for the ultimate challenge ahead—the finals. But as fate would have it, their aspirations soon encountered a turbulent twist. In the midst of the cycling, a major collision unfolded. Gaspard found himself as an unwilling participant in this chaotic ballet of misfortune, caught off guard by a crash in front of him, leading to a cascade of disappointment. “I remember it all happening so quickly; I managed to avoid the worst but ended up derailing. It felt like my summer of hard training was slipping away.” While Gaspard’s hopes for a podium finish crumbled, his younger brother Jules danced through the mayhem with a graceful stride, finishing ninth overall—an impressive accomplishment, considering he was a first-year cadet. However, the drama did not end there. Jules qualified for the mixed relay, while Gaspard had to suppress his frustration and watch from the sidelines, a spectator in his own dreams. “It’s the first time I beat him, but there’s never been a rivalry between us. Seeing him fall was disheartening,” Jules said, steeling himself for the task ahead. On the morning of the relay, as the sun breached the horizon, the atmosphere was electric. The French team surged into action, with Jules taking to the course. Battling the waves during swimming and scaling the heights of running, he fought valiantly, exchanging the baton to teammate Laly Porentru in the front position. Fueled by relentless spirit and sheer will, Laly crossed the finish line, securing the coveted gold for France—28 seconds ahead of Italy and 36 seconds before Belgium. Stand proud, Jules Chabanel—another feather in your cap as you proudly wear the gold medal of a European champion, basking in the glory of your first team selection. As the adrenaline of the weekend faded, emotions ran high for their parents, Laurent and Sophie Chabanel, who had watched their sons grow up, nurturing their dreams. “It was breathtaking for us to see both of them compete together, even amidst the disappointment for Gaspard,” shared a proud Laurent. As their triathlon season edges toward its conclusion, the brothers’ journeys continue in the comfort of their club teams; Jules will strive for promotion to D2 with Mulhouse while Gaspard will focus on maintaining their D2 status with Montluçon. This experience intertwines with their training, leaving them wiser and stronger as they prepare to carve their paths in the world of triathlon, ready to embrace whatever challenges lie ahead.
Original Source: www.leveil.fr
