Derron Shines in Dubai as T100 Championship Battle Heats Up Ahead of Qatar Finale

Waugh holds onto Race to Qatar lead despite finishing second

Dubai, UAE – 15 November 2025 — The sands of Dubai witnessed high drama, flawless athleticism, and rising championship tensions as Switzerland’s Julie Derron stormed to victory at the Dubai T100, the penultimate stop of the T100 Triathlon World Tour. Derron held off Britain’s Kate Waugh and Jessica Learmonth to claim a defining win just weeks before the season-ending Qatar finale.

Derron Dominates Under the Desert Sun

Derron, the Olympic silver medallist, delivered one of the most complete performances of her season. Battling choppy waves, gusty winds, and Dubai’s notoriously technical bike course, she surged to her second T100 win of the year.

“I’m super happy to take the win today,” Derron said, reflecting on the challenging swim and windy bike leg. “Kate was pushing hard behind me, so I just kept going until the finish.”

The Swiss star now climbs to second in the Race to Qatar standings, setting up a blockbuster world championship showdown in Doha.

Waugh Strengthens Her Lead Despite Second Place

Kate Waugh once again proved why she sits atop the championship leaderboard. Her consistent form—and a powerful run segment—secured her second place and valuable points heading into the finale. With rival Lucy Charles-Barclay absent, Waugh’s buffer at the top grows even more significant.

“It was a good day across all three sections,” Waugh said. “Dubai gave us an incredible backdrop. Now, it’s straight back to work before Qatar.”

Learmonth Claims Third as British Duo Impress

Jessica Learmonth completed the podium with a gritty performance, overcoming concerns about the heat and a chaotic opening swim.

“I’m delighted with the podium; I didn’t expect it,” she said. “The swim was barbaric, but once I settled into the run, I held my rhythm.”

How the Race Played Out

Learmonth led out of the water, with Waugh, Spivey, and Sala close behind. Derron emerged 31 seconds back, but she wasted no time on the bike, bridging the gap to the leaders.

By T2, Derron, Waugh, and Learmonth had pulled more than four minutes clear of the rest of the field. A fast transition set Derron up perfectly for the run, where she remained unflappable as the podium order locked into place within the opening kilometre.

Local Pride: Lottie Lucas Represents UAE

Dubai-based triathlete Lottie Lucas earned a loud hometown reception as she finished 14th after a last-minute call-up.

“All my friends were out there shouting my name. It kept me going,” she said. “Very tough race, but an amazing experience.”

Controversial Finish in the Men’s Race

The men’s event concluded with confusion after a technical issue affected lap counting. Following World Triathlon guidelines, results were based on the last confirmed timing checkpoint at lap seven.

The official podium:

• 1st — Morgan Pearson (USA)

• 2nd — Mika Noodt (GER)

• 3rd — Gregory Barnaby (BEL)

Pearson acknowledged the unusual finish: “It doesn’t feel like a normal win, but I’m proud of the strong race I put together.”

Noodt echoed mixed emotions, offering sympathy to athletes disadvantaged by the error, while Barnaby called it “a solid day with mixed feelings.”

Road to Qatar: The Final Showdown

All eyes now shift to Doha, where the inaugural Qatar T100 Triathlon World Championship Final will take place from 12–13 December. With increased points and a $200,000 champion’s prize on the line, the title race remains wide open.

Waugh leads the women’s standings, while the men’s competition gains new intensity after Dubai’s technical drama. The world’s best will converge in Qatar for one final, high-stakes battle to crown the 2025 T100 World Champions.