The Australian duo of Matthew Hauser (AUS) and Ellie Hoitink were in a class of their own as they sealed the golds at the Oceania Championships. For Hauser, the win was a perfect way to launch his Olympic year - the winner of the 2023 WTCS Montreal has already qualified for the Australia team in Paris and has set his sights on bringing home at least one Olympic gold this summer. Meanwhile, Hoitink remains in the throes of a tight race to claim a spot on the Australian women’s team. Winning in Taupo will have certainly given her hopes a welcome boost.

Hauser asserts his dominance

From the first strokes of the swim, Hauser was at the front of the men’s race. He would eventually share the lead out of the water with Brayden Mercer (AUS) and led a select group of six men that initially threatened to break clear on the bike. TTayler Reid (NZL) was one of the more obvious dangers in the lead pack. Shortly after, the pack grew as the likes of Brandon Copeland (AUS), Oscar Dart (AUS) and Saxon Morgan (NZL) rode up to it.

Over the course of the bike, the leaders would put significant time into the rest of the field. They arrived in T2 the best part of a minute to the good. Having been untroubled by the first two disciplines, Hauser then gradually pulled away on the run.

Reid managed to stick with the Australian for the longest and his efforts were rewarded with the silver medal. Copeland then secured the bronze ahead of a charging Jacob Birtwhistle (AUS) who logged the fastest run of the day from the chase pack.

Hoitink’s breakthrough performance

When she arrived in Taupo, Ellie Hoitink had never won an international triathlon. She had come away with medals on previous occasions however a maiden win remained elusive. At the Oceania Championships over the sprint distance in Devonport, she had finished 4th behind a podium of Jaz Hedgeland (AUS), Brea Roderick (NZL) and Tara Sosinski (AUS), all of whom were racing in Taupo. Hoitink, though, summoned something special to break her duck.

Sosinski was the fastest swimmer of the day although most of the contenders remained in contact at the front. Natalie Van Coevorden (AUS) set the early pace with Thorpe on two wheels while Hoitink gathered herself at the front.

Without any major changes to the status quo on the bike, the race came down to the run. It was there that Hoitink unleashed the fastest split of the day to power to victory. Taking silver behind her was Richelle Hill (AUS) as she made a breakthrough of her own by winning her first senior international medal. World Cup medallist Thorpe then rounded out the podium.

You can follow the progress of Oceania’s triathlon stars as the season unfolds across all World Triathlon channels and watch the Wollongong World Cup over on TrathlonLive.tv

Photo credit: Simon Dawson Photography

Team World Triathlon - the sport’s global development squad for athletes with Olympic potential from smaller National Federations - will be well represented at the upcoming World Cup events in Wollongong and Chengdu as they continue to chase Paris 2024 qualification. The two April events represent valuable opportunities to both gain experience and score points, with Chengdu forming the first official Team World Triathlon Event of the year.

Wollongong World Cup | 20 April

Fresh off top-10 World Cup finishes in both Hong Kong and Lievin, Zuzana Michalickova (SVK) will be one to watch again in Australia. The young Slovakian athlete has enjoyed a sparkling start to the season and is inching closer to a first World Cup medal and Paris qualification. She will be joined in Wollongong by compatriot Romana Gajdošová (SVK) who, won her first World Cup medal in Yeongdo last season.

Erica Hawley (BER) will also be starting in Wollongong as she hunts for the precious final points that could secure her qualification for Paris. A 12th place finish at the Napier World Cup at the start of the season aided Hawley’s cause and a similar finish would be a major boon for her campaign. Also racing for Bermuda will be Tyler Smith as he seeks to advance his Olympic hopes on the men’s side.

Henry Räppo (EST) and Badr Siwane (MAR) are two further Olympic aspirants from Team World Triathlon to race in Wollongong. Diego Moya (CHI) is the final member of the Team to start although he is in a rather different position. Moya has essentially locked up Olympic qualification and so will use the race as a chance to increase his medal tally at the World Cup level.

Chengdu World Cup | 29 Aapril

A week later, the World Cup circuit will continue in Chengdu, where Michalikova, Gajdošová and Hawley will all start. On the men’s side, Räppo and Siwane will be doing the Wollongong-Chengdu double while three further faces from the Team will start.

Gabriel Terán Carvajal (ECU) and Ramón Armando Matute (ECU) will be ready to push their pursuit of the Americas New Flag slot for Paris, while Vitali Vorontsov (UKR) will have his eyes on gaining ground in the European New Flag race.

Across Wollongong and Chengdu, the likes of Hawley, Michalickova and Siwane will be particularly hopeful of vaulting themselves onto the Olympic start lists as they each have some of the smallest gaps to make up. One big race, though, could transform the seasons of any of the Team members racing.

As always, you can watch all the action on TriathlonLive.tv and, as the Olympic qualification window continues to unfold in April, look out for Team World Triathlon as they continue their Olympic journeys.

A new champion was crowned at a sweltering Singapore T100 as Dutch wildcard Youri Keulen claimed his maiden T100 victory; while American comeback specialist Sam Long charged from last on the swim to finish second, despite serving a 30-second penalty on the run. Belgian Pieter Heemeryck finished a very creditable third and Scotland’s David McNamee leapfrogged Germany’s Mika Noodt and New Zealand’s Kyle Smith in the final kilometers of the 100k race that saw its fair share of thrills and spills.

Described by Jan Frodeno on commentary as looking like the ‘Terminator’, Youri looked an unstoppable force after going to the front of the field on the bike. He looked calm and controlled right up until he crossed the finish line, before promptly collapsing. Officials and medics came to his aid and he was taken to the medic’s tent elated, exhausted, but in safe hands.

Meanwhile, Sam was in high spirits, hyping the crowd up and celebrating as he jumped across the finish line energetically, touching the top of the T100 arch basketball-style. Whilst the American is still seeking a first T100 win after also finishing second at the Miami T100, he was delighted with his performance.

He said: “(It was an) excellent race. Believe it or not, I was quite happy with my swim. I just paced it and focused on keeping my body temperature cool because if you get overheated there, it’s a long day. I’ve always been known for biking strong, but I didn’t really show that so much on the bike. I think my bike was still impressive and strong and I got myself into the race on the bike but it’s the run that I think I really showcased my strength and, to be honest, I was just having a super fun day out there and just in my own zone, in my own process, in the flow state. And it just all came together. I tried not to think about what the gap was. On the bike especially you got to see everyone twice per lap, right? So it’s very obvious. It really puts it right in your face how far back you are. But I actually said to myself: ‘Don’t look at how far back they are, just execute your mission and see what happens by the end of the day.”

“I think on the penalty… It’s up to me on how to react to it. And I would say it didn’t break my momentum at all. Well, there were two brief moments of panic. One was finding out I had a penalty. The second was figuring out where to serve the penalty because I wasn’t sure and then the third was actually when the two guys behind me came by when I was in the penalty like ‘Oh no, now I’m back in a race. I’m not even on the podium right now’. But I just used it to compose myself and get the crowd pumped up and carry on with my day.”

“And I just want to say thank you so much to the city of Singapore. I’ve received such a warm welcome and it’s been great to visit here and it’s a marvellous, beautiful city. So thank you guys. I’m living my dream. I’ve come way farther than I thought I would come. Well, I thought I would come this far, but it’s happened faster than I thought and to see the love that the crowd gives me just makes my heart warm and just makes me so happy. Of course to achieve an accomplishment like this, just twice in a month. It just makes me very happy and I’m riding the wave and don’t worry, there is a crash at some point. It’s probably coming in like 24 or 36 hours and then I will suffer for a little while.”

Heemeryck, who finished second at the inaugural PTO Asian Open last year, settled for third but is determined to improve on his result next year.

He said: “Last year I was a little bit better, but maybe it is earlier in the season so I’m not in the shape that I had hoped to be in already. But it’s a long season and I’ve finished two times on the podium here so it’s very good. But second to third, so next time I have to come back for first.

“It’s much more fun [with more races this season]. It will be a very big season, but it’s only the second race. I look forward to the next races, but I hope next year I can be part of the series again so I can race here again. Singapore is something special now after finishing on the podium two times.”

How The Race Unfolded

In sweltering overcast conditions, last-minute Wildcard Josh Amberger led the first lap of the 2km swim with the likes of Alistair Brownlee and Kyle Smith in close contention. On the second lap, Aaron Royle took to the front and led into T1. Meanwhile, Sam Long – 2nd in the Miami T100 – left the water last with over four minutes to make up and was also given a 30-sec penalty for leaving his swim kit out of the box during transition.

Once on the bike, there was plenty of chopping and changing early on before T100 Wildcard Keulen pushed his way to the front and went on the attack. He soon put a minute into the chasers, which included fellow wildcards Mika Noodt and Kyle Smith as well as Brownlee (fifth in Miami) and Heemeryk.

The other rider attacking the bike with gusto was Sam Long, who began to rip his way through the field – making it into the top 10 with 20km to go.

In pole position, Keulen was holding just over one minute on the chase group and took that onto the 18km run, speeding away to widen his lead.

Behind, as the chase group entered T2, a late dismount from Brownlee meant the double Olympic champion was handed a 30-second penalty. Serving it after making it to the podium places, the Brit was soon reduced to a walk, then stretched his calf, before succumbing to a DNF.

Off the bike in eighth place with 3min 20sec to leader Keulen, Long was fastest on the run course and made up 90 seconds by 12km to pick off the competition, overtaking Heemeryck to take 2nd place. Serving his penalty at the start of the final lap and dropping to fourth, he stayed calm and was soon back in second. Behind, David McNamee was the other fast mover, making up eight places during the run.

There was no doubt as to who would take the tape, however. In a breakthrough performance, Keulen gave everything he had to secure victory, collapsing over the line to take a US$25,000 (S$34,027) paycheck, score the maximum 35 points and jump to the top of the T100 series standings.

Long’s tenacious and powerful performance saw him take second again and another US$16,000 in the bank and add 28 points to his T100 series tally, putting him just one point behind Keulen.

Heemeryck held strong for third place, US$12,000 and 25 points.

British triathlon star Beth Potter has been crowned the the supertri E World Triathlon Champion powered by Zwift after an epic battle with French racer Cassandre Beaugrand in London. The 27-year-old Beaugrand would suffer from cramp in her calf on the final run leg of the day but held onto second place, with American star Katie Zafares producing an impressive third place on her supertri E debut.

Potter and Beaugrand were largely inseparable throughout the first eight triathlon disciplines, with Potter finally breaking Beaugrand’s resolve with 500m to go of the final run leg in front of a raucous home crowd at the London Aquatics Centre in Queen Elizabeth Park.

Having won the Esports worlds in 2022, Potter’s victory adds another world title to her trophy cabinet and lays down a huge marker before this summer’s Paris Olympic Games, where the 32-year-old and Beaugrand are set for another major battle.

“It was my season opener today and I didn’t know where my form was at, so I’m really happy to take the win,” said Potter at the finish. “I didn’t go too hard in the third swim and had to bide my time until the final run.”

RIVALRY RESUMED

The London Aquatics Centre in Queen Elizabeth Park was the host of the World Champs, with 10 women’s triathletes qualifying from the morning heats. These included the two favourites for this summer’s Paris Olympics, France’s Cassandre Beaugrand and Beth Potter of the UK, who were going head-to-head for the first time in 2024 in London.

Joining them was supertri regular Katie Zafares (USA), but sadly home favourite Vicky Holland and rising Hungarian star Fanni Szalai both missed out on qualification.

The World Championship race consisted of 3 Stages over the supertri E format, with a 200m Swim – 4km Bike – 1km Run followed by a 1km Run – 4km Bike – 200m Swim before a final 200m Swim – 4km Bike – 1km Run.

The final stage saw a Pursuit start based on the time difference accumulated across the first two stages, with the athlete with the fastest times starting first.

STAGE 1
Swim: 200m

Cassandre Beaugrand (FRA) led the pace on the day’s first discipline, exiting the water after 2:12mins, five seconds ahead of Potter.

Bike: 4km

Onto the day’s first Zwift bike leg and Beaugrand’s lead was cut in half by Potter at the halfway stage, with Potter pulling level at the 3km stage. The 34-year-old American Katie Zafares was just four seconds back, with Potter and Beaugrand exiting the bikes together.

Run: 1km

Beaugrand’s seamless T2 saw her onto the treadmill first, with Potter in her shadow. Potter would make the pass at the halfway stage, with Zafares and Tanja Neubert (GER) dropping 10secs back. Potter’s lead by the end of the run would be five seconds ahead of Beaugrand and 19secs ahead of Zafares. 1-0 to the Scot.

STAGE 2
Run: 1km

Stage 2’s opening run began with Potter and Beaugrand remaining inseparable at the front of the field, with Zafares in close proximity. Potter and Beaugrand would exit the treadmill together, with Zafares 3secs back.

Bike: 4km

Onto the Tacx smart trainers and Potter would create an instant lead of 2secs over her French rival courtesy of a faultless transition, with Zafares 4secs behind. Potter would regularly push out of the saddle but Beaugrand would stubbornly stay right behind, while Zafares would push a bigger gear and lower cadence to remain in third. By T2, the gap between Potter and Beaugrand was minimal, with the two race favourites exchanging glances at they entered the swim.

Swim: 200m

Potter again produced the best transition to enter the water first, but Beaugrand had drawn level by the 50m mark. Potter wouldn’t give up her lead, however, edging Beaugrand to the finish to set up an epic final showdown. Zafares would be 12secs in arrears.

STAGE 3
Swim: 200m

The pursuit-style start saw Potter enter the water with a 5sec advantage over Beaugrand and 30secs over Zafares, who had a 29sec lead over Neubert in fourth. Beaugrand was quick to reduce the deficit to Potter and was alongside her with 100m to go. The two were level at the 150m mark, but Beaugrand was to nudge ahead by the swim’s finale.

Bike: 4km

Potter would lose precious seconds at the start of the final bike leg, with Beaugrand now 12-metres ahead of Potter. Riding side-by-side on the Tacx turbos, the gap between the athletes would remain at 12-metres as they pushed 300+ watts and speeds over 40km/h. Beaugrand would finally increase the gap to Potter by 2secs by T2. The scene would be set for an epic climax on the run.

Run: 1km

Potter would begin the final run leg courtesy of yet another textbook transition, establishing a 1sec lead over Beaugrand by 100m and 5secs by 500m. With Beaugrand visibly in pain, Potter’s lead was only increasing and had been extended to 25secs by the finale. Zafares would take bronze a minute back. The German pair of Neubert and Lena Meibner would finish fourth and fifth respectively.

The USA’s Chase McQueen stormed to victory at the supertri E World Triathlon Championships powered by Zwift in London to put behind him the nightmare of his 2023 collapse in the capital. The 26-year-old’s advantage was nine seconds over the home favourite Max Stapley, with France’s Maxime Hueber-Moosbrugger taking bronze.

Having blown his chance of winning the 2023 supertri E World Champs in London last year (including famously doing butterfly on the swim), the convincing victory acted as redemption for McQueen and he could enjoy the final run leg in front of a packed London Aquatics Centre.

“I’m getting emotional even thinking about being a world champion,” said McQueen at the finish. “It’s been a really hard 12 months and I’ve been thinking about this moment every day. I was fading on that last round and I’m so glad to share the podium with Max and Maxime, who pushed me so hard. I owe this to my team and family for bringing the best out of me every single day.”

While hopes of a home victory were dashed by McQueen, Max Stapley continued his rise as a major supertri player with a silver medal, having finished fifth in London in 2023.

CAPITAL GAINS

The London Aquatics Centre in Queen Elizabeth Park was the host of the supertri E World Triathlon Championships, with 10 triathletes qualifying from the morning heats, including heat winners Chase McQueen (USA), Max Stapley (GBR) and world U23 champion Simon Henseleit (GER), as well as Brit athletes Harry Leleu, Samuel Dickinson and Hugo Milner hoping to impress on home soil. Olympic qualifying points were also on offer, raising the stakes even higher.

The World Championship race consisted of three stages over the supertri E format (200m Swim – 4km Bike – 1km Run; 1km Run – 4km Bike – 200m Swim; before a final 200m Swim – 4km Bike – 1km Run).

The final stage would see a Pursuit start based on the time difference accumulated across the first two stages, with the athlete with the fastest times starting first.

STAGE 1

Swim: 200m

Into the pool and the USA’s Chase McQueen was straight into the lead in the 50m pool just ahead of Brit Max Stapley. Those two exited the water after 2:04mins, with Samuel Dickinson (GBR) and Henry Graf (GER) in hot pursuit.

Bike: 4km

Onto the Tacx Neo smarter trainers, and McQueen continued to push the pace at the front ahead of Dickinson and Stapley. Having battled the virtual Zwift cobbles in the draft-free race, McQueen’s lead was 3secs over Dickinson by Transition 2, with Stapley 8secs in arrears.

Run: 1km

Hitting the elliptical treadmills at close to 20km/h pace, the gap between McQueen and Dickinson remained locked at 3secs, but Stapley was gaining on the leaders and, by the end of the hot and frenetic 1km, only 3secs separated the top three.

STAGE 2

Run: 1km

The reverse order run, bike, swim began on the Zwift-linked treadmills, with Hugo Milner into the lead hoping to bring down his 27sec gap to the leaders from Stage 1. French racer Maxime Hueber-Moosbrugger was in close proximity, entering T1 alongside the Brit athlete and taking the lead at the start of the race’s second bike leg.

Bike: 4km

Hueber-Moosbrugger, with plenty of Super League experience in his locker, maintained his advantage throughout the Zwift bike leg, with Milner dropping down the field and McQueen, Stapley and Dickinson returning to the pointy end of the field. Just seven seconds would separate the top four in T2, with much hanging on their bike-to-swim transition speed.

Swim: 200m

McQueen was the fastest in transition, entering the pool first ahead of Hueber-Moosbrugger. The American’s lead was 7secs by the 200m mark ahead of Henry Graf (GER), with Dickinson and Stapley 9secs behind. Advantage America.

STAGE 3

Swim: 200m

The pursuit-style start saw McQueen with a 12sec advantage over Stapley and 13secs over Dickinson. That lead was 11secs over Stapley by T1, with Dickinson a further 4secs back.

Bike: 4km

The day’s final men’s bike leg again saw McQueen at the fore, producing a 350-watt output to create a 16sec advantage over Stapley by the halfway mark, 18secs by T2.

Run: 1km

With the win a near formality, the chief battle of the final run leg was between Stapley, Dickinson and Hueber-Moosbrugger for the remaining podium spots. With McQueen cruising to the title, Stapley battled to second overall 9secs back, with Hueber-Moosbrugger rounding out the podium 4secs behind Stapley. Dickinson would come home in fourth, with Graf taking fifth.

In the unforgiving Singapore heat and humidity, defending champion Ashleigh Gentle conquered not just the heat, but also any self doubts, to come from behind on the run and win an epic T100 battle with Lucy Charles-Barclay.

Ashleigh dug very deep in the latter stages of the 100km race to wipe out a 5 minute 33 second deficit coming out of T2 to beat Lucy as well as surprise podium finisher Els Visser.

The relieved Australian, 33, said after her win: “It feels a bit surreal to be honest. It surprised me a little bit but I’m obviously very happy. It’s just very different. Last year I found my flow and felt really comfortable and strong whereas this year it was very gritty, it was hard. So same result, but the feelings to get that result was so different so it’s just one of those things where you kind of have to persevere no matter what circumstances you’re dealt with and how you’re feeling and I’m just really glad that I was able to stay composed and still perform at a really high level.”

Lucy led for long periods on the run around a steamy Marina Bay course where humidity reached 78 degrees, but the wait for her first T100 win goes on. The Britain had also finished runner-up in the season opening Miami T100 last month. “I had a good race, I was happy with the performance. I felt pretty strong throughout. It’s bittersweet being at the front all that time but I felt really strong and I think I just want to build each race. It was definitely a better performance than in the first race in Miami and definitely a much better performance than last year here in Singapore. So I feel like everything’s stepping in the right direction. I still feel like there’s more to give in the tank and there’s fire in the belly to go home and work before the next race, but overall, (I’m) really happy with that. And it’s crucial here. I think this is probably the hardest race on the tour. So it’s nice to get this one out of the way and hopefully the next one will be a bit easier.”

Dutch star Visser was surprised to finish on the podium, saying: “I feel super proud of myself. I never expected to finish on the podium. It’s kind of a dream come true and to be on the podium with Lucy and Ash, that’s just a dream come true. I never would have expected that, I’m just very happy. I finished last in the European Open last year, I finished last here in Singapore last year. But I’ve worked hard. I know I’m not the best swimmer so I know that I really have to work my way back into the field. My coach said just focus on yourself no matter the circumstances, the only thing you worry about is yourself, so that’s what I did. I came out of the water and I thought now just go to work, push hard on the bike, just be patient and I really made up some time to the other girls. I got closer and closer and in the last lap, my legs really started cramping. I didn’t know how I would feel on the run and it took me a while to find my rhythm but I really found the rhythm and just super happy I could overtake and stay in front.”

How The Race Unfolded

Even in sweltering conditions, there was no surprise to see Charles-Barclay quickly take to the front in Marina Bay. As in the Miami T100, it was Lucy Buckingham on her feet while Rebecca Clarke rounded out the three-woman group. That trio pushed ahead to create a lead of 1:07 out of the water after the 2km swim.

On the 80km bike course, it was the British pairing of Charles-Barclay and Buckingham who put the hammer down. Gentle soon moved through to third with the gap standing at around 2:45 by halfway. Meanwhile, 2022 Ironman world champion Chelsea Sodaro, who finished third in Singapore last year, was forced to retire from the race.

With just under 30km to go, Miami T100 Champion India Lee put in a surge to overtake Gentle and move into third, with T100 debutant Imogen Simmonds and Lucy Byram – who was sixth in Miami – close by. While Lee subsequently slowed her pace, losing 30 seconds to the group, there were problems up front for Buckingham as she appeared to cramp in the stifling heat with 18km to go, allowing Charles-Barclay to retake the lead.

Meanwhile, Visser was the big mover up the leaderboard, with the Dutchwoman powering inexorably through the field to move past 11 athletes and claim third during the final lap. Despite this showing, Charles-Barclay entered T2 just ahead of Buckingham but with 5:03 to Visser and in the box seat for her first T100 title.

Gentle was just a little further back with 5:33 to make up as she headed out onto the run. The Australian made short work of getting herself back into the podium position by overtaking Visser and her charge didn’t stop there. While Charles-Barclay was running well, Gentle was moving with stunning rapidity in spite of increasing temperatures and rising humidity.

After 8km, the Australian had slashed her deficit to overtake Buckingham and move into second. Continuing to chase Charles-Barclay, Gentle nudged the gap to 1:01 going into the final 6km lap. From there, it was a nail biting competition as Gentle hunted Charles-Barclay, finally making a decisive surge to pass her with 4km to take the lead for the first time in the race.

Meanwhile, Visser continued her hard work in the fight for a podium finish to pull past Buckingham into third, but she was still close to 4 minutes behind Charles-Barclay,

Elated and exhausted, Gentle crossed the line in 3:44:23 to take a powerful victory that will surely send a message to the other T100 athletes. The Australian secured a USD$25,000 (S$34,027) paycheck and the maximum 35 points to start her 2024 T100 Triathlon World Tour season.

Charles-Barclay followed her 2nd place in the Miami T100 with another 2nd place, taking US$16,000 and 28 points to take her series tally to 56 and put her at the top of the T100 standings.

Visser was the dark horse wildcard, completing the podium in style, earning US$12,000, 25 points and plenty of new fans.

In the closing stages, New Zealand’s Amelia Watkinson showed that consistency prevails, overtaking Buckingham near the finish to clinch fourth, with Buckingham rounding out the top five.

Two world titles are up for grabs this Saturday at the supertri E World Triathlon Championships powered by Zwift in London on Saturday April 13. And for the first time, the 2024 edition is all about a one-off extravaganza with up to 60 athletes competing.There will be no margin for error as three heats will determine the top 10 women and men who will make it through to the evening finals for a chance to lift the titles. Start lists are filled with talent! Get ready to watch some epic battles as some of the most laureated Olympic athletes of the world take the stage.

Women’s race
The showdown between Olympic favourites Beth Potter and Cassandre Beaugrand is the headline battle in the women’s event. They are currently the top two in the world rankings and this will provide an early indicator of form ahead of Paris. Potter just got the better of her French rival when it mattered at the end of last season and both have an excellent record in this format.

But they won’t have it all to themselves - American superstar Katie Zaferes is desperate to boost her prospects of an Olympic place and will need a big performance to do so, while fellow mum Vicky Holland is aiming to showcase her Paris credentials too.

And watch out for 16 year old Fanni Szalai, the Hungarian phenom who burst onto the world scene in this series in 2023. She’s continued her meteoric progress since then and underlined her complete dominance of European junior racing recently in Quarteira.

Men’s race
And it’s a similar story in the men’s event as U23 World Champion Simon Henseleit of Germany wears #1.

Up against him is Chase McQueen, back in London and seeking redemption after things unravelled in the final 12 months ago following his victory in this format in Montreal.

And there’s a group of young Brits looking to highlight their Olympic claims, with many eyes likely to be on rising star Hugo Milner. He makes his debut in this fast and furious format, knowing that in this format, it’s all about the transitions when every second counts.

Previous winners
What was then called the Arena Games began in 2020 to enable live professional triathlon to continue behind closed doors during the global COVID-19 pandemic.

It was so popular that it’s gone from strength to strength and the world’s first Esports Triathlon World Champions were crowned in Singapore in 2022 - Brits Beth Potter and Alex Yee.

Sophie Linn (AUS) and Henri Schoeman (RSA) would emerge as the victors after a three-event series 12 months ago.

But on Saturday it’s a one-off winner-takes-all showdown in London.

Everything is ready for the second stop on the new eight-leg T100 Triathlon World Tour: Singapore. Defending women’s champion Ashleigh Gentle, double Olympic champion Alistair Brownlee, reigning Ironman World Champion Lucy Charles-Barclay or winner in T100 Miami Magnus Ditlev are ready to put up a show in the Singapore heat.

Women’s race
Toeing the start line on Saturday will be Miami T100 champion India Lee, who will be looking to pick up where she left off in Florida at the Homestead-Miami Speedway, where she ran down fellow Brit and reigning Ironman World Champion Lucy Charles-Barclay to clinch her maiden T100 win. By her own admission, India had expected “nothing” going into the season opener in Miami other than to “see how her winter had gone, with no pressure”.

It turns out her winter had gone ‘pretty well’ and has catapulted the British star into the PTO World Top Ten for the first time. She will get an immediate chance to put that newfound confidence to the test against a strong field in Singapore that features 7 of the world’s top 20 athletes including #2 Australian Ashleigh Gentle, who’s making her T100 debut after winning the inaugural PTO Asian Open in Singapore in 2023, and #3 Lucy Charles-Barclay, who is putting all of her focus into the T100 Tour in 2024 as well as Chelsea Sodarao of the USA, the 2022 Ironman World Champion.

The full line up for the Singapore T100 can be found here. It features 8 of the 20 contracted T100 athletes and 12 wildcards – including America’s Haley Chura and Estonia’s Kaidi Kivioja who finished a very creditable 7th and 10th respectively in Miami. The wildcard contingent also features the powerful Aussie trio of Ellie Salthouse, Radka Kahlefeldt and Rebecca Clarke – adding to the fresh faces looking for a chance to prove themselves at the sport’s highest level in Singapore’s infamous heat and humidity.

Men’s race
The men’s race features 15 of the world’s top 20 PTO Ranked athletes and will continue many of the battles started in Miami. #2 Magnus Ditlev put in a commanding performance to win the first race of the season in Miami, but it will not be easy for him to repeat the victory after a crash a few days ago in Singapore. The field will also feature American #3 Jason West, who’ll be looking to improve on his seventh place in Florida, and fellow American and the new #5 Sam Long, who’ll be bursting with confidence after biking and running through the field to go from the last swim pack to second on the podium and only 35 seconds down on Ditlev.

Flying Dutchman Youri Keulen gets another T100 wildcard, following his impressive fourth at the Homestead-Miami Speedway, and double Olympic champion from Great Britain Alistair Brownlee – who led for long periods in the Miami heat but ultimately ran out of gas on the run – goes again after having taken heart from his first outing of the season.

The full line up for the Singapore T100 can be found here. It features 16 of the 20 contracted T100 athletes and 4 wildcards.

The women’s Singapore T100 race takes place on Saturday 13 April. The race starts 14:15 (local time). The men’s Singapore T100 race takes place on Sunday 14 April, at 15:15 local time and you can watch both races on TriathlonLIVE (georestrictions might apply)

The Oceania Championships will take place in Taupo, New Zealand, this weekend and a star-studded field is due to compete for regional supremacy. The event will be the second of the five standard distance continental championships of 2024 and is shaping up to be incredibly tight.

Men’s race

Last year’s shock winner Bradley Course (AUS) is back to defend his title. Course achieved the remarkable feat of winning the Oceania junior, U23 and senior titles all in the same season in 2023. In doing so, he earned the uncommon right to start at both the Junior World Championships and the U23 World Championships. Now a year older, he will wear the number 1 in Taupo.

Should Course triumph again this season, he will have to do it the hard way. WTCS race winner Matthew Hauser (AUS) will be making his first start of the season and will be a formidable opponent. The fastest swimmer at last year’s WTCS Final in Pontevedra, Hauser will likely press his advantage in the first discipline.

The Australian team will also be represented by Brandon Copeland, Oscar Dart and Luke Bate. Former WTCS gold medallist Jacob Birtwhistle will be another to watch from the Australian team. He took the bronze medal at the Oceania Championships over the sprint distance earlier in the season and is the only male medallist from that event slated to start in Taupo.

As things stand, the second Australian male Olympic slot remains up in the air (Hauser locked in his place in Pontevedra). An eye-catching performance this weekend could therefore set one of those racing on the path to Paris.

From the home New Zealand team, Tayler Reid will have the dual objectives of claiming continental gold and furthering his own Olympic ambitions. He is currently locked in a fight to join Hayden Wilde on the New Zealand Olympic team.

Saxon Morgan and Janus Staufenberg will be two further men to watch from the home team. In addition, Benjamin Airey (NZL) will look to attempt a similar result to Course and add a senior continental medal to his recent bronze from the Oceania Junior Championships.

Women’s race

In the women’s race, Jaz Hedgeland (AUS) will be the provisional favourite after winning the Oceania title over the sprint distance in March. She will wear number 1 this weekend. Her fellow medallists, Brea Roderick (NZL) and Tara Sosinski (AUS), will also be racing and so she will not have things all her own way. As the Oceania champion from 2021, though, Hedgeland has plenty of pedigree at the event.

Roderick will be joined by World Cup medallist Ainsley Thorpe (NZL) on the home team who will no doubt be a contender for the podium. Meanwhile, Sosinksi will start alongside the experienced Natalie Van Coevorden (AUS). Having made WTCS and World Cup podiums previously, Van Coevorden will fancy her chances of breaking into the medals in Taupo.

Furthermore, Van Coevorden will look to nail a place on the Australian Olympic team after missing out in Tokyo. Neither of the Australian berths have been officially claimed. As a result, the likes of Hedgeland, Van Coevorden, Sosinski and more will treat the Oceania Championships as a valuable chance to showcase their abilities.

A dramatic pair of races could therefore await in Taupo. Stay up to date with all the latest from Oceania across World Triathlon channels this weekend.

The Asia Championships over the sprint distance saw a pair of dramatic races as Junjie Fan (CHN) and Meiyi Lu (CHN) won the gold medals for the home team. Both Fan and Lu bided their time throughout the race before unleashing decisive attacks on the run. After Kazakhstan took double gold at the 2023 iteration of the event, this time round it proved to be China’s day in Dexing.

Rounding out the men’s podium were Takumi Hojo (JPN) and Yunxiang Ma (CHN). The remaining women’s medals were claimed by Miyu Sakai (JPN) and Sarika Nakayama (JPN).

The Olympic implications

The Asia Championships also had a significant impact on the race to the Paris Olympic Games.

After finishing 4th in the men’s race, Jason Ng Tai Long (HKG) has swept through 10 places in the world rankings. He now sits in 40th place overall. Crucially, he has overtaken his Olympic New Flag rival, Ayan Beisenbayev (KAZ).

Beisenbayev, the 2023 Asian sprint distance champion, could only manage 20th in Dexing. As a result, he gained no places in the world rankings and remains in 45th. Ng holds a 79 point advantage over Beisenbayev, however such a slender lead could be overturned in the course of a single race.

In the women’s event, a 7th place finish for Bailee Brown (HKG) saw her make up ground on the current occupant of the Asian female New Flag berth, Ekaterina Shabalina (KAZ). Shabalina opted against defending her title and the action at the weekend has seen her drop to 53rd in the world rankings. At the same time, Brown moved up 8 places to 63rd.

With only 10 places and 144 points splitting the two women, Brown could still leapfrog Shabalina before the end of the qualifying window. Both of the Asian New Flag places will thus be very much up for grabs over the coming weeks.

Shake up in South Africa

Meanwhile, further New Flag intrigue was on offer at the Nelson Mandela Bay Africa Cup. The key drama came in the women’s race. Vicky Van Der Merwe (RSA) won her fourth straight African event of 2024 and gained 14 places in the world rankings. She now sits in 52nd, coincidentally a single place ahead of Shabalina.

Van Der Merwe has therefore consolidated her hold on the African women’s New Flag place. Her closest rival is Amber Schlebusch (RSA), who finished 2nd in Nelson Mandela Bay. The gap between the two women, though, stands at 30 places and Van Der Merwe has since received the selectorial nod from the South African federation.

The Africa Cup may have also had an important effect on the European women’s New Flag race as Sinem Francisca Tous Servera (TUR) claimed the bronze medal. Tous’ performance has seen her gain 2 places in the world rankings and puts her in 51st. Moreover, it buys her vital, if possibly temporary, breathing space over her rivals for the European New Flag slot.

What they had to say

The Asian men’s champion, Junjie Fan, noted the conditions in Dexing made for a challenging race. “Because it rained yesterday, the road would be very slippery today. I was almost falling down on the dam twice, because my rear wheel slipped.” He added, “The water temperature is the same for all athletes, not only do I feel that the water temperature is low. Under the same conditions, it’s fair for all athletes.”

With regards to passing Hojo, the silver medallist, on the run, Fan noted, “For running, it’s better to run at your own pace. You can’t run too fast in the first lap, and if you run too fast, you may not have energy in the second lap.”

The women’s champion in Dexing, Meiyi Lu, was satisfied with how her race unfolded. “Because Dexing is the first race of this year and I have done well in winter training, coupled with the sprint distance competition, so I can better leverage my speed advantage. For running, because I spent a year and a winter training, I am not very clear about my opponent’s strength. My plan was to lead the first lap, but not run at full speed, so I could know the distance between my opponent and me. If they were very close, I don’t need to run at full speed. If they can’t even keep up with me on the first lap, I’ll just start accelerating from the first lap. But in fact, they’re very close, so if I accelerate too early on the first lap, I’ll probably be surpassed later on.”

Elsewhere, Vicky Van Der Merwe was thrilled with her current form and Olympic prospects. “I’m just so happy and thankful that all the hard work that I’ve put in has paid off! A year ago no one would have bet on me for the Olympics and now I’m the favourite - winning all 3 of our Olympic Selection races!” As for the race itself she added that it “was tough but great.”
“I received a penalty (first one ever!!) for a false start which I had to serve in T1 of course, so I really had to sprint to make the first pack! Our group worked really well together and we soon dropped 2 girls… on the run, I broke away pretty much from the start, which was tough as each lap was straight into a block headwind alone while the other girls ran in a group. I didn’t feel great on the run but still super happy with the result!”

It is a shocking statistic that 40% of young women leave the sport that they love because of self-consciousness about their bodies. At a time in their lives where they experience faster physical changes than any other, the attitudes, approaches and awareness of how this impacts the way so many feel girls about their appearance are being put under the spotlight to try and reverse the worrying trend.

The Laureus Sport for Good Foundation’s Body Confident Sport campaign is a global partnership between the Center for Appearance Research (University of West of England), Laureus Sport for Good, The Tucker Center (University of Minnesota), Dove and Nike, with the over-arching goal of producing a mindset change in all areas of sport, from athletes to coaches and beyond to society in general.

As part of the initiative, World Triathlon has been awarded a grant of GB£30,000 that will be shared between three National Federations; Great Britain, Italy and Mexico. Each will use the money to pinpoint specific areas in which they feel the most progress can be made towards helping more young women in triathlon feel that they can embrace and be emboldened by their bodies and by how amazing they are and what they can do.

World Triathlon has made athlete body-confidence a mandatory element of its Coach Revalidation process to ensure coaches around the world are mindful of the language they use and the culture that they control within training groups and to be aware of what young women may be thinking and feeling.

“It is impossible to understate the importance of the Laureus campaign for the good of women, for sport and for triathlon,” said World Triathlon President Marisol Casado. “Triathlon is an ‘everyday is a tri-suit day’ sport, where triathletes spend most of their time in swimwear and/or a trisuit. If the statistics are shocking for the numbers of talented young women feeling more comfortable leaving all their hard work and training behind, then the main reason why is even more troubling. We have to work with these brilliant people at every step of their development to ensure they are as comfortable, happy and confident as they need to be to fulfil their potential. It is something that starts at training, impacts on racing and needs to permeate every part of our culture. I look forward to seeing the ways in which our friends at the British, Italian and Mexican Federations are able to create initiatives that will bring meaningful mindset changes to reverse this trend for future generations.”

British Triathlon’s Michelle Hayden, Head of Coaching
“British Triathlon is delighted to be working with World Triathlon and the Italian Triathlon and Triathlon Mexico National Federations to raise awareness of body confidence in young females in our sport. We are delighted to be working with coaches and female participants in our sport to raise awareness of body image and confidence. We want to empower coaches and young women in triathlon to celebrate the great things active bodies can achieve. We want to use the power of swim, bike, run and Triathlon to make our sport more accessible and an enjoyable place for women and girls to be active - simultaneously supporting our coaches to develop their knowledge and understanding.”

Triathlon Mexico’s Claudia Beristain, Project Lead
“Participating in the Body Confident Sport program for coaches and for girls aged 11-17 in triathlon is important because it promotes a healthy and balanced approach to physical activity, focusing on building confidence, self-esteem, and a positive body image. It provides coaches and girls with the necessary guidance and support to develop skills in triathlon coaching while prioritising the overall wellbeing and mental health of the participants. By adhering to this program, girls can cultivate a lifelong enjoyment of sport, enhance their physical fitness, and foster a resilient mindset, setting them up for success both on and off the racecourse. Mexico is committed to educating coaches that are Body Confident competent to create a better coaching culture in our country.”

Italian Triathlon Federation’s Riccardo Giubilei, President
“We are honoured in being selected by World Triathlon and Laureus Sport for Good Foundation to partake in this important two-year project, together with two other important Federations: Great Britain and Mexico. The topic discussed is of fundamental importance, and precisely for this reason, the Italian Triathlon Federation places among its objectives the desire to work with coaches to promote an inclusive environment for all young people, where everyone has the same opportunities to participate and feel comfortable approaching physical activities. Thanks to this program we can implement the training that we provide coaches to increase their competence and necessary skills, hence promoting a positive body image culture so that athletes can gain greater confidence in relation to their bodies during sporting activities.”

For more information, visit www.bodyconfidentsport.com

With the 2024 World Triathlon Race Calendar underway, the World Triathlon Development and Education program continued providing athletes with opportunities to develop, technical officials to grow and coaches to learn further, ensuring the growth of our wonderful sport in all areas of the world.

This March, notable projects included -
- The endorsement of the ‘Body Confident Sport’ program is aimed at education for those coaching young women in sport.  World Triathlon has a strong history in maintaining gender equality, and coach revalidation through March required all TRI coaches to complete this course.
- In continent news, Development Agreements were signed by Africa Triathlon and Asia Triathlon, outlining specific goals for regional progress.

Athlete development through March included -
- An extension of invitations for applications into Team World Triathlon at the 2024 World Triathlon Cup Samarkand.
- The 3rd Testing and Benchmarking Camp for Europe Triathlon, held in Slovenia as the first development activity of the year
- The naming of Seven Para Athletes from 3 continents (Africa, America and Europe) awarded the Para Athlete Support Grants for 2024 - enabling them increased support to travel and compete at World Triathlon-sanctioned events on the way to the Paris 2024 Paralympics and beyond

Coach and Technical Officials Education in March saw -
- Coach education revalidation continues through March, with the deadline for this process closing at the end of the month on 31 March.
Technical Officials’ certification and revalidation results were also released in March. 

In closing, important upcoming events for April include -
- The NF open hour celebrated the 35 years of ITU/World Triathlon
- All NF’s are reminded their 2024 Membership Obligations are to be completed by 30 April. 

All details these activities, programmes and initiatives in April can be found below.- World Triathlon Development and Education

2024 DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT OF AFRICA TRIATHLON AND ASIA TRIATHLON

World Triathlon signed the 2024 Development Agreement with Africa Triathlon and Asia Triathlon in March.

Africa Triathlon will focus on the Development Regional Cup implementation in three countries (Algeria, Kenya, and Senegal), with complex development projects involving coaches, athletes, technical officials, and event organisers simultaneously. Redesign junior development camps to support athletes’ careers from junior towards U23 by introducing strict and targeted selection criteria.  Focus on Level 1 coach education this year with possible support from Olympic Solidarity. Being in the final phase of the Olympic and Paralympic qualification with targeted support of athletes and Para triathletes to ensure African athletes take new flag slots for both major games in Paris.

For more details on the signed development agreement, please click here.

Asia Triathlon follows its recently approved strategic plan to develop all five regions in Asia with tailor-made development programs in all areas (athletes, coaches, technical officials, events and Para triathlon) based on each region’s needs and specific development objectives. The goals are to design an athlete and coach development programme that serves excellence and competitiveness among the continents,  with targeted Technical Officials and Event Development to increase the quality of event delivery, increase female participation and promote Para triathlon across the continent.
Please visit triathlon.org for all continental development agreements. Documents • World Triathlon.
 
2024 MEMBERSHIP OBLIGATIONS TO BE COMPLETED BY 30 APRIL

World Triathlon extends its heartfelt gratitude to those National Federations who have already taken the time to fulfil the 2024 Membership Obligations. Your prompt response is genuinely appreciated, and we acknowledge your commitment to this vital matter.  As a friendly reminder to all World Triathlon members, we urge you to fulfil the 2024 Membership Obligations by completing the following tasks before 30 April 2024.
1.    Submit the 2023 NF Survey.
2.    Provide the Financial Statement for the previous year.
3.    Pay the annual membership fee of 300 USD.
If you have any enquiries or encounter challenges while completing the Survey, please do not hesitate to contact us at federations@triathlon.org.
 
NF OPEN HOURS IN APRIL - LET’S CELEBRATE OUR 35 YEARS TOGETHER

World Triathlon invites all members to join the next edition of the National Federation Open Hours on 17 and 18 April. Besides the usual TRI updates, the World Triathlon Family is celebrating its 35th anniversary. Let’s celebrate together!

Wednesday, 17 April (ENG-FRA), 9:30 CEST - Click here
Thursday, 18 April (ENG-ESP), 16:30 CEST - Click here

Please visit triathlon.org for more information: NFs Open Hours • World Triathlon.

ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT

Team World Triathlon - Samarkand WC

World Triathlon extends the application deadline for the Team World Triathlon | Development • World Triathlon linked to the 2024 World Triathlon Cup Samarkand in Uzbekistan on 18 May 2024.
The deadline is Wednesday, 10 April 2024.
Application form.

After introducing the Testing and Benchmarking Camp concept in 2023,  Europe Triathlon continued this initiative for the first development activity of 2024. The camp took place in Koper, Slovenia, with the support of the University of Sport, Laboratory for Physiological Testing - Ljubljana.
Seven athletes from four National Federations (Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania, Slovenia)  and two coaches attended the camp from 5 to 10 March led by Milos Petelin (SLO) and Ljudmila Medan (SRB) TRI Head Coaches.

The Tests used in the Camps:
1. The University of Montreal Track Test is a continuous maximal indirect multistage running field test based on the energy cost of running. The test is conducted on a 400m running track, with marker cones at every 50m along the track. The test begins at 12 km/h, and the speed increases by 0.3 km per hour every 200m. The trial stops when the triathlete falls 5m or more short of the designated marker or feels they cannot continue the stage.
2. Bicycle Conconi 100 + 20 W/min protocol.
3. Swimming CSS test.
4. Measurement of body composition.
5. Spirometry.

“The purpose of this specific camp is to measure and gain insights into the current performance of athletes by utilising a team of experienced professionals in a laboratory for physiological testing. The participating athletes are members of the Team Europe initiative selected to race in various European Cup events in 2024.” - Ljudmila Medan (SRB), TRI Head Coach.

“Being in the Europe Triathlon Team has always been a pleasure. They support us to be the best version of ourselves, learn and grow like an athlete. With the tests conducted during the camp, I now have more data about my training zones, which will help my coach and me in the next training period. The testing facilities and staff were very professional, and everything was great. This format is a great idea; it helps us stay motivated and focused on improvement. Nice people, good athletes and great coaches.” - Alice Perjoiu (ROU), Athlete.

PARA TRIATHLON

Recipients of the Para Athlete Support Grant in 2024 named
For the third consecutive year, World Triathlon awarded seven (7) Para athletes representing three continents (Africa, America and Europe) with a support grant for their racing at World Triathlon-sanctioned events on the way to the Paris 2024 Paralympics and beyond. Congratulations to the athletes and their National Federations.

2024 Para Athlete Support Grant Recipients:
Laura-Liis Juursalu (EST) PTS5
Alisa Kolpakchy (UKR) PTS5
Fethi Zouinkhi (TUN) PTWC
Juan Esteban Patino (COL) PTS2
Joe Kurt (LUX) PTS4
Darius Dumitru (ROU) PTWC
Lazar Filipović (SRB) PTVI

World Triathlon may open a second round of Para athlete support grants in the second half of the year. Stay tuned.

For more details, please visit Para Athlete Support Grant | Development • World Triathlon.
 
COACH EDUCATION

The 2024 Korea Triathlon - World Triathlon Coach Education Project

The sixth edition of this remarkable coach education program will come back in parts during the year. From 16 to 23 May, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Korea, the Korean Sport and Olympic Committee, and the Korea Sports Promotion Foundation will host a Level 2 cohort in the beautiful city of Cheonan. Nominations for this are already in, and the selection process will end shortly.

The Level 1 course will take place in early November, and eligible National Federations (ODA recipient countries) will receive a call for nominations in due time.

Results of the 2024 Certification Revalidation of Coaches (CRoC)

An all-time high number of approximately 840 coaches (results are still being analysed) completed their annual coach revalidation tasks on the World Triathlon Education & Knowledge HUB between 1 February and 31 March 2024. The feedback was very positive, particularly regarding the ‘Body Confident Coaching’ course.  Many found this course a ‘real eye-opener’ regarding a sensitive and less discussed topic.  The continental completion ratios (among coaches holding valid certificates) are the following:

Africa Triathlon: 82%
Americas Triathlon: 67%
Asia Triathlon: 89%
Europe Triathlon: 80%
Oceania Triathlon: 77%

TECHNICAL OFFICIALS EDUCATION

Annual Certification Results Are Released

World Triathlon has released the annual Technical Officials Certification results, which always occurs at the beginning of the year.  Thanos Nikopoulos, Head of Operations, and Alpar Nagy, Sport Operations Manager, spent long days summarising the results, achievements and assignments of the 2023 year. Technical Officials & Event Organisers Education is the core assurance to run fair and safe World Triathlon-sanctioned events at all levels, from Regional and Continental Cups to World events in triathlon, Para triathlon and multisports.
We cannot thank each and every member of the TO Community enough for this voluntary and valuable work on the blue carpet and beyond.

2023 TO Certification & Revalidation in figures:

Gender Equity: We are getting closer!
- 8% Increase in the female TOs in the TO Level 1
- 9% Increase in the female TOs in the TO Level 2

Certified World Triathlon Technical Officials
World Triathlon Level 1 Technical Officials’ Certification List (NTO)
World Triathlon Level 2 Technical Officials’ Certification List (CTO)
World Triathlon Level 3 Technical Officials’ Certification List (ITO)
World Triathlon List of Inactive Technical Officials
World Triathlon Honorary Level 3 Technical Officials’ Certification List (ITO)

Eligible Technical Officials for Level 2
Asia Triathlon – list of eligible officials for Level 2 Seminar
Africa Triathlon – list of eligible officials for Level 2 Seminar
Americas Triathlon – list of eligible officials for Level 2 Seminar
Europe Triathlon – list of eligible officials for Level 2 Seminar
Oceania Triathlon – list of eligible officials for Level 2 Seminar

Revalidation: Eligible Technical Officials for Level 1 & Level 2 E-Seminars
Africa Triathlon - List of eligible officials for Level 1 E-Learning Seminar
Americas Triathlon - List of eligible officials for Level 1 E-Learning Seminar
Asia Triathlon - List of eligible officials for Level 1 E-Learning Seminar
Europe Triathlon - List of eligible officials for Level 1 E-Learning Seminar
Oceania Triathlon - List of eligible officials for Level 1 E-Learning Seminar

List of eligible officials for Level 2 E-Learning Seminar

Are you a TRI-certified Technical Official?
Download your certificate, badge or card from here: World Triathlon Development: Technical Official Certification • World Triathlon
All TO Certification-related documents can be found here: World Triathlon Development: Certification Documents • World Triathlon

Hong Kong trained officials to deliver safe and fair World Cup
Eighteen participants attended the 2024 Hong Kong World Triathlon Technical Offical Level 1 Seminar held at the Chinese Recreation Club in Wanchai, Hong Kong, between 16 and 17 March. All of them are locals, and only one participant is from Thailand.

“Thank you to Asia Triathlon and World Triathlon for giving the opportunity for our Technical Officials to gain understanding and furthering their pathway in officiating. They will also be able to gain experience immediately by officiating at the 2024 Hong Kong World Triathlon Cup held on the following weekend.” – Rebecca Mok, Triathlon Association of Hong Kong China representative.

“It is very well organised with clear instructions. It’s educational for anyone interested in becoming a Technical Official. I look forward to any other seminar from World Triathlon to enrich my understanding.” - Ngok Pang Ronald Chan, HKG

“The atmosphere is friendly. There are clear details and easy to understand.” - Busakorn Jantavach, THA.

“I always enjoy facilitating Level 1 seminars as I meet people from all walks of life who are now joining our triathlon family. Witnessing their enthusiasm, participation during the seminar and facilitating their learning in our World Triathlon ways makes me happy.” - TRI Facilitator Melody Tan.

Technical Officials Training in Mercedes, Uruguay

Americas Triathlon continues using the World Triathlon Development Regional Cup to boost events, technical officials, athletes and coaches’ development across the continent.

Mercedes, Uruguay, hosted a Development Regional Cup in March. Athletes from Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, Puerto Rico and Uruguay. In conjunction with the event, a World Triathlon Level 1 Technical Officials education took place, led by Gustavo Svane (ARG), TRI TO Facilitator.

The seminar also provided an excellent opportunity to mentor and guide the newly trained facilitator, Carlos Fernandez from Argentina, who is now ready to conduct similar training in the future and serve Latin America’s needs, spreading technical knowledge and events expertise around the continent.

Stay updated on World Triathlon National Federation Services & Development
Contact us at development@triathlon.org or federations@triathlon.org

The long road to Olympic qualification continues this weekend with major continental events in both Asia and Africa. In Dexing, China, the Asia Triathlon Sprint Championships will pit direct rivals against one another in both the men’s and women’s New Flag hunts. Over in Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa, several New Flag contenders will likewise gather for a race that could have big Paris 2024 implications for athletes from Africa and beyond.

Asia Sprint Championships – Dexing, China

Ayan Beisenbayev (KAZ) will arrive in Dexing with a target on his back. The defending champion holds a slender lead over Jason Tai Long Ng (HKG) in the world rankings with five places and a total of 68 points separating them. Realistically, the men’s Asian New Flag spot will go to one of the two.

With Ng also due to start in Dexing after a flat in Hong Kong saw him disappointed to be off the pace over the bike, he could still supplant Beisenbayev with a big performance. So close has their personal battle been thus far, only a win might be enough for the Hong Kong athlete.

The Asian women’s New Flag could also take a decisive turn in Dexing. While Ekaterina Shabalina (KAZ) holds a healthy lead in the world rankings over her continental rivals, Bailee Brown (HKG) is still in with a chance of catching her.

Brown has exactly twenty places and a little over 200 points to make up. A win in Dexing could go a long way in bringing her onto Shabalina’s heels.

On the flip side, both Beisenbayev and Shabalina will be aware that they can lock out Ng and Brown, respectively. With both at the forefront of Kazakhstan’s rise in triathlon, they will not relinquish their New Flag slots without a fight.

As for the championships themselves, Kazakhstan and Hong Kong athletes will face stiff opposition. The home team will be led by Junjie Fan and Yunxiang Ma in the men’s race while Xinying Lu and Meiyi Lu will strive to bring home medals for China in the women’s event.

Japan will also field a host of experienced campaigners, such as Takumi Hojo, Ren Sato and Jumpei Furuya in the men’s race and Minori Ikeno and Miyu Sakai in the women’s. Beyond the possible Olympic permutations, a dynamic set of races can therefore be expected.

Africa Cup – Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa

Meanwhile, more than one New Flag place will be at stake in the women’s race in Nelson Mandela Bay. Sinem Francisca Tous Servera (TUR) currently occupies the lead in the European race although she will be glancing over her shoulder as several rivals gain ground on her.

Tous, though, will be racing in Nelson Mandela Bay knowing that a podium performance could extend her advantage. What happens in Africa, then, could well shape the fortunes of several other European athletes.

Edda Hannesdottir (ISL) is also on the start line in Nelson Mandela Bay and could likewise start to influence the European New Flag race with a win. In addition, she could potentially earn Olympic selection through the Tripartite invitation procedure with a top 180 World Ranking. 

The more obvious New Flag competition in South Africa can be found in the African women’s race. Vicky Van Der Merwe (RSA), the reigning African champion, is the incumbent and only has to maintain her position across the remainder of the Olympic qualification window.

Her domestic rivals, Shanae Williams (RSA) and Amber Schlebusch (RSA), are among the starters in Nelson Mandela Bay and either could stage a late charge against Van Der Merwe.

Over in the men’s race, Siefeldeen Ismail (EGY) will be one to watch. He is only ten places behind Jean Gael Laurent L`entete in the African men’s New Flag race and a podium finish in Nelson Mandela Bay would see him close the gap.

Several paths to Paris could therefore be shaped this weekend. Stay abreast with all the latest updates across the World Triathlon channels.

The first ever indoor World Cup delivered a groundbreaking spectacle in Lievin and gave fans of triathlon plenty to discuss. Over the shortest format contested yet at the World Cup level, with races lasting barely 10 minutes, speed was the order of the day. Quick wits proved as important as being physically fast as the threat of elimination was never far away. Here are five things we took away from the action at the weekend, and you can watch it all back on demand over on TriathlonLive.tv.

1. Home team impresses

A regular on the Para Cup circuit, it had been a long time since France had hosted a World Cup event – the last one was in Lorient in 2008 – and the home team more than made up for lost time as they put two athletes into the women’s final and four into the men’s. Of the finalists, a few names caught the eye.

Vincent Luis (FRA) was a constant threat throughout each round of racing. He qualified safely in 4th place in the sixth qualifier before claiming 3rd place in the third semi-final. The former world champion then rounded things off with 2nd place in the final. In doing so he claimed his first World Cup medal in several years and offered a clear sign that his return from injury is gathering momentum.

On the other end of the experience spectrum, Leo Fernandez (FRA) dazzled on his way to the final in the men’s event. In his World Cup debut, the 2022 European Junior Champion even took the lead early on during the run. While he would eventually slip back to 6th place, Fernandez certainly brought the home crowd to their feet.

Also taking a star turn was Leonie Periault (FRA). The WTCS medallist stepped up in the women’s final to take 4th place and was seconds away from claiming a medal.

2. A tale of two medallists

Laura Lindemann (GER) looked in fantastic form as she charged to the gold medal in the women’s event. The German star has already qualified for the Olympics and is coming off a big 2023 season in which she won multiple WTCS medals for the first time and anchored the German Mixed Team Relay to golds in Hamburg and Paris. The short format in Lievin proved perfect for her and offered further evidence that she might just be the preeminent woman over the relay distances and below.

Right behind Lindemann in Lievin was Georgia Taylor-Brown (GBR). Whereas Lindemann arrived after a glittering 2023, Taylor-Brown had a trickier season ended prematurely by injury. Notwithstanding the fact that Taylor-Brown won WTCS Cagliari, she entered 2024 with plenty of uncertainty around her injury comeback and with a potential Olympic slot still up in the air.

In a sign that her form is coming right back, though, Taylor-Brown claimed the silver medal in Lievin. That came after she finished 3rd at the European Cup in Quarteira a week prior, and both performances were highly encouraging.

Thus, while Lindemann and Taylor-Brown arrived in Lievin in different places, both will no doubt be satisfied with how they are building into their season.

3. Stornes’ storming comeback

In the build-up to the Tokyo Olympics, Casper Stornes (NOR) was a rising force in triathlon. An upset win at WTCS Bermuda in 2018 preceded a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympic Test Event in 2019. However, after the early rise came the setback. Injury struck at the Arzachena World Cup in 2022, forcing him to rebuild.

After working his way back to full strength once more, Stornes made a significant step forwards in Lievin. Indeed, he made a double comeback of sorts.

On the one hand, he claimed his first World Cup medal. In doing so, he reasserted himself at the world level and served a reminder of his class. On the other hand, his bronze medal itself was the product of an electric comeback on the bike and then on the run. For much of the final, Stornes had seemed out of contention only for him to barrel down the finishing straight into the medals.

Whether in terms of returning from injury or in races, Stornes’ comeback antics will be something to watch across the season.

4. The near misses

After striking down Vincent Luis with his win at the Quarteira European Cup, Hugo Milner’s name was on the lips of many in Lievin. However, it was not to be his weekend as he narrowly missed out on making the semi-finals in both his qualifier and then the repechage. In both instances, he missed out by 2 seconds and one finishing position.

Meanwhile, the final highlighted the fine margins of the indoor format. Tim Hellwig (GER) expertly navigated the early rounds and found himself in the perfect position as he came off the bike in the final. However, a wobble on the dismount line left him fearing a potential penalty. With his mind elsewhere, he slipped from 1st place in the closing stages of the run to miss the podium in a photo finish.

One athlete to escape a mishap of his own was Vetle Bergsvik Thorn (NOR). The Norwegian athlete revealed after his qualifier that he had completed a lap too many on the bike. He was nonetheless able to recover to take 4th place and claim the last semi-final slot from his heat, with a roaring 2:42 1km run split sparing his blushes followed by the overall gold to fire his own Paris 2024 mission.

5. Lightning splits

When it came to rapid splits, there were almost too many to count in Lievin. Zuzana Michalickova (SVK) and Mitch Kolkman (NED) were among the stars of the show in the water, with both leading out the swims in their respective finals. The Hungarian youngster Zalán Hóbor was another to catch the eye with his swimming speed in the qualifiers.

When it came to the bike, no one would match Hellwig’s 4:22 split from the first qualifier.

It was on the run that some of the greatest fireworks were produced. Gwen Jorgensen (USA) blasted a 3:01 1km in the women’s final to catapult herself to bronze. Her time would stand as the quickest by any woman on the door. Lindemann and Taylor-Brown managed splits of 3:04 and 3:02, respectively, in the final.

Another eye-catching run split came from Tereza Zimovjanova (CZE), clocking 3:05 to win the B Final.

On the men’s side, Stornes earned the fastest run of the day with his 2:39 in the men’s final. Thorn, Luis and Csongor Lehmann were all close behind with Final run splits of 2:41.

After all the excitement of Lievin, stay up to date with the action to come across the season on TriathlonLive and across World Triathlon social channels.

It was exactly 35 years ago, on April 1, 1989, when the city of Avignon, France, played a pivotal role in the history of triathlon, hosting the first ITU Congress where the International Federation of Triathlon was founded. From its humble beginnings to its current global stature, World Triathlon has played a pivotal role in shaping the sport and fostering its growth on a global scale. Let’s celebrate together our 35 years of history!

Founded with the vision of promoting triathlon as a premier athletic pursuit, the organization has evolved under the leadership of two remarkable individuals, its first president, Canada’s Les McDonald, who laid the foundation for its success. Today, World Triathlon is guided by the visionary leadership of President Marisol Casado, whose dedication and passion have propelled the organization to new heights of excellence.

Over the past three and a half decades, World Triathlon has witnessed remarkable expansion and evolution of the sport of triathlon, including its inclusion in the Olympic and Paralympic programs. Triathlon’s debut at the Olympics in Sydney 2000 marked a historic moment for the sport, with individual men’s and women’s events captivating audiences worldwide. The addition of the mixed relay event in Tokyo 2020 further solidified triathlon’s status as a cornerstone of the Olympic program, showcasing its dynamic and inclusive nature.

Central to World Triathlon’s mission are its key pillars: gender balance, development, sustainability, growth of the sport, and good governance. With a steadfast commitment to promoting equality and inclusivity, World Triathlon has championed initiatives to ensure gender parity in all aspects of the sport, from participation, prize money or leadership roles. Moreover, the organization has spearheaded efforts to promote sustainability and environmental stewardship, recognizing the importance of protecting the planet for future generations.

At the heart of World Triathlon’s success is its unwavering dedication to the growth and development of the sport. Through grassroots initiatives, youth programs, and elite competitions, World Triathlon has fostered a vibrant global community of athletes, coaches, and fans. Moreover, the organization’s emphasis on good governance and transparency has set the standard for integrity and accountability in sports administration.

As World Triathlon celebrates its 35th anniversary, it stands as a beacon of excellence and innovation in the world of sports. From its inception in Avignon to its present-day global reach, the organization continues to inspire athletes and fans alike with its commitment to excellence, inclusivity, and sustainability. As we look to the future, World Triathlon remains dedicated to advancing the sport and shaping a brighter, more equitable world through the power of triathlon.

It was not an easy day in the office for Vettle Bergsvik Thorn (NOR) in Lievin, but the Norwegian managed to overcome a complicated Heat (in which he did one extra lap on the bike), made it through the semi finals and then stormed the field in the Final, winning by just a few inches the local hero, Vincent Luis (FRA). Another Norwegian, Casper Stornes, found a last push in the last meters to claim bronze on the first World Cup medal for him in two years.

The World Triathlon Indoor Cup Lievin proved to be one for the records for Team Norway, with Vetle Thorn claiming his maiden World Cup title in a thrilling display while Casper Stornes clinched bronze, marking his first-ever podium finish in a World Cup event.

The Heats brought unexpected surprises, notably with Hugo Milner of Great Britain, known for his impressive run in Quarteira last week, failing to advance to the semi-finals after finishing fifth in both his Heat and the repechage.

In the semi-finals, the tension continued to mount as athletes fought tooth and nail for a coveted spot in the final. Tim Hellwig (GER), Samuel Dickinson (GBR), Gregor Payet (LUX), and Genis Grau (ESP) advanced from the first semi-final, while Aurelien Jen (FRA) thrilled the local fans by winning the second semi-final, alongside Casper Stornes, Antoine Duval (FRA), and Mitch Kolkman (NED). The last semi-final saw a thrilling sprint to the finish, with Vetle Thorn, Vincent Luis, Leo Fernandez (FRA), and Csongor Lehmann (HUN) booking their spots in the Final.

The stage was set for an electrifying showdown in the final, with Thorn and Kolkman leading out of the water before the field regrouped on the bike. With the pack riding together for 15 intense laps, tactics and strategy came into play as athletes jostled for position. In a daring move as soon as out of the second transition, Leo Fernandez surged ahead, followed closely by Thorn, Lehmann, and Luis, with Stornes biding his time at the back.

With the finish line in sight, Thorn and Stornes unleashed a burst of speed, attempting to break away from the chasing pack. However, Luis showcased his experience, finding an extra gear to surge past his rivals and secure second place. Thorn’s relentless pace proved insurmountable as he crossed the finish line to claim a historic victory, with Luis settling for silver and Stornes narrowly edging out Lehmann and Hellwig to snatch bronze.

“It was a long day for me, tough from the get-go. I did an extra lap on the bike in the first heat and really had to push the run to get through to the Semis, couldn’t really go much worse than it did to keep that fourth place in the end. Semis was a bit easier, where I could be with the front guys from the get-go. We were five guys together and I knew to be safe I had to put a little bit of effort for the sprint, all the way to the finish. Onto the Final, you’re tired after two really hard races. Nobody knows what they have to come with to the Finals, just to be at the front and pushing and going for the win at the end, it feels amazing. What a venue to do it at, I think it might have been the craziest crowd at a race I have ever been to. It’s amazing here”, said Thorn.

“It’s been a while (since my last World Cup podium), it was also a while since the last Continental Cup so 2nd was really good last week. This week I feel a bit more like myself, I was really in contention until literally the last couple of metres, I am happy with the result. It’s been a really long time since I worked a World Cup, I think it was 2019 in Banjoles. That was a long time without racing or a podium but I am happy to be back”, explained Luis, who has just returned to competition after an injury. “It’s crazy, everyone that’s raced here will have really good memories. The final felt like I was during the Olympic stadium. It was really great. The people in the north of France, they welcome you warmly and I am happy to be back here. It will definitely be the last time I will race here, that was a good way to say farewell to the crowd. Thanks again to the club and to the team at Lievin for organising this event.”

Stornes said: “It feels amazing. It’s been a rollercoaster these last few years. I am really over the moon to come here and get third place. It’s a bit mixed feelings as I don’t really know if I will get to the Olympics.(In the Semi-Finals) I was saving myself on the bike and on the last bit of the run. I was just hoping the other guys were a bit more tired than me so I could get that advantage, for a longer type of endurance guy but I am glad I could take a podium here,” he said.

With a fantastic final sprint, Laura Lindemann mastered the sizzling super-sprint format of the World Triathlon Indoor Cup Lievin, outsprinting in the last meters Georgia Taylor-Brown (GBR) and Gwen Jorgensen (USA) on an epic battle in the blue carpet.

The World Triathlon Indoor Cup in Lievin delivered a spectacle that will be hard to forget, with almost 3.000 espectators cheering on the stands, thrilled with the format that makes its debut on the World Cup circuit: 12 athletes line up on each race -6 heats for the men, 4 for the women- followed by three semi-finals for each gender and then the B final and A finals-. A 150m swim - 6 lengths of the pool with two athletes to a lane - is followed by a 15-lap, 3km bike and out onto the 5-lap, 1km run, with heats and repechage to decide the 36 athletes into three semi-finals per gender, the top four of each semi-final progressing into the final, the next four on the finish line of each semi-final into a B-final.

The stage was set for an exhilarating competition as 38 women lined up for the four Heats, all vying for a spot in the finals. With the top six from each Heat advancing, the pressure was on for athletes to deliver their best performances. Despite the intense competition, all the leading contenders navigated their heats successfully, except for Vicky Holland, the Rio 2016 bronze medalist, who faced disqualification for not serving a penalty during her Heat, that she in fact had won.

Leonie Periault, Laura Lindemann, Jessica Fullagar, and Audrey Merle secured their places in the Finals from the first semi-final, while Jolien Vermeylen, Lena Meissner, Georgia Taylor-Brown, and Zuzana Michalickova advanced from the second semi-final. The final semi-final saw Swiss athletes Nora Gmur and Cathia Schar dominate, with Gwen Jorgensen and Robin Dreijling earning their spots in the ultimate showdown.

As the finals commenced, Zuzana Michalickova once again demonstrated her prowess in the water, leading the field after the swimming leg. The athletes went through transition in one large pack and on the bike segment, a tight-knit group tackled 15 fast laps, with Jorgensen strategically conserving energy at the rear. Periault and Cathia Schar set a brisk pace, closely pursued by Taylor-Brown and Lindemann.

The tension mounted as the competitors hit the final transition, with Periault emerging as the frontrunner on the run, trailed closely by Michalickova, Lindemann, Vermeylen, and Taylor-Brown, while Jorgensen fought to close the gap. In a breathtaking climax, Lindemann summoned a burst of speed in the last lap, leaving her rivals trailing in her wake. Taylor-Brown managed to hold off Jorgensen, securing second place as the American claimed bronze. Periault, buoyed by local support, crossed the finish line in fourth, with Lena Meissner rounding out the top five.

“It was really hard, I think it was one of the toughest races I have ever done I think. I tried to follow and have some energy for the last metres but it really was all out from the beginning”, said Lindemann after claiming the victory.

“I am really happy with today, I don’t feel super run fit at the moment but I am getting there and it was really exciting today”, explained Taylor-Brown, who tried to save a bit of energy for the last leg, but was not really able to do it. “That was the idea (to save legs) but when you’re here and the atmosphere, you get carried away and I went harder than I wanted to in the heats and semis. The heats were a shock and it really hurt my throat because it’s such a dry air in here but everyone was the same but the Finals were really hard because it was busier and more compact on the bike and the run was super fast.”

“I came out here and I really wanted to treat this like my Abu Dhabi as the race was cancelled. I obviously came here to win but I got outdone by Laura (Lindemann) and Georgia (Taylor-Brown) and it was a really fun atmosphere, there are just so many people here in the crowd and it makes it really exciting, I’d like to see more of this format. It was really special,” said Jorgensen.

The World Cup action travels this weekend to the north of France for the much awaited debut of Lievin in the World Triathlon circuit, with a fast and furious format that is set to delight athletes and spectators alike. get ready for the first-ever indoor World Cup, and there are some major names ready to go all-out in this brutal format.  Among the stars set to race indoors are Vincent Luis - winner here in 2022 - Georgia Taylor-Brown, Tim Hellwig, Gwen Jorgensen, Csongor Lehmann, Leonie Periault and Vetle Thorn all in the mix! Saturday is going to be jam-packed action, and you can watch the semi-finals and finals live on TriathlonLive.tv:

The format is simple: build a 25m pool inside an indoor track, and have the athletes swimming, biking in the outer lanes of the track and running on the inner lanes. Pack the venue with 2.500 spectators. Add live music, impressive sports presentations and…. voilà! You have all the ingredients for a perfect triathlon spectacle.

12 athletes line up on each race -6 heats for the men, 4 for the women, two repechages each, followed by three semi-finals for each gender and then the B final and A finals-. A 150m swim - 6 lengths of the pool with two athletes to a lane - is followed by a 15-lap, 3km bike and out onto the 5-lap, 1km run, with heats and repechage to decide the 36 athletes into three semi-finals per gender, the top four of each semi-final progressing into the final, the next four on the finish line of each semi-final into a B-final.

On the men’s race, top 4 on each of the six Qualifiers will make it straight to the semi-finals, with the rest going to the repechages. On the women’s race, the top six of each Qualifier will make it to the semi-finals, with the rest battling for the last spots on the two repechages scheduled.

Men’s line-up

It will be Germany’s top ranked athlete, Tim Hellwig, wearing the one in Lievin, and therefore has been placed on the first Qualifier, along with some other fast runners like Spain’s Genis Grau or France’s Paul Georgenthum. Grau is one to keep an eye on on this format. He finished in second place here in 2022, just behind Vincent Luis, and is known for his quick transitions and fast legs, which will definitely be an asset in Lievin.

The second Qualifier might be slightly easier for Csongor Lehmann (HUN), while the third one will see some athletes known to be fast and experienced in this fast and furious races like Sylvain Fridelance (SUI), Vetle Bergsvik Thorn (NOR), and Harry Leleu (GBR), who will be looking forward avoiding the repechages and saving legs for the last stages of the competition.

The fourth Qualifier will be one for the ages, with the likes of Hugo Milner (GBR), Casper Stornes (NOR), Esteban Basanta Fouz (ESP) and Sachar Sagiv (ISR) willing to prove that this format suits them great. After his incredible run last week in Quarteira -29.32, outrunning the likes of Vincent Luis-, Milner is ready to prove that he is not only a fast runner, but also one to be considered when it comes to super-sprint formats, similar distances as on a Mixed Relay.

On Qualifier 5, Samuel Dickinson (GBR) and Yanis Seguin (FRA) will be battling for the direct semi-final spots, with the Brit also wanting to show his skills on this format. But the eyes of the local crowd will be indeed fixed on the last Qualifier, with two-times World Champion Vincent Luis toeing the start line. The Frenchman returned to competition after an injury last weekend in Quarteira, where he proved to be in good form for Olympic distance races, but the Lievin format is one he also likes, having won here in the European Cup in 2022.

Women’s line-up

With only 40 women on the start list, the field has been divided into four Qualifier races, with the top six making it straight to the semi-finals and the rest of the athletes having one more chance on the repechage. USA’s Taylor Spivey was meant to wear the one on Lievin, but she had to pull out of the race due to sickness last minute, leaving Great Britain’s Georgia Taylor-Brown to lead the field. The Brit will not have an easy first round, with Gina Sereno (USA), the current Arena Games World Champion, and Leonie Periault (FRA) also on the second Qualifier, along with uber swimmer Zsanett Kuttor-Bragmayer (HUN) and Zuzana Michalickova (SVK), one of the Team World Triathlon athletes that is trying to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The first Qualifier will see some of the strongest athletes, with Jolien Vermeylen (BEL) ready to prove how fast her legs are, to continue to chase her Olympic dream. She will face two of the stronger French athletes, Sandra Dodet and Audrey Merle, both of them with previous podiums here in Lievin and also with multiple World Cup podiums on their careers.

Laura Lindemann (GER) will be leading the third qualifier, another race that is stacked, with Rio 2016 champion Gwen Jorgensen giving it a try to the fast and thrilling format, alongside with Rio 2016 bronze medallist Vicky Holland (GBR), also back to competition after having a child. Selina Klamt (GER) and Margaux Garabedian (CAM) should be included on the ones to watch on this race.

The last Qualifier will see three German athletes that have a great experience in the super-sprint format: Marlene Gomez-Goggle, Lena Meißner and Anabel Knoll, alongside with Cathia Schär (SUI) and Jessica Fullagar (GBR).

The Lievin Indoor World Cup will take place on Saturday, March 30, with the first Qualifier starting at 12.30. Semi-finals and finals will be avalable LIVE on TriathlonLIVE.tv from 19h local time. Check all the start lists HERE.

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the latest edition of the series tracking the journeys of athletes to the Paris Olympic Games, World Triathlon caught up with Nina Eim (GER) as she prepares to make her first Olympic appearance this summer.

Like almost every other elite triathlete, Eim’s attention was firmly on Paris. When we spoke, she was midway through a four week training camp in Namibia with almost the entire German squad. Yet unlike many of her rivals around the world, she finds herself in a unique position.

Germany is currently the only country to have allocated all of its female Olympic slots for triathlon in Paris. With six women currently in the top-30 of the Olympic Qualification rankings, securing a third female slot is a formality. Crucially for Eim, she is already one of the lucky three to have been selected.

She earned her place on the German Olympic team by finishing 6th at the Paris Test Event last season. However, her path onto the team has not always been smooth.

“I twisted my ankle at WTCS Cagliari,” explained Eim, “one day before the race. It happened at the swim familiarization as I practised the beach start.”

With a hurt ankle, Eim was not sure if she would tackle the WTCS race the next day, but elected to do so after being given the green-light by the team doctor.

“I was sure of doing the swim and the bike, and on the run I just wanted to see if I could run or not. During the race, the ankle wasn’t a big problem.”

In the end, Eim finished 9th in Cagliari, one place behind her German teammate, Lisa Tertsch.

After the race, though, an MRI scan revealed a small stress reaction in the bone. A five week break from running was therefore ordered. Yet even after the five weeks had elapsed, Eim could still not run due to lingering pain around the tendon.

“It was not a really good preparation before Paris,” she conceded. “I had pain when running and so didn’t do a lot of it.”

“Paris was actually my longest run! Two days before the race I ran 6km for the first time since Cagliari.”

Once the Test Event started, Eim put any thought of the injury out of mind. “In the race I am much more confident than before it starts.”

Once the swim and bike were safely navigated, all eyes turned to the run. While Laura Lindemann strode ahead as the leading German athlete and was in the fight for the medals (Lindemann ultimately finished 3rd), Eim found herself racing head-to-head with Tertsch once more. Whoever was the second German across the line inside the top-8 would secure the all-important Olympic slot alongside Lindemann.

An almighty battle followed but it was Eim that crossed first.

“I was really surprised that I ran so well,” confessed Eim. Having not run 10km in over two months, she summoned a final surge to pull away from her teammate. Separately, Tertsch went on to claim the third and final German slot at the WTCS Final in Pontevedra.

With Eim’s place on the team settled, she made sure to race through the autumn to lock in her place inside the top-30 of the Olympic Qualification rankings, the secondary requirement of the German Olympic selection policy.

Finishes of 2nd at the Valencia World Cup and 12th at WTCS Pontevedra followed. Then Eim won the Rome World Cup in a dazzling display. Having ensconced herself in the top-30 – Eim is currently ranked 12th – she ended her season early after Rome to prepare for 2024.

Now, her first outing of the Olympic year is around the corner.

Eim was originally slated to race at WTCS Abu Dhabi, however due to a minor muscular problem she opted to sit it out. “We decided we won’t take any risks before Paris.”

In place of Abu Dhabi, Eim will start her season elsewhere.

“I’m thinking of doing the World Cup in Lievin.” The French town will host an indoor World Cup, the first of its kind. As it happens, Eim won the Europe Cup version of the same event in 2022. A repeat victory could be on the cards, then, should she return.

“I would like to do it again,” said Eim. “It’s really special for triathlon.”

In April, another training camp in Mallorca will follow and then she will return to the WTCS, with Cagliari fixed in her diary. This time, though, she might just skip the swim familiarization.
With a knowing laugh, she added, “I will just run into the water on race day and not before!”

From qualification, to preparation and even medal hopes, Eim’s road to the Olympics is starting to take shape. In many respects, 2023 was her best season yet. She finished 9th overall in the WTCS, logged her highest ever WTCS finish with her 6th place in Paris and won a World Cup for the first time.

Throw in her field-leading run split at WTCS Yokohama and it soon becomes clear that the German athlete is a rising force. If all goes to plan, she is primed for an even better year yet on her path to Paris.

Hong Kong put on quite the show at the weekend as it hosted a World Triathlon Cup for the first time. Alberto Gonzalez Garcia (ESP) and Sian Rainsley (GBR) came out on top with virtuoso performances after both made the front pack breakaway and then out-duelled some formidable rivals on the run.

In addition to the action itself, the outcomes in Hong Kong have shaken up the Olympic Qualification rankings. Read on to find out the latest risers on the road to Paris.

The Men’s Olympic Rankings

As was the case at the first World Cup of the year in Napier, Gonzalez made one of the most significant jumps in the rankings. He upgraded his bronze medal in New Zealand to gold and thus climbed eight spots in the rankings. The Spanish athlete now finds himself in 28th place overall. Crucially, he is now the third highest ranked man from his country and he has certainly put himself in the frame for Olympic selection.

Gonzalez’s presence in the top-30 helps Spain towards its ambition of qualifying three men to Paris. The men’s silver medallist in Hong Kong, Antonio Serrat Seoane, has already qualified for the Spanish Olympic team and is the highest ranked Spanish man. He rose one place to 13th after his Hong Kong performance. Meanwhile, Roberto Sanchez Mantecon has maintained his spot in 20th place.

Furthermore, another Spanish athlete moved closer to the top-30 as David Castro Fajardo’s 11th place pushed him up four places to 31st overall. Castro will look to usurp Gonzalez over the coming races and their internal race to Paris will likely form a fascinating sub-plot going forwards.

Luke Willian (AUS) cruised into 45th in the rankings after claiming an outstanding 4th place in Hong Kong. With only Matthew Hauser currently selected on the Australian Olympic triathlon team, Willian will hope his rise continues as he seeks to press his Paris case.

Elsewhere, Emil Holm (DEN) may have likewise taken a step closer to qualifying for the Olympic Games. He finished 13th in Hong Kong and as a result moved up four places in the rankings to 72nd. At this point in time, that looks like it could be enough to make it to Paris should Holm hold his position.

The Women’s Olympic Rankings

Perhaps the most noteworthy rise in the women’s Olympic Qualification rankings came from Elizabeth Bravo (ECU). She finished 4th in Hong Kong after reeling off a scintillating 5km run to slice through the field; her showing saw her gain eight places in the rankings. Now, the athlete from Ecuador stands in 48th place overall and seems a near-lock to qualify for Paris.

The women’s race winner, Rainsley, made one of the biggest raw improvements with regards to the Olympic rankings. Her win propelled her up twenty places to 86th. While it will have no real impact on Britain’s goal of qualifying three women to Paris, which is already essentially assured, the rise represented just desserts for a sterling display.

One move that deserves plenty of consideration is that of Zuzana Michalickova (SVK). The promising young star placed 8th in Hong Kong, thereby gaining eight spots in the Olympic rankings. She now finds herself ranked 68th and is ever so close to earning Olympic qualification. While the status quo will likely evolve over the coming weeks, a spot in the top-65 may just be enough for qualification. Michalickova, then, is extremely close to nailing down her ticket to Paris.

Finally, the performances of Ilaria Zane (ITA) once again warrant attention. As was the case after an impressive showing in Napier, her performance in Hong Kong saw her climb in the Olympic rankings. Her 5th place finish in the latter was an improvement of one place from that in the former. She therefore climbed two places in the Olympic rankings to 32nd overall.

With Verena Steinhauser and Bianca Seregni nestled inside the top-30, Zane’s form will likely determine whether three Italian women qualify for Paris. Based on her start to the season, few will bet against her rising further still.

Stay up to date with the latest in the races to the Olympic Games as well as all the upcoming action on TriathlonLive.tv and across World Triathlon social channels.