Sprint finishes and major bike crash delivered excitement at WTCS Abu Dhabi race

World Triathlon’s first sprint distance series race in Abu Dhabi over the weekend tested favourites against up and comers and new competition rules released in January.

The favourite in the men’s race laid it down to take the win as anticipated. New Zealand’s Hayden Wilde kept Australian Matt Hauser from stealing the win. Hauser was nipping at Wilde’s heals and crossed the line only two seconds after.

Portugals’ Vasco Vilaca, another one-to-watch going into the race, came through for third place. Canadian Charles Paquet finished in 22^nd place.

Germany’s Lisa Tertsch kept her bib status of number one taking the win over teammate Nina Elm by just one second in a tense sprint finish. Tertsch was a favourite to win going into the weekend and was near the front from the gun.

For a full German sweep, Laura Lindemann rounded out the podium in third. Canadian Emy Legault finished in 16^th place.

Mixed relay mash up

New rules beginning this year changed the order of athletes with women team members leading out. Also new to the mixed relay were many faces, as nations tested fresh blood leading into a new Olympic cycle.

Things got complicated on the bike as three of the top five teams crashed out during the second leg. It was Germany that riled for gold from the ashes to make a comeback with the help of standout MVP Tanja Neubert. She was able to hand over the lead to teammate Henry Graf and was the only woman who went under 24 minutes.

“I just went all out and tried to close the gap and give Henry the shot to win the race,” said Neubert after the race.

Up and coming elites

Germany’s Selina Klamt, who won the 2023 U23 women’s title in Pontevedra, Spain, four-time British national champion Beth Cook, and Italy’s Euan De Nigro made their mixed relay debut.

Familiar faces included Morgan Pearson and Taylor Spivey from the US. Other nations were challenged due to many athletes stepping away for various reasons or moving on to longer distances. The Dutch were out Rachel Klamer and Richard Murray, replaced by Luna De Bruin and Gjalt Panjer.

Belgium was without all-star Jelle Geens, the reigning Ironman 70.3 World Champion. Also missing from the team was PTO T100 Triathlon Tour Champion Marten Van Riel, and Claire Michel.

The US crossed the line in second with the Italians following to take third place for an exciting two days of racing to kick of the series.