Canadian triathlete Tyler Mislawchuk wins breakthrough race at Ironman 70.3 Pucon
Mislawchuk runs towards a promising season at the longer distance
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Tyler Mislawchuk finishing a career best at WTS Montreal in 2019. Photo: Wagner Araujo
A blazing run split catapulted Canadian triathlete Tyler Mislawchuk to the front of the race where he dominated over the hilly run course in Chile.
On a course defined by a grueling half marathon Mislawchuk was untouchable on the run. Grinding up a long steep hill three times on the multi-lap course he was alone with the lead motocycle in much of the race. He looked incredibly strong on the hills and fast through the aid stations, swiping all the cups he could as he blew through.
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Full gas on the run
“I’m so happy with my debut,” he said post race. “The downhills on the run course were just as hard as uphill! And it was 28 degrees Celcius as well.”
Despite no other contenders in sight in the later part of the run, Mislawchuk looked to never take his foot of the gas. It appeared he nearly missed a turn in the last part of the run. A quick look behind, and what appeared as a nod from the motorcycle crew, kept him on course and across the finish line in 3:47:48.
He came out of the water in seventh place, just behind eventual runner up American Jason West. With the ninth fastest bike split, Mislawchuk quickly made up ground on his feet with the day’s fastest run split. West finished about a minute and a half behind with the second fastest run. Chile’s Diego Moya nabbed third. Coming from slightly behind in the swim he covered the bike leg with the fastest pro split and third on the run.
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“The best moment was soaking in the unbelievable crowds,” added Mislawchuk. “I would recommend this race to anyone.”
Though a new distance for Mislawchuk, it was a repeat performance in that he promptly threw up at the finish line after laying it all out like his recent Olympic performance.
Canadian Matt Sharpe races to a top 5 finish
Countryman Matt Sharpe was fourth out of the water just ahead of Mislawchuk, biking to a slightly faster split. Sharpe ran down several competitors to clinch a top 5 finish in 3:53:17.
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Setting up a strong season for the Canadians
“I’m super happy with my performance today in Pucon,” said Sharpe. “After a year that was focused on my wife, Kirsten Kasper, and her Olympic qualification and some late season injury trouble I have no complaints with a top five performance here in Pucon.
“The swim and bike were more tactical and I didn’t know what to expect as ten of us started the run together. I ended up running the majority of the race with a Chilean athlete and absolutely had to sell my soul to stay with him. Thankfully my sprint finish was still there and I was able to squeeze into the top five.
“This race is an incredible experience and is reminiscent of the Ironman Canada in Penticton with the history and the way the town rally’s around the event.
“It was also a blast racing with Tyler and it was awesome to see him top the podium for Canada! It sets the tone for an exciting 2025!”