Sharpe and Mislawchuk charge into a new season of Ironman pro racing

A new season of pro racing action kicks off this weekend at Ironman 70.3 Pucon. The male pro field sees two Canadians going head-to-head. One is currently 91st in the PTO world rankings while the other has no ranking as he wades into long distance for the first time.

New race partnership for Matt Sharpe

Canadian Olympian Matt Sharpe has already landed in Chile. He is game to compete since recovering from a recent PRP injection that sidelined him before his final race last year at Ironman 70.3 Indian Wells. Sharpe is no rookie to the 70.3 distance. It will be his first time though racing under his new partnership with Mauna Apparel, which he announced today. He joins Mauna after recently ending partnerships with the Giordana Cycling team and Vancouver-based Outway Socks.

Sharpe finished fourth in Pucon last year so he is well positioned to leverage his strengths on the course.

“The swim usually has some chop on it so that helps break it up a bit,” said Sharpe. “The bike is fairly rolling so no major climbs. But I will have to really push myself to stay with the leaders. The run can only be described as “beauty and the beast” the hills on the run are brutal but the view at the top of the lake and the Villarica Volcano are absolutely breathtaking.”

Fans can expect an exciting battle on the tough run course. With the challenging heat and hills things can change quickly. “I had a good run here last year so I’ll be looking to make a move or two during the final leg,” added Sharpe.

While he has his race plan dialled in he still has to clinch his plans for the season. “I still haven’t fully figured out my 2025 race calendar. I plan on competing at 70.3 Oceanside next, but so does the entire triathlon universe. My goals for the 2025 season are to remain at the front of the race and consistently hit podiums at 70.3 events. I’d love to race in the yet-to-be announced T100 Vancouver event. And I think there might be a fall full distance IRONMAN in the cards!”

New race distance for Mislawchuk

Fellow Olympian Tyler Mislawchuk will also be on scene facing down the longest distance of his racing career. It is the first time he steps away from short course racing to tackle the 70.3 distance.  Uncertain what to expect, Mislawchuk curiously asked his fans on Instagram how they thought he will fare on the longer run course. He and Sharpe come to the 70.3 distance from successful careers racing as elites for the ITU World Triathlon Championship Series.

Ironman 70.3 Pucon  is touted as one of the brand’s most scenic races. The course promises hot temperatures, hilly bike and run and a beautiful ocean swim. It is also the first chance this year for pros and age groupers to nab their spot for the 2025 VinFast Ironman 70.3 World Championships in Marbella, Spain.