World Triathlon Championship Series Wraps Up in Wollongong

TOGETHER WITH BLUESEVENTY

Good morning everyone,

I’m having incredible FOMO seeing all the videos and images coming out of this weekend’s World Triathlon Finals in Wollongong. Back in the (Aussie summer) of 2014, I arrived in Wollongong as a fresh-faced athlete about to embark on a training odyssey with future World and Olympic champions.

And after months of elite-level immersion, I emerged as a training-hardened, slightly sunburned, and more capable version of myself.

• It was a time I look back on with fond and painful training memories, where I learned to “take the piss,” and maybe even found myself with unexpected ink…😳🧙

I’ll enjoy watching everyone compete this weekend - and in particular - my wife, Kirsten Kasper, who is making her season debut after a lengthy recovery from hip surgery earlier this year ❤️

-Matt Sharpe, newsletter editor

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World Triathlon Championship Series Wraps Up in Wollongong

What is it: This weekend marks the culmination of the World Triathlon Championship Series. Beginning in Abu Dhabi in February, the athletes will lay it all on the line for World Titles in Wollongong.

Men’s Race

Matt Hauser (AUS) has a stronghold on the Championship Series rankings, heading into a home “World Championships.” He’s been exceptional over the Olympic distance this year. But will he be able to hold off his challengers?

Miguel Hidalgo (BRA): Sitting second in the series, Hidalgo can win the title if he wins the race and Hauser comes third or worse.

• The problem? They both usually swim and bike together. If he does take down the Aussie, it’ll have to be in a foot race!

Vasco Vilaca (POR): Always a threat for the podium. If Hauser is off his game, Vilaca could play the spoiler!

Podium power: Henry Graf (GER) and Max Studer (SUI) are both coming off WTCS wins, and have the confidence to fight for the W.

• And of course, Hayden Wilde (NZ) is always a threat. But could his T100 attempt on Saturday put him under too much pressure come Sunday?

Full start list

Women’s Race

Similar to last weekend’s incredible Women’s IRONMAN World Championships, we have a “Big Three” of World-Class women.

Cassandre Beaugrand (FRA): The Olympic Champion has been mostly unstoppable this season with two WTCS wins under her belt. And at last year’s Grand Final, she proved she can perform when the chips are down after taking the win, even with a major swim detour!

But Beth Potter (GBR) has taken wins at the most recent WTCS events. And she enters Wollongong in a points tie with Beaugrand.

• The world title could come down to an epic footrace between these two women!

Jeanne Lehair (LUX): Lehair, the recent Supertri League Champion (and newly minted fiancée!), is ready to put her stamp on the series and could play spoiler if Beaugrand and Potter falter.

Podium power: Leonie Periault (FRA) is always a threat on the run. Her only issue? Making the front group. And although Lisa Tertsch (GER) hasn’t quite shown her WTCS Abu Dhabi-winning form recently, if she plays her cards right, an upset could be in the making!

Full start list

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FAVORITES

🕵️‍♀️ President pushes aside: After evidence of corrupt elections, “Mafia-like” behavior, and a tumultuous year, World Triathlon President Antonio Arimany says he has nothing to hide… [Reuters]

💪 Key muscles: There are lots of muscles in your body. So which ones need the most multisport focus? Pretty much all of them!💀 But there are ones you should focus on more, including glutes, hamstrings, and lats - and here’s the exercises you need to do to work them! [TrainingPeaks]

🍕 Frodeno’s food: One of the greatest triathletes of all time, Jan Frodeno, was known to be meticulous about his diet. Special pre-race overnight oats, a day’s worth of carbs equal to 16 cups of rice, and more. This profile spills the nutrition secrets of the multiple-time Ironman champion. [GQ]

👟 New shoes who dis: You’ve been training in your shoes for a while now, and they just don’t have that “pop” like they used to! So, when should you replace them? There are a few factors to consider beyond just mileage. [Triathlete]

TEMPO TALKS PODCAST

Did We Just Witness The Best Race in Triathlon History?

And could athletes face serious long-term consequences for heat collapse?

All this and more in the latest episode of the Tempo Talks Podcast!

Together with The TriDoc, we bring you the biggest stories in Triathlon,

• Training tips to make you faster,

• And breakdowns of the latest in sports science and performance!

Don’t miss a moment; listen to Tempo Talks on Apple, Spotify, and more!

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