The 2025 World Triathlon Cup Chengdu saw 36 of the top World Triathlon Cup women line up for a thrilling standard-distance showdown in China’s purpose-built triathlon venue. Known for its fast, technical course and electric atmosphere, Chengdu once again delivered a spectacular stage for high-stakes racing. With early-season World Cup points on the line, the field produced a gripping display of strategy, speed and strength in front of an energetic local crowd.
Valentina Riasova (AIN) produced a stunning late surge to claim gold at the 2025 World Triathlon Cup Chengdu, outpacing a stacked field in the final kilometre of the 10km run. Poland’s Roksana Slupek powered to silver in a thrilling sprint finish, while Spain’s Sara Guerrero Manso broke through for bronze after a standout all-round performance in a fast and fiercely contested standard-distance race.
ELITE WOMEN'S RACE REPORT
Australia’s Tara Sosinski showed impressive form from the outset, leading the field through the first lap of the 1.5km swim. Italy’s Costanza Arpinelli, China’s Yifan Yang, France’s Ilona Hadhoum and Hungary’s Márta Kropkó were close behind in a tightly packed front group. The athletes were strung out through the purpose-built swim course, while pre-race favourite Ellie Hoitink (AUS) found herself at the back of the field, an unexpected start for the Australian who came to Chengdu with high hopes.
A large group of elite women came into transition together, with Sosinski pushing to stay at the front and maintain her advantage onto the 40km bike course. Among the lead group were Yang, Kropkó, New Zealand’s Ainsley Thorpe, Spain’s Sara Guerrero Manso, Portugal’s Melanie Santos, Cambodia’s Margot Garabedian, Hadhoum, Spain’s María Teresa Jiménez-Orta Guerrero and Australia’s Kira Hedgeland. Valentina Riasova (AIN) and Switzerland’s Alissa König led the chase group, followed by Charlotte Derbyshire (AUS) and top-ranked athlete on the start list Verena Steinhauser (ITA).
The leading group worked efficiently across the 8-lap course, taking turns and navigating the technical sections with intent. Sosinski put on a commanding display, staying at the front for much of the bike leg and setting up a strong position into T2.
Hadhoum was first onto the run, with a host of strong runners behind her including China’s Xinyu Lin, Roksana Slupek (POL), Thorpe, France’s multiple World Cup medallist Sandra Dodet, Derbyshire, Sosinski and Hedgeland.
The 10km run delivered the most dramatic moments of the day. Dodet surged early, briefly taking control, but the pace from Riasova, Slupek and Guerrero Manso proved too much. In the final stages, Riasova found another gear and pulled away with a decisive move that none could match.
Sprint finish seals podium as Riasova storms to Chengdu glory
Riasova stormed home to take a commanding gold in a time of 01:53:22, an inspiring return to form for the AIN athlete.
'I come back today and I am so happy. This is my first World Cup gold medal, I am so happy,' said Riasova.
In a thrilling sprint finish, it was Poland’s Roksana Slupek who edged ahead for silver.
'I am so happy, I am emotional like always. This process of changing my mindset before the race, I hope I will improve with the next races. I love Chengdu, last year I got my first World Cup podium and this year my second World Cup podium, this place is so special.' said Slupek.
While Spain’s Sara Guerrero Manso delivered a breakout performance to claim bronze with an impressive all-round effort.
'Wow, this is my first World Cup podium, I am over the moon. My coach always tells me that i am good in the sprint finish and I was able to run into third. I know running is the key and I tried to focus is the final sprint. This is the first step of Olympic classifcation for me,' said Guerrero Manso.
Review the women's results online.
Watch the race replay on TriathlonLive.tv.