The second stop of the World Triathlon Para Series brings the athletes to Yokohama on 17 May, ready for another hit out across the longstanding 750m swim, 20km bike and 5km run course. This year marks the 13th edition of Para racing in the city, and as the La 2028 cycle cranks into gear, there will plenty of ambition forming on the famous Yokohama streets on Saturday morning.
Watch all the action on TriathlonLive.tv from 06:50 local time.
Japan's PTWC number one Jumpei Kimura will want to light up the crowds as he did with a first win here in 2022, narrowly holding off the challenge of Howie Sanborn. The American bounced back from Paralympic disappointment with gold in Devonport earlier this year, Geert Schipper makes his firs start since winning the European title in September, and arrives off the back of marathon action in Boston and London. Paralympic Champion Lauren Parker will be the sole woman racing in the PTWC category.
The men’s PTS2 race sees Paralympic silver medallist Mohamed Lahna (USA) face off against current world champion Wim de Paepe (BEL), while Australian Anu Francis, second here last year, leads the line in the women’s race against Japanese duo Yukako Hata - a former winner here - and Asumi Yasuda.
Another Paris 2024 silver medallist is Germany’s Max Gelhaar, winner here in 2023 and looking to secure another gold in the PTS3 category. Cedric Denuziere (FRA) makes his Yokohama debut, the irrepressible Hwang Tae Kim (KOR) and US newcomer Zachary Osborne also ones to watch. Anna Plotnikova (AIN) will be the sole PTS3 woman racing.
Kelly Elmlinger makes her long-awaited return to racing after falling ill in Paris, the USA’s multiple PTS4 world champion eager to begin the long build towards a home Games in LA. Camille Seneclauze of France has made a big impact since first hitting the circuit in 2023 and narrowly missed the Paris 2024 podium, Mami Tani (JPN) and Hannah MacDougall (AUS) complete the line up.
PTS4 powerhouse Hanquinquant returns
The mighty Alexis Hanquinquant – champion in Paris and untouchable in the World Championships since 2016 – will go for a sixth Yokohama gold in the men’s PTS4, the only question likely to be who can stick closest to him out of USA’s Carson Clough, GB’s Michael Taylor and Australian Jeremy Peacock.
Canada’s Stefan Daniel will lead the men’s PTS5 as reigning world champion, into a race he won in 2016 and 2019. He will be hoping his bike-run form will be enough to hold off his big rival, Germany’s Martin Schulz, while Australia’s young World Championship silver medallist Jack Howell continues to grow in stature, along with Hungary’s Bence Mocsari.
Britain’s Rio 2016 Paralympic Champion Lauren Steadman makes her first start of 2025 with big designs on another star turn at LA 2028 ahead of her, Australian youngster Grace Brimelow growing into a real contender too, USA newcomer Virginia Ogburn makes a first Series start of her Para Triathlon career.
The 2023 PTVI Women’s World Champion Francesca Tarantello (ITA) will be hoping to defend her WTPS Yokohama title from last year, Ireland’s Chloe MacCombe ready to do battle for the honours along with Germany’s Anja Renner and Maggie Sandles (AUS). The men’s race will be led out by Antoine Perel of France, current Olympic and Worlds bronze medallist, Paul Lloveras (FRA) and Yosuke Yamada will begin their Series medal hunts.
