The course was tough, conditions near-perfect and the crowds came out in force for an outstanding day of Para Triathlon World Championship racing on Saturday morning in Wollongong, Australia. 

The wheelchair PTWC and visually impaired PTVI categories went out first, and Lauren Parker got the crowd fired up with her fifth women’s PTWC world title, a resurgent Thomas Fruehwirth (AUT) with the men’s title. 

In a mighty battle for the men’s PTVI, Dave Ellis and guide Luke Pollard (GBR) left it late to pass the battling Lazar Filipovic (CRO) and Antoine Perel (FRA) on the run and bag the gold. Susana Rodriguez was back to her best in the women’s race, recovering from a tumble in transition to power home with Sara Perez Sala, her guide heading on to the afternoon’s T100 start line. 

The second instalment of racing was kicked off by the PTS5 men and women and the PTS4 men. Paralympic Champions led the way once more as first Chris Hammer (USA) pulled clear of Jack Howell (AUS) on the run to get the win, Alexis Hanquinquant (FRA) showed his mettle to score an incredible 8th world title, Grace Norman (USA) next over the line with a commanding performance to continue her win streak, Grace Brimelow (GBR) and Lauren Steadman (GBR) completing the podium.

Then it was the turn of the PTS2, PTS3 and PTS4 athletes, with a beaming Anu Francis bringing home the PTS2 women’s gold for Australia just 23 seconds ahead of Paralympic Champion Hailey Danz (USA). 

Elise Marc of France was victorious once again in the women’s PTS3, and compatriot Camille Seneclauze dominated the PTS4, newcomer Danielle Cummings (USA) showing her potential with silver. 

The men’s PTS2 saw Jules Ribstein continue the French gold streak against a tough field as Wim De Paepe (BEL) and Mohamed Lahna (USA) completed the podium. Henry Urand overcame helmet issues on the bike to head a GB one-two in the PTS3 with Ryan Taylor. 

Full results available here