The 2025 World Triathlon Cup Chengdu delivered fast and furious racing as 56 athletes lined up to compete over the standard-distance course in China’s purpose-built triathlon venue. With a reputation for producing high-octane performances, Chengdu once again lived up to expectations, serving up tactical battles and fierce competition across all three disciplines. In warm, dry conditions and in front of an enthusiastic crowd, athletes gave it their all as they chased crucial early-season World Cup points and podium glory.
Reese Vannerson (USA) delivered a sensational performance to claim his first World Cup victory in Chengdu, storming home in a thrilling final run to take gold on debut over the standard-distance format. The 2025 World Triathlon Cup Chengdu served up tactical battles, bold breakaways and a dramatic finish as Israel’s Shachar Sagiv took silver and Australia’s Brandon Copeland returned to the podium with bronze.
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Hungarian powerhouse Márk Dévay dominated the 1.5km swim, opening up a striking lead with compatriot Márton Kropkó hot on his heels. Through the first lap, Dévay maintained control as Canada’s Martin Sobey worked to stay in contention. Just 12 seconds back, a chase pack including Maciej Bruzdziak (POL), Jules Rethoret (FRA) and Spain’s Kevin Tarek Viñuela González kept the leaders in sight.
Dévay surged out of the water and into transition, setting the tone for the 8-lap, 40km bike leg. The Hungarian duo, Dévay and Kropkó, exited T1 alongside France’s Igor Dupois, but the chase group, featuring Baptiste Passemard (FRA), Bruzdziak, Rethoret, Hong Kong’s Robin Elg, Spain’s Esteban Basanta Fouz and Viñuela González, as well as Australia’s Brandon Copeland, Brayden Mercer and Hungary’s Bence Bicsák, were only 18 seconds down and closing fast.
China’s Chi Zhang, Australia’s Luke Schofield (wearing #1) and the USA’s Keller Norland had work to do, trailing the leaders early in the bike. But it wasn’t long before the main pack came together, charging forward as a powerful unit.
Luke Schofield played an instrumental role in bridging the gap, working hard to ride up to the leaders. Soon after, Dévay and Schofield launched a breakaway, surging clear of the group and building a solid lead by the final laps of the bike.
With a deep field of world-class runners in the mix, no athlete could afford to relax heading into the 10km run. Dévay and Schofield hit the pavement with New Zealand’s James Corbett and Australia’s Brandon Copeland among the athletes ready to chase.
Dévay led through the first 5km, showcasing impressive form following an injury-plagued end to 2024. However, the relentless pace of the chasers eventually took its toll. By the final lap, USA’s junior sensation and immensely talented runner Reese Vannerson had stormed to the front.
Young gun rises: Reese Vannerson wins big in Chengdu
In his debut over the standard-distance format, Vannerson was unstoppable in the final stages, surging to a commanding victory and his first World Cup gold medal. Overcome with emotion, the rising American talent celebrated a breakout moment on the world stage in a winning time of 01:39:41.
“I can’t even talk, I put so much into this training block, it just means so much,” said Vannerson.
Israel’s Olympian Shachar Sagiv displayed brilliant form to claim silver, stating this performance marks the beginning of his next Olympic campaign.
“I am stoked. I am 30 years old, two times Olympian and only this time I managed to make a podium in a World Cup, it’s been a dream for so many years. This is the new beginning for the LA Olympic Games. I just tried a little surge at the end and managed the silver,” said Sagiv.
Australia’s Brandon Copeland capped off his strong early-season form with a well-earned bronze, his first World Cup medal in six years.
“It’s been six years since my last podium built some good self-belief in my training and the people around me and I am just over the moon to get back on the podium in a World Cup,' said Copeland.
Review the full results online.
Watch the replay in full on TriathlonLive.tv.