San Pedro de la Paz, Chile, makes its Triathlon World Cup debut as a new chapter in the calendar, arriving just a week after Vina del Mar. The elite fields for both the men and women are largely the same, with many athletes choosing to contest both events, yet the course in San Pedro promises markedly different conditions that could yield unexpected results. The sprint format (750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run) features a calm swim in Laguna Grande, a technical and physically demanding bike leg through the city’s avenues, and a fast, flat final run that threads through residential and forested areas.

Nestled between the Biobío River and the Pacific Ocean and part of the Greater Concepción metropolitan area, San Pedro de la Paz offers a scenic venue that challenges athletes to adapt quickly to a new environment and a different set of course cues.

Ones to watch — Women's race
Luxemburg's Jeanne Lehair, wearing the number one, enters as the race favorite once again, following her victory at Vina del Mar last Sunday. Known for a robust bike, fast run, and dependable swimming, Lehair should thrive in San Pedro’s calmer swim and can establish control early, building trust in her form. Her balanced strengths make her a difficult target to reel in, especially if she can gain an advantage in the early stages and maintain momentum on the bike’s technical segments.

Sara Guerrero Manso of Spain looms as the principal challenger. After finishing second in Vina del Mar, she demonstrated momentum and form that suggest a real shot at her first World Cup win. Guerrero Manso has already shown podium reliability this season, and she will be keen to translate that into a breakthrough on this stage. Miriam Casillas, Guerrero Manso’s compatriot, is another runner whose strength could prove decisive. Casillas has long been a strong mover on the run and will look to elevate her result after finishing fourth at Vina del Mar, aiming to convert that form into a podium in San Pedro.

With the swim less demanding than last week, the race could see a tighter front group on the bike, increasing the likelihood that the outcome is decided on the bike’s technical sections and the running legs. In this context, a strong bike and fast, resilient runners such as Sandra Dodet (FRA) and Verena Steinhauser (ITA) may finish in the top positions if the group dynamics prevent a large breakaway on the swim. Beatrice Malozzi (ITA), Emy Legault (CAN), and Vittoria Lopes (BRA) are also capable of making moves early in the race, aiming to disrupt the lead pack and force tactical responses from the favorites.

The presence of athletes who contested Vina del Mar’s Continental Cup the previous week adds an extra layer of intrigue. Jimena de la Peña Schott (USA), Dominga Jacome (CHI), and Aviv Levi (ISR) will be particularly interesting to watch as they adapt to the World Cup field. Local star Barbara Riveros is expected to receive strong home support, which can provide a psychological boost and help her stay competitive throughout the race.

The women's race will take place on Sunday, October 9, at 10.30am local time, and you can watch it on TriathlonLIVE.tv. Check the full start lists HERE. 

Ones to watch — Men's race
David Cantero of Spain will once again carry the number one for the second straight week and will be looking to improve on his Vina del Mar bronze. Having had time to acclimate to Chile’s time zone, climate, and altitude, Cantero spent the week training in San Pedro and will be aiming to rediscover the fresh legs required to contest the win. With a likely non-wetsuit swim, Cantero and Manoel Messias (BRA) will find the opening swim pace challenging, as it will be set by local favorite Diego Moya (CHI), whose strategy is to drop the fast swimmers early and create separation on the run.

Diego Moya’s home advantage makes him a dangerous opponent, particularly if he can hold a leading position through the first transition. Reese Vannerson (USA) and Callum McClusky (AUS) are both strong runners whose speed can keep them in contention through the latter stages. 

Andre Buc (CHI) remains a focal point as a late-attack candidate; after narrowly missing the podium in Vina del Mar due to a 10-second penalty, he will be highly motivated to rebound and demonstrate that his form has sharpened.

Spanish athletes Antonio Serrat, Izan Edo, and Sergio Baxter bring a blend of endurance and pace to the bike and run, positioning themselves as threats to the frontrunners if they can align their efforts across the two legs.

Tom Richard (FRA), Aram Peñaflor (MEX), and Valentin Morlec (FRA) are established World Cup performers whose consistency will ensure they stay in contact with the leading group, even if San Pedro’s course disincentivizes any early, dramatic splits. Their experience across varied courses will be valuable in navigating the unique San Pedro layout, where a strong bike can set up a decisive run.

The men's race will take place on Sunday, October 9, at 12.30am local time, and you can watch it on TriathlonLIVE.tv. Check the full start lists HERE. 

Para Triathlon Cup 

San Pedro will also host a Para Triathlon Cup on Saturday, offering American para-athletes a timely continental competition ahead of the season’s closing stages. The Para Cup promises to showcase speed, tenacity, and strategic pacing, with transitions and the run segment likely playing pivotal roles in final placements.