The 2024 World Triathlon Multisport Championships will be arriving in Townsville, Australia, next month. Spanning 15th to 25th August, the event promises a feast of multisport action across disciplines ranging from aquathlon to cross triathlon to duathlon. Further sports such as aquabike, cross duathlon and long distance triathlon will also be on offer.
The World Multisport Championships will look to build on the success of the 2023 edition in Ibiza. This summer, Townsville has attracted over 2800 age-group entries from 28 countries. In addition, there will be a full complement of Para events as well as several high profile elite athletes racing. WTCS medallist Ai Ueda will fly the flag for Japan while home hero Charlotte McShane is set to contest multiple events for Australia.
You can view the full start lists here and check out some of the biggest storylines to follow below.
Choquert and Le Bihan go for gold
After winning duathlon silver and bronze behind former WTCS champion Mario Mola in Ibiza, Benjamin Choquert (FRA) and Krilan Le Bihan (FRA) will be among the favourites for gold this time round. However, they will have their work cut out in defeating Arnaud Dely (BEL), the newly-crowned European duathlon champion. Their contest could set the tone for a fast and furious week of racing.
McShane’s busy week
After missing out the Australian Olympic team, former World U23 champion Charlotte McShane will be taking on a new set of challenges in Townsville. In addition to the duathlon, she will contest the aquathlon and cross triathlon events. She therefore has the chance to mimic the performances of fellow WTCS athlete Zsanett Kuttor-Bragmayer (HUN) who won medals in both the duathlon and aquathlon at the 2023 World Multisport Championships.
Watch out for the Allens
Townsville has also attracted Ben Allen (AUS) and Jacqueline Allen (nee Slack, GBR) in the cross triathlon events. Both have enjoyed storied cross triathlon careers and will look to add further medals to their names. Ben Allen has finished 3rd at the Xterra world championships on three occasions but has yet to make the podium at the World Triathlon cross triathlon world championships. Meanwhile, Jacqueline Allen finished 3rd at the World Triathlon cross triathlon world championships in 2017 and added a silver medal in 2019.
Go long
After finishing 9th in the long distance triathlon event in Ibiza, Japan’s legendary Ai Ueda will look to rise up the standings in Townsville. The former World Cup winner, Asian Games champion and WTCS medallist made her international debut all the way back in 2021 and, having entered her 40s, shows no signs of slowing down. However, in Marion Legrand (FRA), Ueda will be pitted against the current European duathlon champion and an epic showdown could await in Australia.
Stay up to date with all the latest regarding the World Multisport Championships across all World Triathlon channels in the coming weeks.
