The 2025 World Triathlon Cup season is set to commence in Napier, New Zealand, on Sunday, 23rd February, with the Elite men lining up to race at 1pm local time. Following its successful debut at Ahuriri Beach in 2024, anticipation is high for another thrilling competition and you can follow the live race action on TriathlonLive.tv.
THE WORLD CUP HEADLINER
The official athlete line-up for the 2025 World Triathlon Cup Napier Elite men's race is headlined by Australia's Paris 2024 Olympian, Luke Willian. Willian secured his spot in the Paris Olympic Games with a bronze medal at the World Triathlon Championship Series event in Yokohama in May 2024 and claimed victory at the World Triathlon Cup in Wollongong earlier that year.
THE CHALLENGERS
Challenging Willian is New Zealand’s Tayler Reid, U23 World champion, 2018 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist in the Mixed Relay and represented New Zealand in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, who has displayed consistent performances, including a 5nd place in the 2024 World Triathlon Cup Rome and 7th in the 2024 World Triathlon Championship Finals Torremolinos-Andalucia. Adding to the competitive field is Australia's Callum McClusky, who clinched silver in both 2024 World Triathlon Cup Brasilia and 2024 World Triathlon Cup Valencia. Spain’s Roberto Sanchez Manticon, who placed 7th in last week's World Triathlon Championship Series Abu Dhabi individual race and 5th in the 2024 World Triathlon Cup Tongyeong will have his sights fixed on a World Cup medal.
RISING STARS - MEDAL CONTENDERS
USA's John Reed, who produced a remarkable race combination to win gold in the 2024 World Triathlon Cup in Karlovy Vary, will also be a strong contender in Sunday's race. Also looking to make an impact in Napier is Spain’s David Castro Fajardo, a multiple-time World Cup podium finisher and seasoned triathlete on the international stage. Castro has the experience and race craft to shake up the podium battle in Napier. Meanwhile, Australia’s rising star Brayden Mercer is one to watch as he eyes his first breakthrough at this level. A talented young Oceania athlete who is set to make strides in Elite Triathlon racing, Mercer will be eager to mix it with some of the sport’s biggest names and start his 2025 campaign with a statement result.
With valuable ranking points in play, the World Cup season opener in Napier presents an opportunity for athletes to set the tone for the year ahead. The podium is wide open, with fresh racing dynamics, early-season form and a mix of established race veterans and rising stars ready to stake their claim.
In addition to the Elite races, the Napier Triathlon Festival will feature age-group competitions catering to all levels, from beginners to seasoned athletes. Notably, the festival includes the New Zealand Sprint Distance Championships, a key event in the Tri NZ Series, which also serves as a qualifier for the 2025 World Triathlon Age Group Championships in Wollongong, taking place in October this year. This offers a unique opportunity for Age-Group triathletes to compete on the same stage as the world's best.
Don't miss the chance to witness world class triathlon action set against the stunning backdrop of Napier's Ahuriri Beach. Whether you're cheering from the sidelines or tuning in from afar, you can follow all the live action streamed on TriathlonLive.tv. Mark your calendars for the 23rd of February and be part of the excitement as the 2025 World Triathlon Cup season unfolds.
Review the full Elite men’s start list and follow the action on TriathlonLive.tv.
