The snow-dusted trails of Padola, Italy, played host to a masterclass in winter endurance on as Daria Rogozina (AIN) and Jens Kristoffer Dyrdahl (NOR) claimed the gold medals at the World Triathlon Winter Duathlon Championships. Under the crisp Italian sky, Rogozina successfully defended her title with a commanding performance, while the young Norwegian star, Dyrdahl, announced his arrival on the world stage by securing a rare double victory in both the Elite and U23 categories. The podiums were rounded out by Alina Liagaeva (AIN) and Axelle Vicari (ITA) for the women, and Dmitrii Kondrashov (AIN) and local favorite Franco Pesavento (ITA) for the men.
Dyrdahl carries the torch in the Men’s race
The men's competition was a showcase for the next generation of winter talent. Jens Kristoffer Dyrdahl entered the race as the heir apparent to Norwegian legend Hans Christian Tungesvik -absent this year-, and he did not disappoint. Dyrdahl maintained a relentless pace throughout the four-leg, 12km course, which featured repeated 1km run laps and 2km cross-country skiing laps. He crossed the finish line in 00:35:35, a time that secured him both the Elite World Title and the U23 World Title.
He managed to win almost on the photo finish, with Dmitrii Kondrashov (AIN), who matched Dyrdahl's overall time of 00:35:35, being edged out in a thrilling finish. The battle for bronze was won by the local hero, Franco Pesavento (ITA), who improved significantly on his 7th-place finish from the previous year at the Winter Duathlon World champs to take the final podium spot in 00:36:04. In the U23 division, Dyrdahl was joined on the podium by fellow Norwegian Casper Rønning (00:37:21) and Savelly Anisimov (AIN) (00:38:59).
Rogozina’s dominance and the rise of new challengers
In the women's field, all eyes were on the defending champion, Daria Rogozina (AIN). Having already secured multiple world titles in previous years in Andorra and Cogne, Rogozina proved once again why she is the most respected name in the sport. She dominated the technical transitions and skiing sections to finish in 00:41:56, nearly 40 seconds ahead of her nearest rival.
The race for the remaining medals was a battle of youth and versatility. Alina Liagaeva (AIN) secured the silver medal and the U23 World Title with a time of 00:42:32. Axelle Vicari (ITA) delighted the home crowd by taking the bronze of the Elite race in 00:43:26. Much respect was given on the start line to Zuzana Michalickova (SVK), the 2025 European aquathlon champion and former U23 double champion. Michalickova lived up to her reputation as a formidable multisport athlete, logging a strong 4th-place finish in 00:43:57 as she hunts for a future senior winter title. The U23 podium was completed by Liagaeva, Vicari, and Kseniia Skvortsova (AIN).