All eyes on the Italian veteran and rising stars as the World Triathlon Cup tour returns to China’s purpose-built venue.
ELITE WOMEN'S RACE PREVIEW
The 2025 World Triathlon Cup tour lands in Chengdu, China, where a stacked women’s field will take on the standard-distance triathlon format (a 1.5km swim, 40km bike and 10km run) within a purpose-built venue that has become a favourite for both athletes and fans. Fast, technical, and lined with cheering crowds, World Triathlon Cup Chengdu offers the perfect battleground for this early season showdown on Saturday 10th May.
Last year, Switzerland’s Julie Derron delivered a dominant performance here, claiming victory in a time of 1:55:18. Her textbook execution across all three disciplines set the tone for one of the season’s most exciting World Cup races and all signs point to another compelling contest this year.
Let’s take a closer look at the top contenders on the Elite women’s start list, as well as some rising stars to watch.
THE TOP 5 ELITE WOMEN
Verena Steinhauser (ITA)
A seasoned competitor, Steinhauser brings a wealth of experience and tactical racing to Chengdu. Steinhauser crossed the finish line in 6th place in the 2025 World Triathlon Cup Napier and has earned multiple World Cup victories in her career. Expect her to lead from the front through the swim and bike.
Xinyu Lin (CHN)
Home favourite Xinyu Lin will be looking to capitalise on familiar surroundings and local support. She finished 12th at the 2025 World Triathlon Cup in Napier, a strong lead-in performance that signals potential for a top ten result or better on home soil.
Roksana Słupek (POL)
Poland’s Słupek recently crossed the line in 5th place in the 2025 Europe Triathlon Cup Quarteira. With growing confidence and strong run form, she’s a genuine podium threat in Chengdu.
Sandra Dodet (FRA)
A regular on the World Cup and World Triathlon Championship Series scene, Dodet has achieved notable success in the World Triathlon Cup circuit which has seen her secure multiple victories and podium finishes. Her top end speed and experience could see her in the final shake-up, especially if she’s within striking distance off the bike.
Alissa König (SUI)
König is a quiet achiever with podium experience, including silver medals at the 2024 World Cups in Rome and Miyazaki. She thrives in tactical races as demonstrated when she claimed 10th place in the 2025 Supertri E World Triathlon Championships London and is known for her strong bike leg, which will be crucial on Chengdu’s technical course.
ONES TO WATCH
Several athletes stand out as ones to watch including New Zealand's Olympian Ainsley Thorpe brings a wealth of experience to the competition. Thorpe secured a silver medal at the 2023 New Plymouth World Cup and was part of the New Zealand team that finished second in the Mixed Relay at the 2023 World Championships in Hamburg. Her consistent performances make her a strong contender in Chengdu.
Australia's Ellie Hoitink is showing remarkable progress as she climbs the ranks in her career. After recovering from injury in 2023, she claimed the Oceania Triathlon Championship title in Taupo in April 2024. Her determination and recent successes position her as a formidable competitor in Saturday’s race.
Kira Hedgeland, also representing Australia, has been steadily climbing the triathlon ranks. With a top 10 finish at the 2023 World Triathlon Cup in Miyazaki and a strong performance at the 2025 Oceania Triathlon Sprint Championships in Mooloolaba, she will be a key athlete to watch in Chengdu.
RISING STARS
Further down the start list, a group of exciting young athletes are poised to make their mark. Hungary’s Márta Kropkó, Hong Kong’s Bailee Brown, Spain’s María Casals Mojica and Italy’s Angelica Prestia are all hunting their first World Cup medals and will be looking to show off their form in Chengdu. These athletes may not carry top seedings, but they are more than capable of delivering upsets in a fast, unpredictable World Cup race like Chengdu.
With a world-class field, passionate fans and a course built for drama, the 2025 World Triathlon Cup Chengdu is set to deliver a thrilling spectacle of elite women’s racing.
Don’t miss a minute this Saturday 10th May on TriathlonLive.tv from 11.45am local time.
Review the full women’s start list.
