The best of Para Triathlon were on show in Montreal, for the second stage of the 2022 World Para Series. The field was stacked with World Para Triathlon Champions, Paralympic medallists, Paris 2024 hopefuls and all aiming for success in the 2022 World Para Championship Series Finals in Abu Dhabi this November.
The spectacular Parc Jean Drapeau saw the athletes take to the Bassin Olympique for the 750m swim before transitioning out and onto five laps of the Gilles-Villeneuve race track, home of the F1 Grand Prix. The race concluded with two laps of the lake, providing triathletes with an iconic setting to finish the race for the six male and six female medal events.
The day started with the men’s PTS5 category, the focus was on crowd favourite Stefan Daniel of Canada. Daniel trailed Filipe Marques out of the swim but took control of the race on the bike, proving unbeatable until crossing the finish line to claim glory in front of a home crowd. USAs Chris Hammer claimed silver and early race leader Filipe Marques of Portugal held onto bronze.
“Definitely by far the best race of the year. I was really happy with my swim, I think it help set up the rest of the race. I had to push hard to the end today, I know they were chasing me pretty hard. Really happy with that,” said Daniel.
In the women’s PTS5 local favourite Kamylle Frenette had a strong race and took the second step of the podium ahead of USAs Grace Norman, 2020 Paralympic silver medallist, who crossed the line to earn gold with a convincing performance. French Paralympian Gwladys Lemoussu completed the podium with bronze.
With Paralympic champion Alexis Hanquinquant of France missing from the field, the race was wide open for a new champion to shine, in the men’s PTS4 category. Australia’s Jeremy Peacock took his chance to lead the race and win gold in Montreal ahead of Finley Jakes of Great Britain and USAs Eric Mcelvenny with bronze, who battled all the way to the line for medals.
“Amazing. That’s a first gold medal at a World Series, it’s just unbelievable, so good,” Peacock said post-race. From Australia, we haven’t raced in two years due to covid. I’ve based myself in Europe since June with some solid training. I train with able bodies as well so that pushes you to the next level. Consistency is the key,” said Peacock post-race.
On the women’s side it was a close battle between USAs Kelly Elmlinger and Marta Francés Gómez of Spain. It was Elmlinger who was able to close the gap and take victory while Gomez earned a hard-fought silver. Germany’s Elke Van Engelen produced a brilliant bronze medal performance in the PTS4 category. Sally Pilbeam of Australia crossed the finish line with a gutsy fourth place.
Spain’s Paralympic champion Susana Rodriguez continued her winning streak in the women’s PTVI category, to storm across the finish line to earn gold ahead of Italy’s Francesca Tarantello. Deborah Chicoski from the USA earned the bronze. All women and their guides delivered world-class performances in Montreal.
On the men’s side it was USAs Kyle Coon who was unbeatable on the day. Coon, with his bike power, claimed victory in Montreal with Oskar Kelly, who led out of the swim, crossed the line with silver. Gerasimos Lignos representing Greece rounded out the men’s PTVI podium with a gutsy bronze. All men displaying exceptionally strong form on the world stage.
Paralympic champion Jetze Plat H2 of the Netherlands clearly showed why he’s the best in the world with a dominant performance in Montreal securing the gold medal. His fellow compatriot Geert Schipper H2 looked comfortable out on course to claim silver. The battle for bronze was between Italy’s Giovanni Achenza H1 and Australia’s Nic Beveridge H1. It was down to the wire and a strong push to the finish as Achenza clutched onto bronze, with a one-second lead over Beveridge on the blue carpet.
“Fast courses on the swim, bike and the run actually. I felt strong. Had a good swim, then a really fast bike part. The run was really strong today. For this year, I will do some wheelchair marathons. In the past it hasn’t been my strongest point so I am really curious about the marathon and that will help me for the triathlon as well I think,” said Plat.
In the women’s PTWC category favourite and Paralympic silver medallist Lauren Parker H1 had what it took today to claim gold over Paralympic champion Kendall Gretsch H2 of the USA. Canada’s Leanne Taylor H1 enjoyed being awarded with the bronze medal in front of an incredible home crowd.
“I worked on everything, swim, bike and run but especially my bike leg. Even though it’s my strongest leg and it has been my strongest leg, I really wanted to improve it and getting the little things right. I am so happy to be here and back racing the spring distance. It’s great competition out here today and I am glad to take the win,’ said Parker.
The World Para Championship Series will move to Swansea, UK, for the first-ever race at this destination on August 6. All races in World Para Championship Series Swansea will be streamed live and on-demand on TriathlonLIVE.tv
