The World Triathlon Para Series continued its 2025 journey with its third stop in Taranto, Italy, following incredible events in Devonport (Australia) and Yokohama (Japan) earlier this year. Taranto, a classic fixture on the Para triathlon circuit for the past three years, once again proved to be a fantastic venue for showcasing the incredible talent of Para athletes. With a handful of Paris 2024 Paralympic champions returning to the blue carpet, and a few more Paralympic and World Championships medallist, the 2025 edition of the iconic Italian race delivered a great spectacle for all and some fierce battles across all classes.
PTWC
The men's race was dominated by Geert Schipper (NED), bronze medallist in Paris and current European champion, whose strength with the bike was just too much for anyone else to follow. He crossed the finish line with a total time of 01:03:41. Joshua Landmann (GBR) followed in second (01:07:10), and Tijn Van Lange-Verhoek (NED) took third (01:10:07), first time on the WTPS podium for both of them.
Jessica Ferreira (BRA) took home the gold in the PTWC Women's race with a time of 01:12:25. Bronze medallist at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics Eva María Moral Pedrero (ESP) secured the silver (01:14:54) for the second place.
PTS2
Mohamed Lahna (USA) overcame a 90 seconds deficit in the swim to finally claim the victory on the PTS2 Men's class, clocking in at 01:10:41. Frenchman Jules Ribstein secured the second spot (01:11:15) and Gianluca Valori (ITA) reached the third place (01:14:40) in the home soil.
The victory in the PTS2 Women's race went to Yukako Hata (JPN), while Martina Abaterusso (ITA) crossed the finished line in second place.
PTS3
He is one of the rising stars of the para triathlon circuit, and in Taranto he delivered. Current World Champion Henry Urand (GBR) claimed the top spot in the PTS3 Men's race with a time of 01:08:42. The podium was completed by Cedric Denuziere (FRA) and Valentin Hanzer (GER).
Knowing that her class will finally be present at the Paralympic Games in LA28, Elise Marc (FRA) delivered a dominant performance in the PTS3 Women's race, finishing ahead of Sanne Koopman (NED).
PTS4
Paralympic champion Alexis Hanquinquant (FRA) continued his impressive winning strike in Taranto, claiming another gold medal to add to his extensive tally that includes 2 Paralympic golds, 6 World championships and another 6 European titles. In Taranto he delivered another masterclass, crossing the finish line in first place with almost 5 minutes over his teammate Antoîne Lamarche Poulain (FRA), who came in second place. Paris 2024 bronze medalllist Nil Riudavets Victory (ESP) grabbed the bronze medal on the day.
On the Women's race, Ingrid De Oude (NED) demonstrated her prowess in the PTS4 Women's category, winning the race in 01:25:20. Serena Banzato (ITA) came in second, and Kübra Dere (TUR) secured third place (01:31:00) after a great performance.
PTS5:
Jack Howell (AUS) showcased his strength and speed, winning the PTS5 Men's race with a time of 01:00:34. Tom Williamson (IRL) secured second place , closely followed by Filipe Marques (POR) in third.
Grace Norman (USA), another two-times Paralympic champion, continued her winning streak, capturing first place in the PTS5 Women's race with a time of 01:06:02. Andrea Miguelez Ranz (ESP) reached the second place, while Azzurra Carancini (ITA) followed in third.
PTVI:
The PTVI Men's race was won by the current Paralympic and World Champion, Dave Ellis (GBR), who had to deliver an outstanding run to be able to cross the line in first place, just 35 seconds ahead of Sam Harding (AUS). Bronze medal on the day was for another Brit, Oscar Kelly (GBR).
Two-times Paralympic Champion in Tokyo and Paris, Susana Rodriguez (ESP), managed to add another gold to her tally with an impressive bike that was worth a gold medal, crossing the finish line more than a minute ahead of the local favourite, Francesca Tarantello (ITA), who finished in second place. Judith MacCombe (IRL) took the third position.