The stage is set in Viña del Mar, Chile, for the much awaited return of the World Triathlon Cup circuit. Taking place just two weeks after the Championship Finals in Wollongong, Australia, the opening event of a trio of consecutive World Cups in South America offers athletes a unique opportunity to compete intensively in the southern hemisphere. Get ready for a fast and furious sprint race (750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run) with some of the biggest talents of the year ready to fight again.
The course in Vina del Mar maintains much of the layout used in previous editions, with the iconic Playa El Sol as the race's epicenter. The athletes will face an apic Ocean swim, to then navigate along Viña del Mar’s main coastal avenues before passing through Cerro Castillo, just meters from the Presidential Palace, and concluding at the finish line in front of Muelle Vergara.
Spain’s David Cantero, who will be racing with the number 1, is arguably the man to beat in Viña del Mar. Coming off an impressive performance at the Wollongong Finals, where he secured a second-place finish and a fifth place overall in the 2025 WTCS rankings. Known for his explosive speed and tactical intelligence, Cantero is one of the fastest runners in the circuit – a crucial asset in a race that often comes down to a tight last 5km sprint. His ability to hold his composure in high-pressure situations and take advantage of position in the final stages makes him a formidable contender for the podium.
The local athlete, Diego Moya, is a name that fans will be eager to follow closely. Having raced on this course numerous times, he knows the ins and outs of Vina del Mar’s challenging Ocean swim, which can often feature rough conditions. Last year, Moya finished second at the Americas Premium Cup held in Vina, and he is eager to claim his first victory at home. His strong swimming and tactical cycling—combined with his familiarity with the course—make him a serious threat. The crowd support and his motivation to perform in front of a passionate local audience could give him the extra edge to elevate his race and challenge the top contenders.
The race is packed with talent, and end-of-race battles could be intense. Athletes like Callum McClusky from Australia and Manoel Messias from Brazil are expected to challenge Cantero on the final run. Both are proven finishers and capable of making a decisive move in the last kilometers. McClusky’s speed and endurance, paired with Messias’s tactical prowess, could turn the event into a compelling showdown.
Other notable athletes include Reese Vannerson, still a U23 competitor, eager to prove himself after finishing eighth at the U23 World Championships in Wollongong and being lapped in the Elite's World Championships four days later. His relentless drive to crack the top tier of the elite field, combined with his proven potential, makes him one to watch. Valentin Wernz from Germany is also eager to demonstrate that he has regained his fitness and is ready to contend for a podium. The French contingent, led by Valentin Morlec, Aurelien Jem, and Igor Dupis, boasts multiple World Cup podiums, adding even more depth to an already competitive field.
World Triathlon Team athletes such as Jawad Abdoumela from Morocco and Alejandro Rodriguez Diez from Spain add further excitement. Abdoumela, who trains in Spain while balancing his part-time career as a firefighter, is known for his running speed. Rodriguez Diez, who finished second at the Huatulco World Cup earlier this year, looks to leverage his experience and strong form to climb the ranks and make a statement in Vina del Mar.
The Elite Men will take the stage on Sunday, 2 November, at 12.00 am local time, and you can watch the race live on TriathlonLIVE.tv. Check also the start lists HERE.
