The World Para Series is set to kick off this weekend with the opening round returning to Devonport, Australia. As in previous years, an array of home talent will be raring to go with hopes of gobbling up as many golds as possible. This time round, however, a significant American contingent is flying in to stop that from happening. With world champions and Paralympic medallists ready to launch their campaigns, it is time to see which of Para triathlon’s stars will get off to the best start in 2026.
Women
World champion Anu Francis (AUS) will be the primary draw in the women’s PTS2 class. After an unbeaten season last year, there is a good chance she has forgotten what it is like to lose. A Japanese duo of Yukako Hata and Asumi Yasusa will be aiming to remind Francis, but they will have their work cut out overpowering the Australian star on home soil.
Francis will be sole Australian world champion starting as Lauren Parker (AUS) is otherwise engaged. Seven Australian athletes have previously competed at both the Summer and Winter Paralympics and Parker has just become number eight. She is in Milan-Cortina to compete in the cross-country skiing and biathlon events.
Plenty of other Australian talent will be in Devonport. Maggie Sandles and Sally Pilbeam will be expecting victory in the PTVI and PTS4 classes, respectively. Likewise, Grace Brimelow will be targeting a win of her own in the PTS5 category after winning last year's PTS4 race. Brimelow, however, faces an intriguing clash against American newcomer Virginia Ogburn and last year’s Devonport PTS5 gold medallist Michelle Dynes (USA).
Men
Among the men’s races, one head-to-head not to be missed is the rematch between Paralympic and world champion Chris Hammer (USA) and last year’s World Para Triathlon Championships silver medallist Jack Howell (AUS). Howell had a great hit rate in the World Para Series last year, but Hammer’s run, when on song, is a formidable weapon. Considering the American beat Howell on home turf in Wollongong last autumn, the Australian will doubtless be out for revenge.
At the same time, look out for David Bryant (AUS). The veteran has got the better of Howell before (including at last year’s Oceania Para Triathlon Championships). Although his younger compatriot is becoming a serious force to be reckoned with, Bryant is no stranger to the top of a Devonport podium.
Elsewhere, Howie Sanborn (USA), Nic Beveridge (AUS) and Justin Pines (USA) are set for a ding-dong of a battle in the men’s PTWC class. Moreover, Paralympic medallists Mohamed Lahna (USA) and Carson Clough (AUS) bring some stardust to the PTS2 and PTS3 categories. Clough, however, will have a fight on his hands against home talents Jeremy Peacock (AUS) and Matthew Engesser (AUS).
A further American-Australian showdown will take place in the PTVI class with Owen Cravens (USA) and Sam Harding (AUS) the early favourites. Catch all of the action live on TriathlonLive on 13th March from 08:00 local time.