On 31 May 2025, Miguel Hidalgo secured Brazil’s first WTCS gold in the modern Series era of the sport. After two decades of training, smart strategy, and absolute commitment to becoming a complete triathlete, the 25-year-old now stands second in the Series rankings after three races, and can begin to plan a genuine assault on the world title.
Anyone who witnessed him detonate that 10km run to the sun in Sardinia and leave Matt Hauser and Leo Bergere in his wake, would surely not bet against him. Before that, though, a trip to Vancouver and a T100 debut over a distance that he is also developing an affinity with.
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“ I was sometimes following my dad in his running sessions and I remember since I was really, really young, like 11 years old, I could do 5km in under 20 minutes, without any training. I think I had a high VO2 and talent for running since very young!”
It is something that has informed Hidalgo's desire to become the complete triathlete. Coming through the ranks in the post-Mola era, with the likes of Luis, Blummenfelt and Hauser bringing more swim-bike power, it is clear that there is no room for ‘weakness’ in any discipline for anyone wanting to get to the top.
“So that's why I just increased my running volume like only a few years ago. We decided to focus on swimming and biking first to become a complete athlete. You know, sometimes it's not worth it if you focus too much on the run when you're too young and then you're not a good biker. You're not gonna have a chance to win in every race scenario. And to stay at the top for a long time, you have to be complete like Leo Bergere style. We were very patient over the years and hopefully I can win in a lot of race scenarios.”
Hidalgo’s historic WTCS win in Alghero was not just a personal triumph but a national milestone. He became the first Brazilian in 34 years to top a world-class triathlon podium, earning immense media attention and widespread national pride. For the win he credits not just his fitness but also strategic nouse: the far-right start position, a perfect swim to secure a place in a critical front pack, high-power riding without overextending, and a blistering run that saw him open a decisive early gap, effectively eliminating Hauser’s strong finish.
Hidalgo now stands second in the WTCS rankings and is entering the T100 for the first time with a Wildcard place in Vancouver on 14 June. The plan ahead looks clear. Taste the T100, hit the 70.3 worlds, but ensure that WTCS Hamburg, French Riviera and Karlovy Vary are used to boost championship points and prepare for the prospect of a huge season finale in Wollongong come October.
Listen to the full interview on episode 102 of the World Triathlon Podcast.
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