Wollongong will welcome the triathlon world this weekend for a first ever World Cup ahead of hosting the WTCS Final in 2025. Amid a strong men’s start list, it is hard to look past the Australian team for the potential medallists. Not only do they have the home advantage, with the creature comforts and reduced travel that accompanies it, they boast a squad that is in good form virtually across the board. Indeed, any number of combinations of Australian men could make up the podium in Wollongong.
Leading the way will almost certainly be Matthew Hauser. The WTCS race winner is fresh off a win at the Oceania Championships at the weekend and is on paper the quickest swimmer and runner in the field. Years have passed since Hauser’s first World Cup victory and he has progressed immeasurably in the intervening period. Such has been his recent level, it would be more of a shock if he did not win. Victory in Wollongong would keep his unbeaten start to 2024 alive and provide a useful boost on his path to the Paris Olympic Games.
At the same time, while Hauser, who wears number 1, is a clear favourite for the win, his compatriots cannot entirely be discounted.
Callum McClusky won the Napier World Cup earlier in the season and has therefore proven himself already on the world stage this year. Hauser’s presence in the water could create an element of risk for McClusky in the swim. On the other hand, McClusky could be one of the few men that can trouble Hauser over the 5km run. So long as he navigates the first discipline without any issues, he will likely be a threat.
Luke Willian impressed with a 4th place finish at the Hong Kong World Cup and took the silver medal at the Oceania Championships over the Sprint distance last month. With his form over the shorter format, he will certainly be a contender in Wollongong.
Jacob Birtwhistle and Brandon Copeland won bronze medals at the Oceania Championships over the Sprint and Olympic distances, respectively, and have the speed and experience to nab another podium finish. Elsewhere, Bradley Course, the 2023 Oceania Senior, U23 and Junior champion, could be one to watch. The Sprint distance may play out well for him as his swim was shown to be a little vulnerable to the likes of Hauser in Taupo. With his cycling and running speed, though, Course could surprise a few people.
Looking beyond the Australian team, Tayler Reid took the silver medal behind Hauser in Taupo. Moreover, he medalled at the World Cup level in 2023 and has the skillset to put himself in any breakaway that could form.
Jonas Schomburg has a similar profile to Reid. He can work the swim and bike to good effect and is willing to push the pace early in the run; over the Sprint distance, such an approach could pay dividends. Schomburg won a maiden World Cup medal in 2023 and another should seal his place on the German Olympic team.
Richard Murray and Gábor Faldum present two experienced options for possible medallists while Diego Moya stands out as a dark horse. All things considered, though, the home team will be licking their lips at the prospect of a sweep of the men’s podium in Wollongong.
TriStats Predictions
- Matthew Hauser
- Callum McClusky
- Luke Willian
- Tayler Reid
- Jonas Schomburg
