Hayden Wilde stormed to victory at the World Triathlon Championship Series Grand Final in Torremolinos, Andalucia, Spain, securing an impressive bronze in the overall series standings.
Heading into the race, the Paris Olympic silver medalist was in contention for the world title, needing the series leader to finish outside the top six to claim the crown. While that outcome was beyond his control, Wilde focused on delivering a dominant performance, winning his first WTCS race of the year and showcasing one of his most complete races over the standard distance.
Coming out of the 1.5-kilometre swim well-positioned 13 seconds down from the leader, Wilde capitalised on a flawless transition onto the bike to get into the front group. Within the first lap of eight he was in a breakaway of five athletes including 2023 world champion Leo Bergere and Bahrain Victorious 13 teammate Vincent Luis to gap the chasers by nearly two minutes off the bike after 40 kilometres.
Once on the 10-kilometre run Wilde and Bergere took off, but Wilde turned up the pace to drop the Frenchman in the first lap of four. He continued to build the gap, taking the tape triumphantly with a 62-second advantage.
“I had a plan just to sit on the fourth wheel, but Leo just went out like a bat out of hell and I tried to go on as well. Then I realised we had a gap… And then on the run I was just waiting for my moment and then on that first lap I just gave it a little dig, got a gap and then just kept driving,” said Wilde post-race.
“Third in the series, a bit disappointed not to win the championship but to win here in the Grand Final is something special.”
Luis finished eighth in his final WTCS appearance, while Max Stapley crossed the line in 27th.
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