The Road to the Wollongong runs through Montreal this weekend, with Australia’s top para triathletes lining up for their final World Triathlon Para Series hit-out ahead of the World Championships.
With three Australians leading the world rankings in their classifications, Saturday’s race on Montreal’s iconic Formula 1 circuit offers one last opportunity to fine-tune form before the season’s biggest showdown on home soil.
Paris 2024 Paralympian Anu Francis (PTS2) arrives in great form, firmly holding top spot in the world after claiming gold in both Devonport and Yokohama this season.
“I’m really looking forward to having a good hit out and seeing where my training’s got me leading into the Wollongong World Championships,” Francis said.
“We’ve had some pretty wild thunderstorms today but the weather is looking much better for Saturday’s race day thankfully.
“We went and had a bit of a look at the course today, riding the F1 track and by the regatta where we’ll be swimming. It looks really cool so I’m really excited.
“It’s my first time racing in Montreal and my first time coming to Canada and I’m feeling really privileged to come into the race ranked world number one for the first time ever.”
Four-time World Champion, Paris 2024 Paralympic gold medallist, and world number one Lauren Parker (PTWC) has also had a stellar start to her season, winning gold in Devonport, Yokohama, and most recently at the World Triathlon Para Cup in Magog, Quebec.
“I had a good hit out last weekend in Magog and I’m super relaxed leading into Saturday,” Parker said.
“I’ve raced here many times before so I know the course inside out. It’s going to be super fast on the Formula 1 circuit for the bike leg and I’m looking to get another good hit out and hopefully another win.”
While 21-year-old Jack Howell (PTS5) won’t race in Montreal, he is the third Australian to hold a top spot in the world rankings, joining Francis and Parker after standout performances including gold medals in Devonport and Taranto, plus silver in Yokohama.
Two-time Paralympian David Bryant (PTS5), who took silver in Devonport and finished third in Magog last weekend, is eager to continue his strong form.
“I’m looking forward to my second race of my Canadian trip after having a really good hit out in Magog for the World Cup last weekend coming third,” Bryant said.
“It will be flat and fast here on the Formula 1 track and I’m looking forward to hitting my straps on Saturday.”
Paris 2024 Paralympian and two-time World Champion Sally Pilbeam returns to the World Triathlon Para Series for her first appearance since the 2024 World Championships in Torremolinos where she secured a bronze. She made her return to racing in Magog, picking up right where she left off with another bronze.
Rounding out the Australian team is rising 17-year-old Matthew Engesser (PTS4), who impressed with a bronze medal on debut at the World Triathlon Para Series in Devonport in March.
World Triathlon Para Series Montreal
Sat 19 July, from 9:30pm AEST
Lauren Parker (PTWC)
Anu Francis (PTS2)
Sally Pilbeam (PTS4)
Matthew Engesser (PTS4)
David Bryant (PTS5)
