Reigning World Champions Matt Hauser, Lauren Parker and Anu Francis headline the Australian team set to compete at the World Triathlon Championship Series and Para triathlon series in Hamburg, Germany, on 11-12 July.
Hauser has overcome the injuries sustained in his crash at WTCS Alghero. The Queenslander enjoyed a superb start to his 2026 campaign, claiming victory in Yokohama and leading the race in Alghero before his unfortunate fall.
“Everyone always looks forward to Hamburg,” Hauser said.
“The city definitely does come alive. Germany in general is just super strong in endurance sports especially triathlon, so they really do embrace triathlon with open arms in the city.
“Just being able to race in the city center through cobbled streets and that really European rich town feel is certainly really special.
“Coming off the win last year in the individual and the relay I couldn’t have asked for much more last year. Being another strong contender this year for Team Australia, it’ll be hopefully another successful campaign.
“I think Hamburg I’ve always raced close or near the best of my ability on those courses, so for me it’s definitely one that I always circle in the calendar.
Hauser will be joined by fellow Australian Luke Willian, who has also been one of the standout performers of the season. Willian opened the year with victory at the World Cup in Chengdu, China before backing it up with a podium finish in Yokohama, underlining Australia’s strength in the men’s field.
The Brisbane triathlete is hoping to replicate what Australia was able to achieve last year.
“Hamburg’s such a cool race, we get to race in the center of the city in Europe and the crowds are amazing,” Willian said.
“The atmosphere is amazing and it’s just fast.
“Being part of that team last year that won the World Championships in Hamburg, it was pretty special.
“To get picked and then try and replicate what we did last year would be pretty special. No one kind of thought we could do it and then we proved them all wrong.”
The sprint-distance event in Hamburg will also provide the final hit-out before athletes combine for the prestigious Mixed Relay World Championships, one of the sport’s premier events and a key Olympic discipline.
Australia’s women’s team competing in the individual event features Aspen Anderson who shone in the Mixed Team Relay event in Quiberon last month and Sophie Malowiecki, who continues to build form throughout the season after a break through World Cup podium earlier this year. Brayden Mercer, Callum McClusky and Luke Schofield join Hauser and Willian in the men’s ranks.
The Australian Para triathlon team will also compete in Hamburg, with Anu Francis, Jack Howell, Sam Harding and Maggie Sandles set to race as they continue their international campaigns.
“It’s exciting to be competing in Hamburg,” Francis said.
“Para triathlon doesn’t always get a lot of coverage, so if we can get more eyes on the sport, that’s always a positive.
“Every race is different, every race I have new things I am working on, trying to improve.
“The ultimate goal is that by the time LA [2028 Olympics] comes around, everything else is sorted and all I have to think about is racing.”
Australian Team – WTCS/WTPS Hamburg (11-12 July)
Elite Men
- Matt Hauser
- Luke Willian
- Brayden Mercer
- Callum McClusky
- Luke Schofield
Elite Women
- Aspen Anderson
- Sophie Malowiecki
Para triathlon
- Anu Francis (PTS2)
- Lauren Parker (PTWC)
- Jack Howell (PTS5)
-
Sam Harding (PTVI) / Aaron Royle (Guide)
-
Maggie Sandles (PTVI) / Lauren Sprague (Guide)
- Matthew Engesser (PTS4)
The World Triathlon Championship Series races can be watched on TriathlonLive.TV, AusTriathlon members can secure 10% off an annual subscription by logging into the Member Hub.
Elite Men – Saturday 11 July 9:15pm (AEST)
Elite Women – Saturday 11 July 11pm (AEST)
Mixed Team Relay – Monday 13 July 1:30am (AEST) – TEAM TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON
Event: World Triathlon Championship Series Hamburg / Mixed Relay World Championships / World Para Triathlon Series
Dates: 11-12 July 2026
Location: Hamburg, Germany
