Australia’s Brandon Copeland has returned to the World Triathlon Cup podium for the first time in six years, claiming a hard-fought bronze in Chengdu, China.
The 28-year-old kicked off his international season in style, joining American Reese Vannerson and Israel’s Shachar Sagiv on the podium at the first standard distance World Triathlon Cup of the year.
“I’m over the moon. It’s been six years since my last podium,” Copeland said.
“I’ve had plenty of ups and downs along the way, but I’ve built some good self-belief through my training and the people I’ve got around me. I’m just so happy to be back on the World Triathlon Cup podium.”
Copeland’s third-place finish comes on the back of his gold at the Oceania Triathlon Championship in Devonport in March. With that momentum, he’s focused on building even further as he prepares for the World Triathlon Championship Series in Alghero later this month.
“Devonport, taking the win there and dictating things was really nice and I was able to bring that confidence to the World Triathlon Cup level today,” he said.
“Hopefully I can take it to my next World Triathlon Championship Series in Italy – I’m hoping to ride the good vibes.”
“This medal is a huge step for me. I would have loved to be higher up on the podium but that’s all I could have asked for today.
“I want to get back to racing consistently. I had a rough year personally in 2023 and 2024, with the Olympics, there’s always highs and lows for everyone. I feel like I’m back racing for the joy of it and absolutely loving it.”
Nine other Australian athletes were also in action, marking the start of their international seasons in Chengdu.
In the men’s race, Lockie Jones was the next best-placed Australian, finishing 17th, followed by Brayden Mercer in 23rd. Luke Schofield and Jayden Schofield finished in 38th and 43rd, respectively.
Charlotte Derbyshire led the Australian charge in the women’s race with a 14th-place finish, closely trailed by Tara Sosinski in 15th. Kira Hedgeland claimed 20th place, while Sophie Malowiecki and Ellie Hoitink rounded out the results in 27th and 28th.
