Australia’s Matt Hauser has claimed a gutsy gold medal in Yokohama, out-sprinting Portugal’s Vasco Vilaca in a thrilling finish to secure his first World Triathlon Championship Series win of the season.
The win launches the 27-year-old to the top of the world-title deciding series standings with the Championship Finals looming on home soil in Wollongong this October.
“I couldn’t settle for third, second, or anything less than first until I’d given everything to the line,” Hauser said.
“I tried to produce a bit of that Aussie spirit today and it got me home first, which I’m super glad about.
“Wollongong World Championships this year – it’s the year of the Aussies. Hopefully we can go back and put on a show for you all. It should be a great year ahead. It’s my first olympic distance World Triathlon Championship Series win so I’m really proud of that.”
The Queenslander was at his trademark best in the water, emerging second behind Mark Devay (HUN) from the 750m swim.
A lead group of 12 riders broke away early on the rain-slick bike course, but the chase pack steadily closed the gap. By the sixth lap, their efforts paid off, forming a front group of 23 that featured Hauser alongside top contenders Vasco Vilaca (POR), Miguel Hidalgo (BRA), Leo Bergere (FRA), and Charles Paquet (CAN).
That quintet led the charge onto the 10km run, but the field quickly thinned as the pace ramped up.
Paquet was the first to drop off as the leaders headed out on the second of four laps. Bergere following midway through the third – leaving Hauser, Vilaca, and Hidalgo to duke it out for the medals over the final 2.5km.
With a kilometre to go, Vilaca surged. Hidalgo was unable to respond, but Hauser had an answer – and then some. The Australian dug deep to match the move before launching one of his own and pulling clear down the blue carpet to take the tape.
The result adds to a strong start to Hauser’s 2025 season, following his silver in Abu Dhabi where he was edged out in a sprint showdown by Kiwi Hayden Wilde.
“I learned a few lessons in Abu Dhabi, not to go to early and burn my matches,” Hauser said.
“I was able to produce a really good result today against some tough competition. Vasco (Vilaca) led those last couple laps into the headwind and I just had to play it smart. Kudos to those boys for making it a tough finish.
“In the last kilometre or so it was just running tough my head – ‘they haven’t got that kick, they haven’t got that kick like you do’. I was able to finish it off strong like I know I can and really back myself and believe myself.”
Hauser’s heroics capped off a strong day for the green and gold, with impressive performances across the board in both the elite and para triathlon events.
Luke Willian opened his season with a solid showing, finishing 12th, while Ellie Hoitink fought hard to finish 34th in the women’s race, won by Jeanna Lehair (LUX).
Earlier in the day, Lauren Parker (PTWC) and Anu Francis (PTS2) both claimed gold medals in the World Triathlon Para Series, making it back-to-back wins to start their seasons.
Jack Howell (PTS4) secured a hard-fought silver medal, just edged out in a dramatic sprint finish by Martin Schulz (GER), while Maggie Sandles (PTVI) with guide Lauren Sprague, and Grace Brimelow (PTS5) bagged bronze medals.
For full World Triathlon Championships Series results, click here.
For full World Triathlon Para Series results, click here.
