Australia’s Brayden Mercer has secured silver while teammate Callum McClusky has bagged bronze at the World Triathlon Cup in Napier, New Zealand.
The season opener came down dramatic battle in the final metres with Spain’s David Castro claiming victory just two seconds ahead of the Australian duo.
In his first race since his stunning 2024 Noosa Triathlon win, 20-year-old Mercer marked a outstanding return to racing – clinching a debut World Triathlon Cup podium in only his third start at the level.
“First World Cup podium and first race of the year, so I’m stoked.” Mercer said.
“I pushed hard out there today, all the way to the line. It was a huge effort but I’m super happy.”
For McClusky, the bronze was a strong follow-up to his memorable gold at the event last year, where he secured his first World Triathlon Cup victory.
“I’m probably not as happy as last year, you can’t match the feelings of last year with a first World Cup win, but I was happy to back up with a podium again,” McClusky said.
“It’s a lovely place, I really like Napier. It been really good to me, I might have to bring the missus and move here!”
Mercer set the early pace alongside Australian debutant Jack Crome, leading the field out of the swim and setting the pace as they transitioned onto the bike.
Despite several breakaway attempts from numerous athletes on the 20km bike leg, the 30-strong field remained intact, setting the stage for a thrilling run battle.
Spanish duo Castro and Roberto Sanchez set the pace throughout the 5km run, with McClusky alongside them as the lead pack constantly reshaped through breakaways and regroupings.
As the race neared its end, a chase group which included Australian’s Luke Willian and Mercer almost closed the gap to the front. But before they could fully settle, Castro and Sanchez accelerated, dropping all but McClusky.
It seemed the podium spots would be fought out between the three, but with 500 meters to go, Mercer dug deep, closing the gap once again before surging ahead – the first to kick in the sprint finish.
Castro managed to stay on his shoulder, and with one final burst, the Spaniard surged forward to take the win.
Mercer fought hard to hold on, securing silver in a thrilling finish, while McClusky claimed bronze.
“I knew that I could do it,” Mercer said.
“One-by-one I was just picking them off and then the last U-turn, I was on the front pack and I just through I want to be the one to make the move.
“I took the lead and then just fell short and got second, but I can’t complain honestly – I’m very stoked.”
Paris 2024 Olympian Luke Willian was the next best-placed Australian, crossing the line in 8th place. Luke Schofield followed closely behind in 11th, while twin brother Jayden finished 16th. Jack Crome, making his World Triathlon Cup debut, secured 19th place, while Oscar Dart rounded out the Australian results in 23rd.
Earlier in the day, Emma Jeffcoat made a stunning return to the World Triathlon Cup podium – securing silver in the women’s race.
The Tokyo 2020 Olympian finished just three seconds behind Canada’s Desirae Ridenuor, marking her first podium since 2019 after overcoming a series of tough injuries.
