Wollongong set for World Triathlon Cup debut

The picturesque coastal setting of Wollongong, in Australia, is ready to make its debut on the World Triathlon Cup circuit this weekend, an event that will also play as a test for the upcoming World Triathlon Championship Finals in 2025.

With valuable Olympic points on sight, the athletes will face a 750m swim with a beach start, followed by 20km bike on a hill climb on each of the 5 laps of the course, to finish with a hard 5km hilly run course. A hard and honest course that will test the skills of the field.

Wollongong offers a picturesque coastal setting that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the sport. The location is just perfect for a superb triathlon race. Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, rolling hills and lush greenery, the course offers a dynamic terrain for triathletes, combining its crystal-clear waters, scenic coastal roads for the cycling leg andchallenging lighthouse course for the running section.

Australia’s top-ranked triathlete, Matthew Hauser leads the charge, having already secured his nomination for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.   

The 26-year-old is in top form after launching his Olympic year with a win at the Oceania Triathlon Championships in Taupo, and is looking for back-to-back victories – this time on home soil. 

The World No. 5 is joined in the men’s race by fellow Tokyo Olympian Jake Birtwhistle and Commonwealth Games teammates Brandon Copeland and Luke Willian. Adding to the Australian contingent is Callum McClusky, whose triumph at the World Triathlon Cup Napier solidifies his contender status, along with Oscar Dart, Bradley Course and Lachlan Jones – all boasting prior World Cup experience.  

On the women’s side, the Australian charge is spearheaded by Olympians Jaz Hedgeland and Emma Jeffcoat. Commonwealth Games representative Charlotte McShane further bolsters the Australian team. Ellie Hoitink, fresh off her win at last weekend’s Oceania Triathlon Championships in Taupo, and Charlotte Derbyshire add depth to the lineup, while Tara Sosinski is set to make her World Triathlon Cup debut in Wollongong.  

Australia’s start list underwent a notable change as Natalie Van Coevorden, the top-ranked female athlete, opted to withdraw, redirecting her focus towards a dedicated training block in preparation for the upcoming World Triathlon Championship Series Yokohama – an event where Australian athletes can secure an automatic nomination for the Olympic Games by achieving a top-eight finish. 

Kira Hedgeland has been added to the start list, as well as Richelle Hill, who secured silver at the Oceania Triathlon Championships in Taupo. Hill will make her debut at the World Triathlon Cup in Wollongong with aspirations for a top-15 finish, which would secure her a coveted spot at the World Triathlon Under 23 Championships later this year. 

The 2024 World Triathlon Cup Wollongong is supported proudly by the NSW Government through Destination NSW in collaboration with Wollongong City Council in a landmark three-year partnership that will bring World Triathlon racing to Wollongong from 2024 to 2026. 

To view full World Triathlon Cup Wollongong start lists, click here. 
Find more event information online at World Cup | Elite Energy 

World Triathlon Cup Wollongong – Elite Women
Saturday, April 20 – 1:00 pm AEST
TriathlonLive.TV

Jaz Hedgeland
Emma Jeffcoat
Charlotte McShane
Ellie Hoitink
Charlotte Derbyshire
Kira Hedgeland
Tara Sosinski
Richelle Hill

Full Start List