World Championship podium up for grabs as Hauser, Willian face off in Finals

Australia’s Matt Hauser and Luke Willian say they’re eager to crown career-best seasons with strong finishes at the 2024 World Triathlon Championship Finals in Torremolinos, Spain.

Ahead of the world title deciding World Triathlon Championship Series finale, both remain within striking distance of the World Championship podium, in a year where they say they’ve pushed each other to new heights.

Ranked fourth and fifth, they trail only the Paris 2024 Olympic podium, with Alex Yee (GBR), Léo Bergere (FRA), and Hayden Wilde (NZL) leading the way in the Championship standings.

Hauser sits just 175 points behind Wilde in third place, with Willian a further 189.16 points back. With 1,250 points available for the race winner, and points decreasing by 7.5% per position, the stakes are high as both Australians remain within striking distance of the podium.

With athletes busy calculating every possible scenario that could crown them the 2024 World Triathlon Champion, Hauser and Willian mathematically remain in the fight. However, the reality is it would take a series of upsets ahead of them to secure a maiden world title.

For Hauser, his focus is squarely on capping the most successful year of his career with a spot on the World Championship podium.

Only two Australian men have achieved that since the World Championship moved from single annual race to a Championship Series, Brad Kahlefeldt (2010) and Jake Birtwhistle (2018) who both secured bronze medals.

“The big goal post Paris has been to try and get on the Championship podium,” Hauser said.

“I’ve found myself in a position to try and push for that.”

“Racing the Olympics, and racing well at the Olympics, when I look back at it, obviously the goal was to achieve a podium, but seventh place at the end of the day it’s something I’m proud of.

“Being in with a legitimate shot at a World Championship podium is also really positive.

“All in all its been one of my biggest years, one of my longest years, and my most successful years.”

After a year where he has consistently proven himself among the best, Willian is eager to leave it all on the line in the final race.

“Last one, fast one. It’s all on the line and I’ll leave everything I’ve got out there and hang tough until the end,” Willian said

“It’s one of those years you dream of as a kid running around with your mates in training, saying, ‘I want to be in the fight for World Championships.’ That’s where I am. Even though I’m a bit far down, you never know what can happen.

“I’m ranked fifth in the series with one race to go. It shows that I’m meant to be here, I’m meant to be competing with the best in the world, and I can.

“I just want to finish top five in the world, that would be amazing. If I do all the little things right, there’s a chance I can finish even higher—you never know what’s going to happen.”

There’s a friendly rivalry brewing between the two Australians. With just one place and 189.16 points separating them in the Championship Series standings, it’s likely that whoever finishes higher in Torremolinos will end the season as Australia’s top World Triathlon Championship Series performer.

Both Hauser and Willian acknowledge the competition, but agree that it’s a positive one which has elevated their performances throughout the 2024 season.

“Of course there’s a rivalry,” Hauser said.

“We both know we’re capable of a podium performance. No matter what happens to see everyone do well and compete to the best of their ability is what matters.

“I’m happy when he succeeds, I know he’s happy when I succeed. Hopefully I’ll finish above him this weekend but if not – the rising tide brings all ships up.

“He’s stepped it up another level this year which is so amazing to see. That’s what we need to do, we need to bring everyone’s performances up as a team and Luke’s done a lot to do that this year.

“If we can continue to push each other and make each other better, that’s all we can ask for.”

Willian echoed Hauser’s thoughts, highlighting the mutual support that fuels their competition and the bond they’ve built throughout the season.

“We both want to see each other do the best we can,” Willian said.

“That’s really special when you’re on this journey, to share it with someone who you want to see do well. He set the bar for a long time. He was the best Australian, he was going out and getting these huge results and really showing how it’s done.

“To compete against him and hopefully push him is special because he’s so good. He’s a phenomenal athlete and to be close to him is special and to share the journey is even better.”

Brandon Copeland and Callum McClusky round out the Australian team for the World Triathlon Championship Finals, also bringing a strong desire to finish the season on a high.

Copeland may have kept a low profile this season, but he’s made strides in the World Triathlon Championship Series, improving on each result – culminating in a season-best 16th place finish in Weihai in his last race.

He’s looking to leverage that momentum at the Championship Finals in Torremolinos.

“I’m happy with how everything has been tracking but I’m still chasing that big breakthrough result,” Copeland said.

“All in all, it’s been a really solid year with a lot of positives. Just looking to keep building on that this weekend.

“I’d love to get a top ten. I’ve been progressing in that direction and a top ten would be a really strong result for me to round out the season.

“I just want to be in the race, swim well, position myself well on a super technical bike, and put together a solid run. I think that will put myself towards to pointy end of things anyway.”

McClusky returns to Spain buoyed by his recent silver medal at the World Triathlon Cup in Valencia, his second podium finish at the level this year after clinching gold in Napier back in February.

He’s now focused on translating that success into a strong performances at the Championship Series level.

“I’m proud of my World Cup performances this year and just need to be patient and a result at WTCS level will come,” McClusky said.

“This year has set a good foundation in preparation for the next Olympic cycle. 

“My goals going into a World Triathlon Championship Series race is to learn as much as I can and gain experience. No specific goals, just to get better each time.”