Aussies gear up for global showdown at World Triathlon Cup Wollongong

With just nine days until the highly anticipated World Triathlon Cup Wollongong, excitement is building as the start lists have been released, revealing a line-up packed with Australian stars and international talent. 

Scheduled for April 20, the World Cup serves as a crucial test event for the 2025 World Triathlon Championship Finals set to take place in Wollongong, offering an exciting preview of what’s to come in the following year’s Championship Finals. 

As part of a landmark three-year partnership between AusTriathlon, the NSW Government, and Wollongong City Council, the 2024 World Triathlon Cup is set to attract top athletes from around the globe. 

Fifteen Australian athletes are poised to compete in the first home World Triathlon Cup since 2020. 

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

He’s joined by fellow Tokyo Olympian Jake Birtwhistle and Commonwealth Games teammates Brandon Copeland and Luke Willian. Adding to the Australian contingent is Callum McClusky, whose recent 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 representatives Natalie van Coevorden and Charlotte McShane further bolster the Australian team. Rising stars Ellie Hoitink and Charlotte Derbyshire add depth to the lineup, while Tara Sosinski is set to make her World Triathlon Cup debut in Wollongong. 

Beyond the Australian contingent, Wollongong will welcome a host of international talent. 

In the men’s race, Germany’s Jonas Schomburg, currently ranked 19th in the world, the Netherlands’ Richard Murray, holding the 40th position, and Hungary’s Gábor Faldum, positioned at 50th, form a formidable trio of Olympians within the elite ranks of the sport. 

In the women’s race, standout athletes such as Rachel Klamer, currently ranked 17th in the world, and Ilaria Zane, holding the 36th position, feature. 

Additionally, five New Zealand athletes, including Olympians Tayler Reid and Ainsley Thrope, will journey across the Tasman Sea to compete. 

Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said this was going to be a great event for Wollongong and encouraged residents to get behind the World Triathlon Cup. 

“I’d encourage everyone to make sure they find the time over the weekend to pop down to Wollongong’s foreshore to soak up the fun and action of this terrific event,’’ he said. 

“We often talk about Wollongong being a liveable city. What makes it this is our access to outdoor spaces for sport and recreation and having access to international events like this on our doorstep. Whether you’re a passionate athlete or just like to get into the spirit of an international event, this is going to be a great weekend for spectators in Wollongong.’’ 

Wollongong City Council General Manager Greg Doyle said Wollongong was making its mark as a great host of world-class events. 

“We’ve been working for many years to establish Wollongong as an event destination and a city that can deliver high-quality national and international sporting events. We’re seeing the benefits of that hard work now,’’ Mr Doyle said. 

“Wollongong has an established reputation on the national and international stage that covers not only the execution of the event itself, but our city’s beautiful natural assets, growing small bar and dining scene, as well as our passionate sport-loving community. All of these pieces of the puzzle continue to draw people to Wollongong as competitors and supporters.’’ 

AusTriathlon Chief Executive Officer, Tim Harradine, said he is excited to see Australia’s top athletes taking on a strong line up of international contenders is Wollongong. 

“We’ll have some of the world’s best athletes here, preparing their international season and getting ready for a big 2024 which includes the Paris Olympics.” Harradine said.

“We’re excited to see our best athletes go at it with some of the internationals. These are some of the athletes that you’ll be able to cheer on in Paris later this year. 

“We’re fortunate to have our top-ranked male and female competing. Matt Hauser from Hervey Bay, Queensland and Natalie van Coevorden from Campbelltown, New South Wales. Natalie spent year training full-time in Wollongong, so it exciting to have a local racing. Charlotte McShane is another – she’s currently our third-ranked female and she has spent years training in Wollongong as well.” 

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

Natalie Van Coevorden
Jaz Hedgeland
Emma Jeffcoat
Charlotte McShane
Ellie Hoitink
Charlotte Derbyshire
Tara Sosinski

Full Start List