Picturesque Devonport, renowned for its north-street hill and coastal views will play host to the Oceania Triathlon Championships this weekend, March 14 with athletes from across the region vying for the top gong.
There’s no shortage of home-grown talent hitting the course with the likes of 2024 Olympian Luke Willian headlining the green and gold contingent. The world no.8 isn’t the only Australian to keep an eye out for on Saturday, with Brandon Copeland last year’s champion returning to defend his crown and the Schofield twins Luke and Jayden together with Lachie Jones lining up after strong performances in Napier a few weeks ago.
In the Under 23 field, Brayden Mercer arrives in Devonport eager to continue his upward trajectory after closing out last season with 20th place at the World Triathlon Cup in Tongyeong and a strong 12th at the World Championships in Wollongong. Lining up alongside him is his Mixed Team Relay bronze‑medal teammate from Wollongong, Oscar Wootton, who comes in with momentum of his own after claiming second place in Napier just weeks ago. The pair will be part of a competitive 40‑plus‑strong U23 lineup set to battle for early‑season supremacy.
There’s some strong Aussie representation in the women’s Under 23 with both Aspen Anderson and Tara Sosinski ready to take their place at the starting line in Devonport.
Sosinski impressed at Wollongong last year placing seventh while her performance in the mixed team relay didn’t go unnoticed with her team clinching a podium finish at the World Championship event, finishing in third.
Anderson will be looking to keep the good times rolling, coming off a hot performance across the ditch in Napier securing top spot in the Oceania Sprint for Under 23 and second in the elite division.
Over 90 junior athletes from around Australia and New Zealand will compete in Devonport including Jack Woodberry who grew up in Tasmania and Queensland’s Addison Houslip. Both Jack and Addison claimed Europe Triathlon Junior Cup wins in Tiszaujvaros, last year and are eager to start 2026 strong.
Devonport has long been one of Australia’s most iconic triathlon venues, and the 2026 edition promises to launch a new season with a compelling mix of Olympians and rising stars.
As we build towards LA 2028, Devonport is shaping to be the perfect opportunity for the athletes to get some runs on the board and for the Aussie squad to showcase their depth and adaptability.
Stay tuned to our AusTriathlon social media channels for updates over the course of the event. The World Triathlon Para Series race is also set to live stream across the WorldTri YouTube Channel.
