Search
shop

Scores on the WTCS doors: Wilde in pole position for World title

He skipped WTCS Bermuda, but Hayden Wilde now has the World Triathlon Champion title in his control heading to Abu Dhabi
Chief Correspondent
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

The World Triathlon Championship Series Finals in Abu Dhabi provides the latest episode in what’s been an incredible rivalry this season between Alex Yee and Hayden Wilde.

Going into the World Triathlon Championship Series Bermuda, Great Britain’s Commonwealth Games champion, Yee, was sitting in fourth place in the Maurice Lacroix World Triathlon Championship Series Rankings.

While still 850 points behind the (absent in Bermuda) series leader, Wilde, control of the World Triathlon Championship was still potentially in his hands but fifth place on the day for Yee, 27 seconds down on a resurgent and impressive Vincent Luis, arguably now makes the new Super League Triathlon Championship Series winner Wilde favourite to add another title.

Whatever happens, the Yee-Wilde rivalry will surely add another chapter in Abu Dhabi.

Advertisement

As we stand

Heading into Bermuda, Yee’s WTCS points were not a full representation of his season. Three wins from three starts – Yokohama, Montreal and Cagliari – was evidence of his form, but a ‘best four results plus the Grand Final’ points structure left him one race short – and Bermuda the final opportunity to plug the gap. That crash in Leeds being the key factor, the resulting DNF which could prove costly.

Alex Yee, Gustav Iden, Kristian Blummenfelt WTCS Bermuda 2022 bike
A day of chasing for Yee at WTCS Bermuda 2022

A win in Bermuda would have solved all of that, with another 1000 points taking him to the UAE and the Championships Finals in Abu Dhabi in prime position and maximum points.

Fifth in Bermuda however netted 732 WTCS points, which leaves the Men’s Elite Rankings as follows:

What’s the (Abu Dhabi) story?

In simple terms, Alex is likely to need to need some help, as simply beating Wilde in Abu Dhabi, won’t be enough… unless someone else beats him too.

Points for victory at Yas Marina increase to 1250 (from 1000) for the Championship Finals, and with each subsequent place receiving a deduction of 7.5%, even the difference between first and second (1250 – 1156 = 94) is less than Wilde’s advantage currently (118).

Thus, even if Alex wins, then Wilde would still be the champion if he were to take silver behind his friend and rival. If he slips to third with Yee topping the podium, the Brit takes the crown.

WTCS Yokohama 2022 - Alex Yee and Hayden Wilde
Photo credit: Satoshi Takasaki | Triathlon Japan | World Triathlon

In a similar manner, the points differences between, 2nd/4th, 3rd/5th, 4th/6th, 5th/7th and 6th/8th would also be enough for Yee to surpass the points total of Wilde… but not necessarily enough to win in every case!

Can the outsider win?

It seems unlikely, but Leo Bergere could still take the title. Currently on 3493 points, victory in Abu Dhabi (and he is yet to win a WTCS race, despite his podium consistency), means that his maximum possible score is 4743.

However, if he was to win and Yee was to finish fourth or lower, and Wilde was to finish sixth or lower, the Frenchman could take to crown that has been contested in a season that started in September 2021.

WTCS Yokohama 2022 Women podium - Alex Yee, Hayden Wilde, Leo Bergere

Gamble pays off

Having raced last weekend at the Super League Triathlon Final in NEOM, Hayden Wilde stuck with his decision – as was the case for Cagliari – to skip the last two WTCS races, and focus on winning SLT and being all-in for the final showdown in Abu Dhabi.

It could have have been a risk, but the cards have fallen in his favour. Already basing himself out in Abu Dhabi in preparation for the final race of the year, with the destination of the title in his own hands, he will start as the favourite later this month to take over the mantle of World Triathlon Champion from Kristian Blummenfelt.

Results in Bermuda however will mean that absolutely nothing can be taken for granted and competition is arguably as strong as ever. It should be a cracker.

Alex Yee Hayden Wilde WTCS Yokohama 2022
Photo Credit – World Triathlon
John Levison
Written by
John Levison
TRI247's Chief Correspondent, John has been involved in triathlon for well over 30 years, 15 of those writing on these pages, whilst he can also be found commentating for events across the UK.
Discover more
TRI247 podcast p/b Challenge Family episode 2
Go behind the scenes at Challenge Roth with the latest episode of the TRI247 podcast
Cadomotus Chronos triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Challenge Family Roth
Five things you need to know about the Challenge Roth bike course
Challenge St. Pölten 2024 - image credit Jose Luis Hourcade / Challenge Family
Expert swim coach on the three most common swim mistakes age group triathletes make (and how to fix them!)
TRI-FIT VANGUARD tri suit review
The entry-level tri suit with a serious amount of performance for the price point – TRI-FIT VANGUARD review
latest News
Sam Laidlow celebrates Challenge Roth win 2025
Challenge Roth 2025 men’s results: INCREDIBLE comeback win for Sam Laidlow
Laura Philipp celebrates Challenge Roth win 2025
Challenge Roth 2025 women’s results: World Champion Laura Philipp a class apart
Sam Laidlow Challenge Roth run 2025
WATCH AGAIN: Challenge Roth 2025 as Philipp and Laidlow take centre stage
Julie Derron wins T100 San Francisco 2025
Olympic medallist and T100 winner reveals she’s stepping up to full distance next
Sam Laidlow Challenge Roth press conference 2025
Challenge Roth 2025: Laidlow prompts groundbreaking move as Race Ranger data will be made public
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

Share to...