Happy birthday! Hauser grabs Commonwealth place with Gold Coast win

Matt Hauser confirmed his selection for the Commonwealth Games this summer by claiming victory at Oceania Triathlon Cup Gold Coast on Sunday.

The Australian finished ahead of compatriots Jake Birtwhistle and Callum McClusky at Southport’s Broadwater Parklands to clinch a memorable win on his 24th birthday.

The triumph came at the same venue where he finished fourth at the 2018 Commonwealth Games – and he will now be gunning for an improvement on that display in Birmingham in July.

Hauser crossed the line 30 seconds clear of Birtwhistle to pick up his second Oceania Triathlon Cup win of the season following his success at Devonport in February.

Linn books her Birmingham spot

Meanwhile, in the women’s race, Sophie Linn also grabbed a Commonwealth Games berth with Australia as she edged out Kira Hedgeland and Charlotte McShane.

The 27-year-old only took up triathlon four years ago.

Oceania Triathlon Cup Gold Coast Results

Sunday April 3, 2022 – 750m swim / 20km bike / 5km run

PRO Men

• 1. Matt Hauser 52:57
• 2. Jake Birtwhistle 53:27
• 3. Callum McClusky 53:33
• 4. Brandon Copeland 53:38
• 5. Luke Schofield 53:45

PRO Women

• 1. Sophie Linn (AUS) 1:00:11
• 2. Kira Hedgeland (AUS) 1:00:20
• 3. Charlotte Mcshane (AUS) 1:00:21
• 4. Natalie Van Coevorden (AUS) 1:00:23
• 5. Sophie Malowiecki (AUS) 1:00:25