Hayden Wilde’s chances of victory in the Olympic Games Paris Test Event disappeared when injury struck the Kiwi star during Friday’s race in the French capital.
The 25-year-old was part of a 50-strong group which headed into T2 together as an epic finish shaped up to the Elite Men race. But any hopes of another terrific duel with Britain’s Alex Yee were soon scuppered early on the run.
Wilde goes down, and out of contention
Wilde went down, clearly injured, and by the time he was able to get back on his feet the pack were long gone. After regaining his composure he began jogging slowly and then walking before he retired.
Writing on Instagram afterwards, he explained the reason: “Gutted. Had a crash heading down to the race in the morning. My hip wasn’t able to handle running. Walked a lap and had to call it a day. Thanks for the support out there today.”
It was a devastating development for Wilde, who took bronze in the Tokyo Olympics of 2021, and has enjoyed a great 2023 season to date. He has registered WTCS victories in Yokohama and Hamburg, with podiums in Cagliari and Sunderland.
New world order
It also has a significant impact on the battle for the world title as he’s now lost top spot in the overall series standings.
That means he will now have to finish ahead of Yee in the Grand Final in Pontevedra in order to be crowned world champion for the first time.
Both Wilde and Yee missed out in agonising fashion last season when Léo Bergere snatched the title.
Updated WTCS standings:
- 1. Alex Yee (GBR) – 3498.67pts
- 2. Hayden Wilde (NZL) – 3441.72pts
- 3. Vasco Vilaca (POR) – 3283.76pts
- 4. Léo Bergere (FRA) – 3013.56pts
- 5. Dorian Coninx (FRA) – 2987.60pts
