Aussie Olympian and world number four Matt Hauser praised the race organisers for making “the safe call” after taking the men’s title at the Mooloolaba Oceania Triathlon Sprint Championships which was reduced to a duathlon.
Sunday’s event was one of three key Continental Championship races for Australian and New Zealand athletes, offering crucial ranking points to secure international race starts later in the season, as well as being a final domestic showdown before athletes head into their international campaigns.
Poor water quality following recent rain meant that the swim portion of the event could not take place, with athletes instead tackling a 2.5km run, 20km ride and 5km run course and it was Hauser and fellow Olympian Nicole Van Der Kaay of New Zealand who proved a class apart in their respective races.
Men’s race – Hauser goes wire-to-wire
Hauser, runner-up to Hayden Wilde in the WTCS opener in Abu Dhabi in February, controlled the men’s race from start to finish. He crossed the line in 49:51, more than 30 seconds clear of Luke Schofield who just edged out his twin brother Jayden.
“Obviously we would have loved to have swum out there today, but thankfully the organisers made the safe call and made sure we weren’t sick after the race so that’s great but a duathlon changed it up a little bit,” said Hauser afterwards.
“But I’m just happy to get out there and have the win with so many young juniors out there today, it’s great to see the young crop of Australian triathlon coming back.”
Hauser got himself to the front of the race early and didn’t look back, hitting the 5km run leg first and extending from there to take the win.
“I just wanted to execute my race all the way through, lead off the run, lead into T1 and T2 and just hit the little one percenters, all things you can practice before you get to the biggest stages,” he said.
“I love racing in Mooloolaba, it’s one of my favourite race locations, last time I raced here I think it was 2020 back when we had the World Cup, so hopefully World Cup racing can return to Mooloolaba, but for now it’s great to be racing back here and fantastic to see all support out there, all the age groupers racing under the sun which is great.”
Women’s race – Van Der Kaay back on track
Meanwhile Van Der Kaay claimed the women’s title, with the Kiwi finishing in 57:26, just ahead of Australian duo Ellie Hoitink and Sophie Malowiecki.
“We showed up this morning thinking it was going to be a triathlon, unfortunately the water conditions just cancelled the swim, we never hope for that, but I’m still so grateful we got a race in as there’s been many cancellations for this race,” said Van Der Kaay.
“I haven’t trained to do a duathlon, I haven’t done it many times and wasn’t too sure how to go in but I just wanted a solid race, it’s early days and about getting as much experience as I can.
“I’m feeling great, I mean last year was a bit of a flop so I’m already on my way up and feeling more like myself in training and racing so I couldn’t ask more right now,” she said.
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