Both with emphatic wins, Aussies Brandon Copeland and Richelle Hill have taken out the 2025 Oceania Triathlon Championships in Devonport.
It was special wins for both Copeland and Hill, with the Devonport Triathlon celebrating it’s 40th anniversary. Earlier in the day, young guns Aspen Anderson (QLD) and Jack Caldwell (NSW) took out the 2025 Oceania Triathlon Junior Championships.
Devonport turned it on for the elite events, with flat conditions in the water and a mild 21 degree day for the athletes, who were challenged with the infamous North Street Hill multiple times during the race.
In a remarkable come from behind win in the women’s race, Queenslander Hill won the U23 and Elite titles, finishing ahead of fellow Aussie Lauren Kerwick in second and trans-tasman rival Nicole van der Kay in third.
After holding on to the lead pack in the opening swim and bike legs, Hill knew it would come down to the final run.
Leading on the first two laps, Hill could sense Kerwick chasing her down. Despite being overtaken, Hill had enough reserves in the tank for a sprint finish to become the winner of the 40th anniversary of the Devonport Triathlon.
“I was really happy with my race, it all started off with a great swim. I haven’t been making that front pack, so it was really a confidence boost to just come out of the swim with the front pack,” Hill said.
“I love a challenging bike course, so that ticked that box too. And I went out hard on the run and just tried to hold it.
“I was happy to bring it home strong,” she said.
With the event celebrating its 40th year, Hill said she was proud to add her name to the growing list of Devonport champions.
“It’s pretty unreal, I keep on seeing the announcements about all the legends who have won here, so it was really good to put my name up there,” Hill said.
After finishing fourth at last year’s event, Australian Brandon Copeland stood atop of the podium after claiming a commanding win.
Kiwi James Corbett claimed the silver medal, with Aussie Lachlan Jones finished in third, with Baryden Mercer just outside of the podium in fourth.
“I’m pretty stoked with that one – it’s a tough sport and it’s hard to get all three legs firing at once,” Copeland said.
“Today it came together, so I’m super grateful. It’s been a while since I’ve had a win so it’s just nice to put the arms up again.
“James Corbett flew past about 1.5 kilometres into the run, but thankfully I found my form again and I was really happy with the run in the end.
“If you look back at the honour roll of this race it’s stacked with Aussie an Kiwi talent. I’m absolutely over the moon to win – I won this race in 2018 as an Elite, and now it’s 2025 so I’m starting to feel like one of the veterans.
“But I’m just happy to get a win in any way possible,” he said.
For full results from the 2025 Oceania Triathlon Championships – click here
