Australia’s Matt Hauser has put on a powerful performance to take victory at the Oceania Triathlon Sprint Championships at the Mooloolaba Triathlon, mastering the modified duathlon format after poor water quality forced the cancellation of the swim.
Leading from the gun, the 26-year-old powered through the 2.5km run, 20km ride, and 5km run, crossing the line in 49:51 – more than 30 seconds clear of Luke Schofield who just edged out his twin brother Jayden in third.
Hauser’s dominant display secured another title in one of his favourite racing locations, as he relished the chance to compete in front of a strong field and enthusiastic crowd.
“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,” Hauser said.
“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.
“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.
“Obviously we would have loved to have swum out there today but thankfully the organisers made the safe call.”
New Zealand’s Nicole Van Der Kaay claimed the women’s Oceania Triathlon Sprint Championships title, with the two-time Olympian finishing in 57:26, just ahead of Australian duo Ellie Hoitink and Sophie Malowiecki.
The Oceania Triathlon Para Championships also took place in Mooloolaba, with Australia’s top para-triathletes delivering standout performances.
Nic Beveridge (PTWC), Thomas Goodman (PTS2), Matthew Engesser (PTS4), David Bryant (PTS5), Sam Harding (PTVI), Anu Francis (PTS2), Grace Brimelow (PTS4), Andrea Crompton (PTS5), and Maggie Sandles (PTVI) all claimed titles in their respective categories.
To view full Oceania Triathlon Sprint Championship results, click here.
To view full Oceania Triathlon Para Championship results, click here.
