The 2023 World Triathlon Para Series moved to Swansea, Wales, where the top para triathletes had another opportunity to earn valuable Paralympic points for Paris 2024 after WTPS Montreal commenced the qualification window. Adverse weather conditions forced organisers to make changes to the format of 2023 World Triathlon Para Series Swansea on Saturday, 15th July. Due to high winds, the bike discipline was cancelled and the event was staged as an aquathlon (1-lap 750m swim and 3-lap 5km run).
PTWC
Athletic machine Jetze Plat, who has dominated in wheelchair racing in Para Triathlon, cycling and marathon disciplines, dominated the men’s PTWC category in Swansea, earning the gold medal with fellow compatriot Geert Schipper claiming silver and Frenchman Louis Noel with a hard-fought bronze.
In the women’s field Mona Francis (FRA) raced to victory after claiming fourth in the 2023 World Triathlon Para Series Yokohama in the second race of the season. Brasil’s Jessica Ferreira came in behind Francis to earn the silver in Swansea and Great Britain’s Melissa Nicholls took home bronze, 12-seconds behind Ferreira.
PTS2
Frenchman Jules Ribstein displayed incredible form across the swim and run format to triumph in the men’s PTS2 category and clutch gold behind USA’s Mark Barr. Spain’s Lionel Morales came across the line to earn the bronze medal and round out the men’s podium in Swansea.
USA’s Allysa Seely started the 2023 World Para season with bronze in Yokohama and raced her way to victory in Swansea. Paralympic hopeful Anu Francis adapted quickly to the tricky Welsh weather, taking a hard-fought silver medal for Australia. Cécile Saboureau earned her first WTPS medal of 2023 taking bronze in the women’s PTS2 category.
PTS3
Spain’s Daniel Molina was able to outsprint Nico Van Der Burgt down the carpet to earn the title in Swansea. Van Der Burgt took silver and Germany’s Max Gerhaar displayed brilliant swim and run form to claim bronze.
Korea’s Kim Hwang Tae recorded the fast run split of the day; 19 minutes 53 seconds.
In the women’s PTS3 race it was France’s Elise Marc who dominated by over 10-minutes to claim an impressive victory over Sanne Koopman.
PTS4
Frenchman and race favourite Alexis Hanquinquant had what it took to outsprint compatriot Pierre-Aontione Baele over the final stage of the men’s PTS4 race. Hanquinquant earned the gold medal in Swansea with Baele taking silver. USA’s Paralympic hopeful produced a brilliant performance to claim bronze overall.
After silver in the 2023 World Triathlon Para Series Montreal USA’s Emma Meyers struck gold in Swansea showing incredible talent during this Paralympic qualification window for Paris 2024. Great Britain’s Hannah Moore crossed the line just 8 seconds later to be awarded the silver medal and USA’s Kendra Herber capped the podium with an impressive bronze.
PTS5
Paralympic champion Martin Schulz was the strongest man in the men’s PTS5 field and dominated the race to take the tape. It was Brasil’s Ronan Cordeiro who was next down the blue carpet and in silver medal position and Filipe Marquez had a brilliant swim and run race set up to earn bronze for Portugal.
It was all on the line for USA’s Grace Normal who continued her 2023 season winning streak with another golden victory in Swansea. Great Britain’s Claire Cashmore returned to the blue carpet with a dominant performance to earn the silver medal in the women’s PTS5 race. Paralympic champion Lauren Steadman, who has recently returned back to Para Triathlon, displayed encouraging form and took bronze home in Swansea,
PTV1
Great Britain’s Dave Ellis was unstoppable in Swansea and after laying down stellar swim and run segments, raced to victory and was awarded WTPS gold. Oscar Kelly was next down the blue carpet, taking silver for Great Britain. Thibaut Rigaudeau earned valuable Paralympic points for Paris with bronze for France.
Italy’s Francesca Tarantello had what it took to out run Paralympic champion Susana Rodriguez. Tarantello earned gold in the women’s PTVI women’s category while Rodriguez settled with silver. Heloise Courvoisier of France secured bronze, finish in less than a minute behind the Spanish Paralympic champion.
Extended race highlights will be available soon over on TriathlonLive.tv
Review the website for full results.
The 2023 World Triathlon Para Championships Pontevedra will be hosted in September.
