On a sun-soaked Saturday afternoon in Sardinia, Miguel Hidalgo etched his name into triathlon history, powering to victory in Alghero to claim Brazil’s first-ever gold medal on the World Triathlon Championship Series (WTCS) circuit.
Following a bronze in Yokohama earlier this season, the 25-year-old arrived in Alghero with momentum and intent. Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Series leader Matt Hauser on the start line, Hidalgo delivered a commanding performance, seizing control during the run and never looking back. His decisive move out of T2 and blistering first lap on foot left the rest of the field trailing, securing a dominant win by 28 seconds over Hauser, with France’s Leo Bergere rounding out the podium.
The victory also cements Hidalgo’s status as a serious contender in the 2025 World Title race. With three events now complete, he sits second in the WTCS rankings, trailing only Hauser, as the top three finishes plus the Championship Finals will determine the eventual world champion.
Strategic Start Sets the Tone
With most of the field crowding the left side of the deepwater start, Hidalgo and Hauser opted for the right — a decision that paid off immediately. Hauser surged into clean water, pulling a lead group that included Tayler Reid, Miguel Tiago Silva, Chase McQueen, and Hidalgo himself.
By the second swim lap, ten athletes remained tightly packed at the front, with Bergere hanging on. A smooth T1 transition saw Bergere quickly move through the field and push the early bike pace, especially after Reid crashed out. The effort from Bergere, with crucial support from Hidalgo and others, resulted in a breakaway pack of nine that steadily pulled away from the chasers.
Breakaway Makes the Difference
By the halfway point of the nine-lap, 4.5km technical bike course, the front group had carved out a one-minute lead. Despite attempts from the likes of David Cantero, Hugo Milner, and others to close the gap, the deficit grew to 1:45 by the end of the bike leg — a margin that proved insurmountable.
Hidalgo wasted no time capitalizing on the advantage. His first 2.5km on the run was a staggering 20 seconds faster than Bergere and Hauser, immediately distancing himself from his podium rivals. That early surge all but sealed the win, and the Brazilian continued to build his lead, eventually closing the 10km run in 30:09.
Milestones and Momentum
As Hidalgo soaked in the final meters of his historic victory, Hauser dug deep to secure second after being passed by Bergere mid-run. The Australian rallied late to reclaim silver, while Bergere — steadily regaining form after injury — settled for bronze.
Behind the podium, Australia’s Luke Willian impressed with a strong fourth place, while Canada’s Charles Paquet held off a hard-charging Cantero and Spain’s Roberto Sanchez to finish fifth. Milner crossed in eighth, with Miguel Tiago Silva and Hungary’s Csongor Lehmann rounding out the top ten.
A Landmark Day for Brazil
For Brazilian triathlon, Hidalgo’s victory is a watershed moment — the culmination of years of dedication and development. His performance in Alghero not only marked a historic breakthrough but also sent a message: Miguel Hidalgo is a serious contender on the world stage, and Brazil is ready to rise.
