In a display of sheer class and resilience, Australia’s Matthew Hauser stormed to victory at a rain-drenched WTCS Hamburg, asserting himself as the strongest athlete in the field under challenging and technical race conditions. Despite the grim weather and a slick, demanding course, Hauser remained unfazed, methodically dismantling the competition in one of the most prestigious events on the WTCS calendar.
The heaviest downpour fortunately struck during the swim segment, turning the opening leg into a true test of focus and composure. Italy’s Alessio Crociani emerged from the water first, clocking an impressive 8:32, with Hauser and Brazil’s Miguel Hidalgo close behind. The field remained tightly packed, with all pre-race favorites still well in contention heading into T1.
On the bike, the slick roads created a treacherous challenge on Hamburg’s tight, multi-lap course, although the rain eased off. Germany’s Henry Graf was the first to animate the race, launching an early solo attack. He was reeled in after a few kilometers and joined a breakaway group of twelve athletes. Among them were big names like Hidalgo, Vasco Vilaca, Chase McQueen, Max Stapley, and of course, Hauser. A larger chase pack trailed by around 30 seconds, unable to close the gap over the 20-kilometer course.
Despite the improving skies, the technical nature of the bike leg continued to take its toll. Graf suffered a heavy crash in one of the final turns, but impressively bounced back to stay with the front pack and enter T2 still in contention.
Once onto the run, Hauser wasted no time taking control. Setting a blistering pace through the streets of Hamburg, he gradually thinned the lead group with every passing kilometer. With two kilometers to go, only Portugal’s Vasco Vilaca remained in his wake, setting up a thrilling head-to-head finale.
But Hauser had more to give. With just 500 meters remaining, he unleashed one final surge, dropping Vilaca and sprinting clear to seal a commanding win in 50:07. Vilaca crossed the line eight seconds later, with Crociani rounding out the podium at +0:29.
