In a race defined by high drama and relentless intensity, Matthew Hauser once again proved why he is currently one of the most dangerous men on the Short Distance circuit. The Australian edged out Vasco Vilaca in a nail-biting finale to claim victory at the WTCS French Riviera, leaving big names like Alex Yee and Hayden Wilde trailing in his wake.
The race kicked off in challenging conditions as athletes battled through the choppy waters of the Mediterranean. Hauser set the early pace with a powerful stroke before Hungary’s Márk Dévay took over to string out the field. Portugal’s Vasco Vilaca surged late to exit the 750m swim first in 9:01, while Hayden Wilde, coming off yesterday’s T100 French Riviera victory, faced an uphill battle after conceding nearly a minute.
On the bike, a breakaway of ten athletes quickly established itself, including Hauser, Vilaca, Henry Graf, and Dorian Coninx. Their collaboration on the technical, twisty course proved decisive, as they rode into T2 with a commanding 52-second advantage over the chasers – a group that included pre-race favorite Alex Yee. Wilde, meanwhile, found himself even further adrift, unable to bridge back.
The decisive moments came on the run, where Hauser immediately went to the front, dictating the pace alongside Vilaca and Miguel Hidalgo. These three – who have consistently dominated the Short Course scene this season – quickly distanced the rest. Hidalgo was the first to crack with two kilometers remaining, leaving Hauser and Vilaca to engage in a fierce head-to-head duel.
Vilaca struck first with a well-timed surge, forcing Hauser onto the defensive. Yet the Australian responded brilliantly, matching every move and refusing to yield. The pair ran shoulder to shoulder into the final kilometer, neither willing to blink. With 800 meters to go, Hauser unleashed one last devastating sprint. This time, Vilaca had no answer.
Hauser crossed the line in 50:53, with Vilaca just four seconds back in 50:57. Hidalgo completed the podium in 51:20.