The 2025 World Triathlon Cup season neared its conclusion with a spectacular doubleheader in Miyazaki, Japan, where Max Studer of Switzerland and Russian Valentina Riasova claimed emphatic victories in humid, coastal conditions that tested both endurance and precision.
Studer Seals Commanding Win in Men’s Sprint
A misty, grey morning set the stage for the men’s race, with athletes bracing for fast and tactical sprint-distance action along the scenic Miyazaki coastline. Japan’s Takumi Hojo charged through the 750m swim to lead the pack into transition, chased closely by Canada’s Tyler Mislawchuk and a massive group of nearly 50 athletes who quickly formed on the 4-lap bike course.
Despite slippery turns and tight corners, the lead group remained intact, featuring some of the sport’s top names – including defending champion Maxime Hueber-Moosbrugger (FRA), Max Studer (SUI), Kenji Nener (JPN), Darr Smith (USA), and Great Britain’s Jack Willis. With little opportunity for breakaways, positioning became everything heading into the decisive 5km run.
The final transition was chaos as the field surged onto the two-lap run course, where Studer, Hueber-Moosbrugger, Israel’s Shachar Sagiv, and Britain’s rising star Michael Gar quickly broke clear. The quartet traded the lead in a tense battle before Studer unleashed his trademark strength, accelerating in the closing kilometre to secure victory in 54:51.
“Really happy to come here with the race number one and to conquer the gold medal,” said a delighted Studer. “It was all about control on the bike and staying near the front. On the run, I knew I had to go early and keep the pressure on – it worked perfectly.”
Hueber-Moosbrugger produced another consistent performance to grab silver, while Gar impressed in his World Cup debut, surging home for a well-earned bronze. “It’s my first ever World Cup – I just wanted experience and to enjoy it,” said Gar. “To come away with a podium feels unreal.”
Riasova Runs to Glory in Women’s Race
By the time the women lined up later in the day, the rain had lifted, revealing a rainbow over the Japanese coast – a fitting prelude to another thrilling contest. Great Britain’s Tilly Anema led from the water after a strong swim, while her teammate Jess Fullagar wasted no time stamping authority on the 4-lap bike leg, driving the pace through the twisting, technical circuit.
Behind her, a determined chase group formed, featuring Anema, Spain’s Cecilia Santamaria, Australia’s Charlotte Derbyshire and Kira Hedgeland, Japan’s Yuko Takahashi, and the Russian duo of Valentina Riasova and Diana Isakova. Fullagar maintained her advantage into T2, but the real fireworks began on the run.
Riasova quickly surged to the front, showcasing her superior run form to open a decisive gap over Fullagar and Anema. The Russian athlete never looked back, powering to her second World Cup win of the season. “It’s crazy – I’m so happy,” Riasova said post-race. “The run is my strength, and I just tried to stay controlled and keep the tempo high.”
Fullagar held on for silver after a courageous solo effort. “I can’t quite believe it,” she said. “It’s been a long few weeks of racing, but I just gave it everything. To end the season like this is really special.” Anema capped a memorable day for Britain by earning her first World Cup podium with bronze.