HAMBURG, Ger.—Canada’s Charles Paquet continued the strongest season of his career with a fifth-place finish at the prestigious World Triathlon Championship Series race in Hamburg on Saturday.
Just months after becoming only the second Canadian man to stand on a World Triathlon Championship Series podium with a bronze-medal performance in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, the Port Cartier, Que. resident backed it up with another world-class result, crossing the line in 50 minutes 24 seconds in the sprint-distance race.
“I am happy with my race and to finish fifth again,” said Paquet, who was also fifth at the Alghero stop on the elite triathlon series. “It was a tough race from start-to-finish. Hamburg is always a big race with a big crowd. It was great to be in a podium fight again.”
Australia’s Matthew Hauser captured the gold medal in 50:07. Portugal’s Vasco Vilaça finished second in 50:10, while Germany’s Henry Graf delighted the home crowd with bronze in 50:15.
One day shy of his 29th birthday, Paquet delivered another composed performance against one of the deepest fields in international triathlon. He exited the 750-metre swim in 16th before settling into the lead pack during the fast and technical 20-kilometre bike through the streets of Hamburg. Positioning himself well heading into second transition, Paquet produced another strong five-kilometre run to secure fifth place.
“Everybody always wants to go hard from start-to-finish here in Hamburg,” added Paquet. “Life is good racing at the front, but at the same time it is a bit frustrating to come up a bit short. I’m just going to have to work on my sprint again.”
The result continues an impressive breakthrough campaign for the Canadian Olympian. A proven performer throughout his career, Paquet helped Canada win a silver medal in the mixed relay at the 2019 Pan American Games and claimed silver at the 2016 World Junior Championships.
Tyler Mislawchuk, of Oak Bluff, Man. and the only other Canadian man to medal on the World Triathlon Championship Series, finished 22nd in 51:06.
On the women’s side, Desirae Ridenour (Cowichan Bay, B.C.) was Canada’s top finisher in 24th at 57:27, while Montreal’s Isla Britton placed 39th in 58:59. France’s
Leonie Périault, of France, won the women’s race in 55:51.
Canada will return to action on Sunday in Hamburg for the World Triathlon Mixed Relay Championships, where Paquet, Mislawchuk, Ridenour and Britton are expected to represent the Maple Leaf.
Canada’s top para triathletes will also race Sunday, with Paralympic medallists Leanne Taylor and Stefan Daniel set to compete in the World Para Triathlon Series event in Hamburg.
“I’m excited for the relay tomorrow. It is always good here in Hamburg. We have a decent team and I believe we can have a good result. We will try our best and have some more fun,” said Paquet.
Complete World Triathlon Championship Series Hamburg Results
