Lausanne 2019: What we learned at Para triathlon Worlds

World Championships revealed lots of new faces to know ahead of Tokyo 2020 03 Sep 2019

Twelve world champions were crowned at the 2019 Grand Final in Lausanne, Swizterland

ⒸBen Lumely | ITU Media

By IPC

The 2019 Para Triathlon World Championships unveiled some unfamiliar names and new rivalries to watch for ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. After a epic day of action in Lausanne, Switzerland, here are four things we learned:

1. Jetze Plat and Stefan Daniel too strong

The Netherlands’ Jetze Plat went on to win his fourth consecutive world title in the men’s PTWC. He won his race by more than five minutes ahead of the next finisher, and he is not done yet. Later this month, the Dutchman will compete at his home Para Cycling Road World Championships and try to defend more titles.

Man in racing chair smiles crossing finish line tape — Jetze Plat once again proved why he is the reigning champion the men's PTWC

Canada’s Stefan Daniel won his fourth world title, and looked in incredible form in the men’s PTS5. He has proven over the past years that he can avenge his silver-medal from Rio 2016, where German rival Martin Schulz took the golden prize.

2. Women’s battle for Team GB

Claire Cashmore and Fran Brown were among the biggest surprises in Lausanne. Both British athletes upset the Worlds favourites in their respective PTS5 and PTS2 events.

For Cashmore, Lausanne 2019 was a moment in the making when she defeated compatriot Lauren Steadman in a thrilling sprint finish (by only three seconds).

British triathlete with arm disability smile crossing the finish line tape — Claire Cashmore became the new world champion in the women's PTS5

Brown stunned Rio 2016 Paralympic and world champion Allysa Seely of the USA to capture her first major career title.

3. Strong Spain

Hector Catala Laparra too secured his first major career gold to established himself at the top of the men’s PTVI. The discipline will be contested for the first time at a Paralympics come Tokyo 2020, and it is expected to be a close race as only a minute separated the top-three finishers.

Female triathlete and her guide celebrate before crossing the finish line — Susana Rodriguez showcased her form in the women's PTVI

Spain especially flexed their strength in the PTVI category, with Susana Rodriguez emerging as the women’s victor. She has had an outstanding 2019 season, winning all but one of her races.

4. Fantastic Frenchman

Alexis Hanquinquant is drawing closer to his Paralympic dream after winning his fourth consecutive world title by taking the men’s PTS4. The Frenchman owned his category over the weekend with the fastest times across all three segments. All he is missing is a Paralympic title, an opportunity he did not have four years ago when he did not qualify for Rio 2016.