Stefan Daniel wins Para triathlon debut

Canada’s Stefan Daniel tested his form at his first Para triathlon race of the season, as he took on the ITU (International Triathlon Union) Para Triathlon World Cup in Magog, Canada, on 15 July.

So far so good for the 20-year-old, as he won the men’s PTS5 category over Spain’s Rafael Solis Torres by nearly 20 minutes. Although having raced in able-bodied triathlons this season, Saturday’s race was Daniel’s first Para triathlon since taking silver at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

Daniel said he has been using his time to focus on his weaknesses, with the running discipline his strongest.

“Racing in able-bodied events teaches you how to race smart and to race hard,” Daniel said prior to Magog. “It’s always a good challenge and it drives me to improve because I want to get to a high level in able bodied sport as well as Para triathlon.”

A second home win for Canada came in the men’s PTVI as Jon Dunkerley (1:12:04), who claimed his first international victory well ahead of the USA’s Alberto Guzman. Dunkerley pulled out a lead on the swim, before extending his advantage on the bike and run.

The men’s PTS2 event saw a US one-two with Allan Armstrong (1:21:14) finishing ahead of compatriot Adam Popp (1:23:38). Japan’s Kenshiro Nakayama completed the podium.

The USA’s Joel Rosinbum (1:12:27) claimed the men’s PTS4 victory ahead of Japan’s Chikara Ara (1:19:54). There were only five seconds between the pair after the swim, but a strong bike and run ensured Rosinbum’s place at the top of the podium.

Another US athlete to triumph in Magog was Amy Dixon (1:18:27), who produced a dominant performance to win the women’s PTVI event ahead of Canada’s Jessica Tuomela (1:26:53).

The USA’s Howie Sanborn was the lone competitor in in the men’s PTWC event, while Australia’s Emily Tapp continued to build on her form in the women’s equivalent after securing gold at both the Oceania Championships and World Para Triathlon Series race in her home Gold Coast.

Complete results from Magog, which was the third World Cup of the season, are available online.

The Para Triathlon World Championships will be held 14-17 September in Rotterdam, Netherlands.