Wilde Edges Hauser in Abu Dhabi Thriller
New Zealand's Hayden Wilde outdueled Australia's Matt Hauser by two seconds in Abu Dhabi's season opener.
In a race that showcased both tactical brilliance and raw power, New Zealand's Hayden Wilde kicked off his 2025 campaign with a victory in Abu Dhabi, edging out Australia's Matt Hauser by just two seconds in a pulsating sprint-distance showdown.
The season opener kick-ed off in the waters off Hudayriat Island, where Hauser demonstrated why he's considered one of triathlon's premier swimmers. The Queenslander clocked 7:59 for the 750-meter swim, the only athlete to break the eight-minute barrier. This gave him the early advantage he was looking for, but Wilde – who's made a career of turning perceived weaknesses into strengths – limited his losses to a manageable 29 seconds.
"I just went out there and had a bit of fun," Wilde told trathlon.org after crossing the finish line, though his performance suggested far more calculation than casual enjoyment. "I feel like this is my second home, I've been here for about three or four weeks and they just welcomed me in with open arms." The Kiwi methodically worked his way through the field on the bike, showcasing the bike handling skills he's honed during his extended training block in the UAE.
This year's championship series features just seven stops, making each race critically important in the chase for the world title. This added significance was evident in the aggressive racing style displayed throughout the day.
750m single-lap swim in the protected waters off Hudayriat Island, where right-to-left currents and surface glare create unique challenges. Look for strong swimmers to establish early gaps here.
The dynamics on the bike revealed the evolving nature of Hauser as he showed his growing confidence as a front-pack rider, a significant evolution from his earlier years. The Gold Coast athlete controlled the pace through the technical sections, particularly effective through the stadium corner where the field would consistently accordion.
The wind played a crucial role in shaping the race. The exposed bridge section, where speeds topped 50 kilometers per hour, created a natural launching pad for attacks. It was here that Wilde, Westermann, and Kaindl made their bold move, forcing the chase group to expend valuable energy in the crosswinds. Nothing ever stays the same when Wilde's in the race.
The attempt to break clear showed Wilde's tactical maturity. Rather than doing all the work himself, he let Westermann and Kaindl take turns at the front, conserving energy for what would be a brutal run. Portugal's Vasco Vilaca and Hauser led the chase, recognising the danger of giving Wilde any advantage heading into transition.
The new 19.1km bike course features 5 laps on Hudayriat Island's purpose-built circuit. Key features include a spectacular bridge crossing where speeds hit 50km/h, followed by technical corners through the stadium section. A notorious crosswind section before the bridge tests bike handling skills, while the long straight after the bridge provides prime opportunities for breakaways.
A crucial moment came in the final stages of the bike when several athletes, including pre-race contender Morgan Pearson, found themselves disconnected from the lead group. Pearson, despite his recent impressive running credentials, couldn't bridge back to the front, highlighting how positioning in the final kilometers of the bike can make or break a race.
The run unfolded like a chess match on fast-forward. The leading trio quickly established a 10-second gap to the chase group, led by Germany's Henry Graf. Vilaca, who had looked comfortable matching the pace early, began showing signs of fatigue at the 2.5-kilometer mark. The Portuguese athlete, who had spent considerable energy controlling the bike, couldn't respond when Wilde made his first testing surge.
This left Wilde and Hauser to battle it out in a fascinating display of running tactics. Neither athlete would take the lead for more than a few hundred meters, both trying to shelter from the wind when possible. Wilde's experience training in Abu Dhabi proved valuable – he knew exactly where the crosswinds would hit hardest and positioned himself accordingly.
The 5km run consists of 2 laps on a fast, exposed course. Athletes battle a headwind on the outward leg before turning for a wind-assisted return. The final 800m includes a crucial final turn before the finish straight, where positioning can make or break a podium finish.
The decisive moment came with 800 meters to go. Wilde, who had been watching Hauser's coach on the sidelines, anticipated one final surge from the Australian. "I saw his coach and he was like, 'one more push!' and I'm like, I know, I know for sure he's got one more push," Wilde revealed to trathlon.org post-race. Rather than wait for Hauser's attack, Wilde took the initiative, accelerating through the final turn and creating the small gap that would prove decisive.
The finishing times tell the story of just how close this race was: Wilde crossed the line in 48:21, Hauser in 48:23, and Vilaca rounded out the podium in 48:39. These margins become even more impressive considering the challenging conditions – air temperature of 24.7°C and notable crosswinds on the bike course that had athletes fighting to maintain control.
Behind the leading duo, the field was stretched by the fierce pace. Spain's David Cantero demonstrated his potential with a blistering 14:05 run split, moving through the field to finish ninth. Ben Dijkstra's debut performance showed remarkable composure – the Brit maintained his position in the front group throughout the bike and held strong on the run for eighth place.
For the Australian team, this race provided valuable insights. Matt Hauser proved he can go toe-to-toe with the best in sprint-distance racing. Brandon Copeland, despite finishing 24th, showed improved bike handling in the technical sections. Callum McClusky's experience, finishing 37th, highlighted the intensity gap between World Cup and Championship Series racing – valuable learning for an athlete who had success at the World Cup level in 2024.
"I want to be in a position where I'm fighting for the world title in my home country," Hauser mentioned and this performance suggests he's right on track. His coach, Dan Atkins, noted how they've been specifically practicing beach starts on the Gold Coast and that preparation was evident in his dominant swim.
With seven races culminating in Wollongong this October, every point will count in the championship chase. Wilde may have drawn first blood, but Hauser's performance suggests the battle for the world title is far from over, setting the stage for what promises to be an intriguing season ahead.
Abu Dhabi WTCS 2025 - Top 10 Men
- Hayden Wilde (NZL) - 48:21
- Matthew Hauser (AUS) - 48:23
- Vasco Vilaca (POR) - 48:39
- Henry Graf (GER) - 48:55
- Adrien Briffod (SUI) - 48:55
- Ricardo Batista (POR) - 48:56
- Roberto Sanchez Mantecon (ESP) - 48:56
- Ben Dijkstra (GBR) - 48:57
- David Cantero Del Campo (ESP) - 48:59
- Miguel Hidalgo (BRA) - 49:04
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