For the first time, San Pedro de la Paz became the epicenter of international triathlon. On the banks of the Biobío River, this Chilean city hosted a historic stage of the World Cup, establishing itself as a new benchmark within the global circuit. With a massive turnout and a vibrant atmosphere, the debut was much more than a sporting competition: it was a celebration of effort, strategy, and the passion that defines triathlon.
The women’s race opened the spectacle with a sprint-distance event that kept the audience on edge. Four athletes broke away from the pack in an intense duel led by Kanae Takenaka, followed by Sophia Howell, Miriam Casillas García, and Kate Rodda. What seemed like a race dominated by tactical precision turned into a story of resilience, unexpected penalties, and an electrifying final stretch that will remain etched in the fans’ memories.
Emotion and resilience at the San Pedro de la Paz World Cup
The courage of Casillas was one of the most human moments of the day. A decisive attack put her in the lead, but a penalty forced her to stop, momentarily surrendering her advantage. Misfortune also struck Howell, and at that moment, fate changed hands: Luxembourg’s Jeanne Lehair, winner in Viña del Mar the previous weekend, regained ground and turned the race into a frenetic final sprint. Casillas, however, found strength in adversity to cross the line as the winner, claiming her first World Cup victory, while Lehair and Howell completed the podium with memorable performances.
In the men’s category, Chilean Diego Moya ignited local excitement with a brilliant swim that positioned him as an early frontrunner. But the race turned into a tactical battle where Spain’s Manoel Messias, recent champion in Viña del Mar, imposed his speed with a 14:10 split to take the gold. David Cantero del Campo and Sergio Baxter Cabrera completed the podium, reaffirming Spanish dominance in this South American doubleheader and proving that triathlon remains a fertile ground for stories of perseverance.
South American pride at the Para World Cup
The excitement continued with the Para World Cup in San Pedro de la Paz, where athletes from various countries delivered a season finale filled with hope and pride. The Brazilian team showcased its strength with victories by Jonas Souza, Jorge Luis Fonesca, and Ruiter Antonio Gonçalves Silva, who excelled in their respective categories. Each of them, through their stories and determination, earned valuable ranking points and took another step toward the Paralympic Games Los Angeles 2028.
Chilean fans also had reason to celebrate, as Rafaela Rojas and Katherine Nahuelcura Avello raised the national flag with inspiring performances. Kyrgyz athlete Gulnaz Zhuzbaeva, meanwhile, claimed her second consecutive international win, showing that the passion for competition knows no borders. Altogether, San Pedro de la Paz became a symbol of unity, effort, and inclusive sport, where every finish line was a tribute to the human spirit.
