Paralympic Champions Excel at 2025 World Triathlon Para Series in Taranto

The 2025 World Triathlon Para Series continued its global tour with the third stop in Taranto, Italy, on June 9, 2025, showcasing remarkable talent among Paralympic athletes. This event followed successful competitions in Devonport, Australia, and Yokohama, Japan, earlier this year. Taranto has become a staple on the Para triathlon circuit, celebrated for its picturesque backdrop and enthusiastic support for athletes with disabilities.

The significance of the Taranto event is underscored by the presence of numerous champions from the upcoming Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, who provided spectators with thrilling performances. The races featured intense competition across various classifications, highlighting the extraordinary abilities of the athletes.

In the PTWC Men's race, Geert Schipper from the Netherlands, a bronze medalist at the Paris 2024 Paralympics and current European champion, claimed victory with a time of 01:03:41. Schipper's cycling prowess proved insurmountable for his competitors, with Joshua Landmann from Great Britain finishing second at 01:07:10, followed by Tijn Van Lange-Verhoek from the Netherlands in third place at 01:10:07—both achieving their first podium finishes in the World Triathlon Para Series.

The PTWC Women's race saw Jessica Ferreira from Brazil take the gold with a time of 01:12:25, while Eva María Moral Pedrero from Spain, a bronze medalist at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, secured silver at 01:14:54.

In the PTS2 Men's class, Mohamed Lahna from the United States overcame a 90-second deficit in the swim to win with a time of 01:10:41. French competitor Jules Ribstein finished second at 01:11:15, while Gianluca Valori from Italy took third at 01:14:40. The PTS2 Women's race was won by Yukako Hata from Japan, with Martina Abaterusso from Italy finishing in second.

Henry Urand from Great Britain, the reigning World Champion in the PTS3 Men's race, delivered an outstanding performance, finishing first in 01:08:42. He was joined on the podium by Cedric Denuziere from France and Valentin Hanzer from Germany.

Elise Marc from France dominated the PTS3 Women's race, marking her potential for the Paralympic Games in Los Angeles 2028 by finishing ahead of Sanne Koopman from the Netherlands.

The PTS4 Men's race featured another impressive display by Paralympic champion Alexis Hanquinquant from France, who won with a time of 01:10:39, adding to his remarkable tally of achievements, which includes two Paralympic golds and several world championships. In the Women’s category, Ingrid De Oude from the Netherlands took home gold with a time of 01:25:20.

In the PTS5 Men’s event, Jack Howell from Australia emerged victorious with a time of 01:00:34, followed closely by Tom Williamson from Ireland and Filipe Marques from Portugal. Grace Norman from the United States, a two-time Paralympic champion, continued her impressive streak by winning the PTS5 Women’s race in 01:06:02.

The PTVI Men's race was won by Dave Ellis from Great Britain, who crossed the finish line just 35 seconds ahead of Sam Harding from Australia. In the PTVI Women's race, Susana Rodriguez from Spain, a two-time Paralympic champion, added yet another gold to her collection, finishing over a minute ahead of local favorite Francesca Tarantello from Italy.

The 2025 World Triathlon Para Series in Taranto not only highlighted the exceptional talents of these athletes but also reinforced the growing visibility and support for para sports worldwide. The successes of athletes such as Schipper, Ferreira, and Hanquinquant serve as inspirations, exemplifying the resilience and dedication within the para triathlon community. As Paris 2024 approaches, the performances in Taranto will undoubtedly influence the narrative leading to the prestigious event.