Henry Graph’s Breakthrough in Carlovary: Lessons from the 2025 WTCS
I remember back when I nervously entered my first triathlon. I was 38, overweight, and convinced I’d missed the prime window to compete. But as I’ve learned (and often said to others), you’re never “too old” or “too late” for a moment of greatness. That’s precisely what we witnessed at the men’s 2025 World Triathlon Championship Series (WTCS) event in Carlovary, Czechia, where age, reputation, and any preconceived limits were shattered—much like Lionel Sanders (Mr. No Limits) would say, “Barriers exist only until you decide they don’t.”
Key Takeaways
- Henry Graph (Germany) scored his first WTCS gold medal after a bold breakaway on the bike leg and a cool, controlled run segment.
- Matt Hauser (Australia) maintained his season dominance despite finishing fifth—he’s already hit maximum points ahead of the Grand Final.
- Miguel Hidalgo (Brazil) proved his grit, battling from a tough mid-race patch to secure second place and climb to second in the series standings.
- Chongor Lehmann (Hungary) claimed the third spot on the podium finish, thanks to confident pacing and savvy tactical racing.
- A string of crashes and DNFs highlighted the demanding course conditions of Carlovary, with hilly roads, cobbled streets, and tricky swim conditions testing every athlete’s limits.
Summary
The 2025 men’s elite triathlon race in Carlovary felt as intense as putting money into a high-stakes investment—there were risks everywhere, and only a balanced strategy would yield dividends. Hosting a round of the World Triathlon Championship Series (WTCS) in these challenging terrain conditions was always going to produce fireworks, and Germany’s Henry Graph delivered in spectacular fashion.
Graph placed himself among the front pack right out of the swim leg—a move reminiscent of seeking an early “compound interest” advantage in finance. Partnering with Mark Devet and later Kindle, he launched a decisive breakaway on the bike leg. They carved out a solid lead through the twists, turns, and elevation changes of Carlovary’s streets. By the time Graph hit the run segment, he had built up a cushion. Despite an aggressive pursuit from the field, he sealed his first WTCS gold medal with a steady pace—proving once more that a calculated risk plus consistent execution often leads to breakthrough success.
Meanwhile, Miguel Hidalgo (Brazil), known for his resilience and quick legs, took a page from the “never-say-die” playbook. Even after a challenging mid-race slump, he found the energy to close a 40-second gap down to just 14 seconds, blazing the fastest run segment of the day. That valiant chase left him with the silver medal plus the bonus of jumping to second in the series standings.
