In the heart of Thailand, under the sweltering sun of Phuket, the 30th anniversary of the Laguna Phuket Triathlon unfolded like a page from an epic saga. Dubbed the 'Race of Legends', this event has seen the likes of triathlon titans such as Jan Frodeno, Paula Newby-Fraser, Craig Alexander, and Michellie Jones etch their names into its storied history. This year, two more names were added to this illustrious list: New Zealand's Hayden Wilde and Britain's Kate Waugh.
Hayden Wilde, an Olympic silver medalist and a recent supertri champion, came into this race with his eyes set on the upcoming IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Taupo. His performance at Phuket was nothing short of a strategic masterpiece, particularly on the bike course, where he turned the heat up on his competitors. Starting the day in the chase group, Wilde made his move on the undulating bike segment, clocking a time of 1:12:57, which set him apart from the rest. He didn't let up on the run either, blazing through the course with the fastest split of 40:28, to clinch the victory in 2:19:03. In a delightful twist at the finish line, Wilde humorously mimicked picking up an imaginary tape, a nod to the race officials who were momentarily unprepared for his swift finish.
On the women's side, Kate Waugh, returning after her victory last year, showcased her dominance once again. The swim saw her in a leading pack of four, but it was on the bike where she and Swiss triathlete Alanis Siffert took control. Waugh entered the run with a slight deficit but soon found her rhythm, overtaking Siffert to secure her title with a time of 2:35:39. Her performance was a testament to her tenacity and strategic prowess, especially in how she handled the transition from bike to run.
The event itself, with a hybrid distance of 1.8km swim, 55km bike, and 12km run, tested the athletes' abilities to adapt and excel across non-drafting disciplines, making their achievements all the more commendable. The pro men's and women's results were as follows:
Pro Men:
- Hayden Wilde (NZL) – 2:19:03
- Tayler Reid (NZL) – 2:22:13
- Rostyslav Pevtsov (UKR) – 2:23:03
- Tom Bishop (GBR) – 2:26:44
- Antony Costes (FRA) – 2:29:00
Pro Women:
- Kate Waugh (GBR) – 2:35:39
- Alanis Siffert (SUI) – 2:39:54
- Sian Rainsley (GBR) – 2:43:41
- Claire Michel (BEL) – 2:46:08
- Dimity-Lee Duke (AUS) – 2:50:15
This year's Laguna Phuket Triathlon not only celebrated its 30th anniversary but also reminded us of the relentless spirit and enduring passion that define the sport of triathlon. As these athletes pushed their limits against the backdrop of Phuket's picturesque landscapes, they not only competed for victory but also for a place in the ongoing legacy of this legendary race.
Who won the men's race at the 2024 Laguna Phuket Triathlon?
New Zealand's Hayden Wilde won the men's race at the 2024 Laguna Phuket Triathlon with a time of 2:19:03.
Which athlete retained the women's title at the 2024 Laguna Phuket Triathlon?
Kate Waugh from Great Britain retained the women's title at the 2024 Laguna Phuket Triathlon, finishing the race in 2:35:39.
What distances were covered in the 2024 Laguna Phuket Triathlon?
The 2024 Laguna Phuket Triathlon featured a hybrid distance of 1.8 km swimming, 55 km cycling, and 12 km running.
Who was the runner-up in the men's race at the Laguna Phuket Triathlon in 2024?
The runner-up in the men's race was Tayler Reid from New Zealand, who finished with a time of 2:22:13.
What unusual occurrence happened at the finish of the men's race?
Officials were not ready with the finish tape for winner Hayden Wilde, forcing him to mimic picking up an imaginary tape as he finished.
1. #LagunaPhuketTriathlon 2. #HaydenWildeVictory
