Matthew Hauser Wins Grand Final and Sets Sights on LA
The Australian details his swim start tactics, overcomes a mid-season health setback, and rules out a move to middle-distance racing.
Following his victory at the Pontevedra Grand Final, Matthew Hauser reflected on his swim tactics, the duel with Vasco, and his bounce back from setbacks in Weihai. The Australian confirmed he will remain fully dedicated to short-course racing on the road to the Los Angeles Olympics.
After crossing the finish line in first place at the Pontevedra Grand Final, Matthew Hauser reflected on his performance and the close of the international triathlon season. Despite securing the win in the final meters, the Australian wrapped up the year second in the world rankings and made sure to acknowledge his main rival's consistency throughout the series.
Start pontoon tactics and the duel with Vasco
Aiming to overturn the championship standings, Hauser took an aggressive approach right from the start pontoon selection. The Australian deliberately chose the opposite side from Vasco and Miguel, looking to put as many athletes as possible between them to build an early gap in the water. His rival, however, maintained consistency across the swim, bike, and run to secure the top spot in the rankings.
Bouncing back from Weihai and a sprint finish
The Australian revealed that his title hopes had taken a major hit in the previous round in Weihai. There, Hauser battled severe gastroenteritis the night before the race, got only an hour and a half of sleep, and suffered a crash on the bike. Knowing he needed an improbable combination of results in Pontevedra, he entered the race laser-focused on taking the tape, relying on sheer power in the final sprint to hold off his charging rival down the finishing straight.
Staying all-in on short course through Los Angeles
Asked about a possible transition to middle-distance racing, Hauser dismissed any immediate change and reaffirmed his commitment to short-course triathlon leading up to the Los Angeles Olympic Games. His near-term plans include the iconic Noosa Triathlon in Australia and a potential race in Abu Dhabi later this year before taking his off-season break.