Valentina Riasova Stuns in Chengdu: Claims First World Triathlon Cup Gold
Late Surge Secures Impressive Victory for AIN Athlete
Chengdu, China – In a thrilling finish at the 2025 World Triathlon Cup Chengdu, Valentina Riasova (AIN) pulled off an extraordinary comeback to claim her first World Triathlon Cup gold medal in a time of 01:53:22. The electric atmosphere in China’s purpose-built triathlon venue provided the perfect stage for high-stakes racing.
Top Placements in a Fast and Fiercely Contested Race
Behind Riasova, Poland’s Roksana Slupek powered to silver after a thrilling sprint finish. Spain’s Sara Guerrero Manso broke through for bronze, showcasing a standout all-round performance in the exciting standard-distance race.
Elite Women’s Race Recap
Australia’s Tara Sosinski led the field through the first lap of the 1.5km swim, while pre-race favorite Ellie Hoitink (AUS) found herself at the back of the field.
Sosinski pushed to stay at the front and maintain her advantage onto the 40km bike course, leading a large group of elite women that includedYang, Kropkó, Thorpe, Guerrero Manso, Santos, Garabedian, Hadhoum, Jiménez-Orta Guerrero, Hedgeland, Riasova, König, Derbyshire, and Steinhauser.
The leading group worked efficiently across the 8-lap course, setting up a strong position into T2 for Sosinski.
Hadhoum was first onto the run, with a host of strong runners behind her including Lin, Slupek, Thorpe, Dodet, Derbyshire, Sosinski, and Hedgeland.
The 10km run delivered the most dramatic moments of the day, with Dodet surging early before Riasova, Slupek, and Guerrero Manso took control. In the final stages, Riasova found another gear and pulled away for a decisive victory.
Did you know?
Chengdu has become a popular racing destination for World Triathlon Cup competitors, known for its fast, technical course and electric atmosphere.
Quotes from the Podium
‘I come back today and I am so happy. This is my first World Cup gold medal, I am so happy.’
‘I am so happy, I am emotional like always. This place is so special.’
‘Wow, this is my first World Cup podium, I am over the moon. Running is the key, and I tried to focus on the final sprint.’
Results and Race Replay
Review the women’s results online.
Catch the race replay on TriathlonLive.tv.
FAQ
How long is a World Triathlon Cup race?
- World Triathlon Cup races are standard distance: a 1.5km swim, 40km bike, and 10km run.
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