World Cup racing returns this Saturday to Brazil for the season’s finale, and it is the capital city, Brasilia, the perfect scenario for a superb sprint distance race. The famous 1.2km Juscelino Kubitschek bridge and the Paranoa Lake will be the backdrops of the action, with a start list for the Women’s race full of stars. Get ready for the last weekend of thrilling racing of the World Triathlon World Cup calendar.
Wearing the #1 will be Mexico’s Rosa Maria Tapia Vidal, coming in fresh from a thrilling sprint finish victory at last week’s Viña del Mar Americas Premium Cup. This win marked a triumphant return to form for Tapia Vidal, who had been searching to regain the fierce closing speed she displayed in 2023. Currently ranked 10th in the world, a strong performance in Brasilia would give her momentum and a solid ranking for the start of next season’s WTCS.
Joining Tapia Vidal at the start line are some of the fastest runners and most consistent performers of the season. Gina Sereno of the USA leads her team with impressive top-7 finishes in every World Cup she’s raced this year, including a podium finish in Karlovy Vary and a career-best 8th place at the WTCS in Weihai. She’ll be accompanied by fellow American Summer Rappaport, who rebounded from a challenging season with a silver in Tongyeong two weeks ago, and Tamara Gorman, a powerful athlete making her World Cup comeback after battling injuries over recent years. Also lining up for the USA’s team will be last week sensation, Eleanor Lawler, who stormed the field to claim silver in Viña del Mar with the fastest running split.
Adding international depth are Verena Steinhauser (Italy) and Sandra Dodet (France), two seasoned veterans with reputations for well-rounded strengths across all three disciplines. Both are eager to cap off the year with podium finishes, leveraging their swim-bike consistency and experience in tight fields to secure standout results. The big hopes for the local crowds are set on Vittoria Lopes (BRA), who will try to set the difference with yet another magnificent swim to try to break the race from the beginning.
Colombia’s Maria Carolina Velasquez Soto, a World Triathlon Team athlete, is another one to watch. After her debut at the Paris Olympics last summer, she brings a mix of podium finishes and mid-pack results from earlier this season. Known for her endurance in grueling races and difficult conditions, Velasquez Soto will aim to finish the year on a high.
Spanish U23 talent Maria Casals Mujica also enters Brasilia in top form, riding the momentum of her recent bronze at Viña del Mar. Her running prowess makes her a serious contender if the race remains tight to the final leg.
Canada’s Dominica Jamnicky and Mercedes Romero Orozco (Mexico) are both athletes to keep an eye on as well. Both have shown flashes of power and speed this season, and they’re each capable of shaking up the podium in Brasil.
The Women’s race will take place on Saturday at 7am, and you can watch it LIVE at Triathlonlive.tv or at the World Triathlon’s Youtube channel. Check the start lists HERE.
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