Confirmed: Hayden Wilde will compete in the London T100 after his brutal crash
Barely three months have passed since the New Zealander, current Olympic runner-up, suffered a spectacular cycling accident during a training camp in Japan, resulting in six broken ribs, a punctured lung, and an operation on his shoulder blade.
Today, World Triathlon and the PTO have confirmed that Wilde will be on the starting line of the London T100, on August 10, in one of the most impressive comebacks on the professional circuit in recent memory. A return that seemed unlikely, but has become a reality.
From hospital to world elite in 90 days
In his own words, his idea was not to rush. "I'm taking it day by day, without setting deadlines," he said in June. But his progress has been so positive that he's decided to test himself against the best in London, where he's now officially on the starting list alongside names like:
Hayden Wilde is officially on the starting list for the London T100 alongside some of the biggest names on the international scene, such as Jelle Geens, winner in Vancouver and current second in the rankings; Rich Bogen, winner in San Francisco; mika noodt; Spanish Antonio Benito; the French veteran Vincent Luis; and his compatriot Kyle Smith, who already finished second in last year's London edition.
Iconic setting: London as a symbol of its struggle
The London T100 takes place in the heart of the city. Starting at the Royal Victoria Dock, a multi-lap cycling circuit with an explosive finish within the ExCel CentreThis race combines spectacle, challenge and excitement.
A perfect combination for an athlete who already made his mark this year in the Singapore T100, where he had held sway before his accident.
This is the full men's start list for the T100 London:
- Jelle Greens (BEL)
- Rico Bogen (GER)
- Mika Noodt (GER)
- Antonio Benito Lopez (ESP)
- Kyle Smith (NZL)
- Youri Keulen (NED)
- Hayden Wilde (NZL)
- Leo Bergere (FRA)
- Jamie Riddle (RSA) – Wildcard
- Gregory Barnaby (ITA)
- Mathis Margirier (FRA)
- Nicolas Mann (GER)
- Vincent Louis (FRA)
- Panagiotis Bitados (GRE) – Wildcard
- Wilhelm Hirsch (GER) – Wildcard
- Menno Kohlhaas (NED)
- Fred Funk (GER)
- Justus Nieschlag (GER)
- Pieter Heemeryck (BEL)
- Will Draper (GBR) – Wildcard
Recovery against the clock… documented
During his rehabilitation, Wilde has shared videos training in the Andorran Pyrenees, swimming with both arms and running on a treadmill at a pace of 2:59/km. Images that surprised everyone, but which make even more sense today.
"Every day I feel stronger, fitter, and more confident," he admitted. His body, it seems, has responded at breakneck speed.
London is not the goal… but it is the key step
Although Wilde has not set the London T100 as his main goal., yes, he sees it as an opportunity to feel like a triathlete again. He doesn't need to win. He just needs to be there.
Of course, knowing his character, No one can rule out that he will give his all from the first meter.His direct, offensive, and unfiltered style has already made him a crowd favorite and a feared rival for the rest of the squad.
Another piece in the fight for the T100 world championship
With Marten Van Riel Still at the top of the rankings and qualification for the World Cup in Qatar tighter than ever, Wilde's presence adds a new factor of uncertainty. As if that weren't enough, the event is handing out 250.000 dollars in prizes, which increases the appeal of a date that promises strong emotions.
The return of Hayden Wilde It's much more than a sporting anecdote: it's a story of overcoming challenges, ambition, and a love for triathlon. Seeing him in action on August 10th will be, no matter what, one of the great images of this season.
The New Zealander will return to competition just three months after fracturing six ribs and suffering a lung injury.
