WTCS Weihai 2025 Preview: A unique opportunity before the grand finale

The Triathlon World Series They arrive this Friday, September 26th at Weihai (China) to compete in its penultimate round of the calendar.

A date marked by the absence of many of the top favorites in the rankings and opening the door for new protagonists. All this, just two weeks before the grand final in Wollongong (Australia), where the 2025 world champions will be crowned.

Absences that change the script

This year's edition arrives with a lineup marked by notable absences. In the men's category, neither Matthew Hauser, neither Miguel Hidalgo, neither Basque Vilaca, neither Hayden Wilde, nor his own Alex Yee, winner in 2024. This leaves a range open for other triathletes who are less common in the headlines.

In the women's draw they will not be there either. Cassandre Beaugrand ni Jeanne Lehair, two of the season's great entertainers.

This makes the event an unbeatable opportunity for other athletes to score vital points and make a statement before the final in Australia.

The spotlight on Henry Graf and Morgan Pearson

In the men's draw, the big favorite is the German Henry Graff, who arrives as a recent winner in Karlovy Vary and with the number one jersey number in China, Graf has established himself as one of the emerging names in short distance in 2025, and here he will have the opportunity to take another step forward in the general classification.

Another proper name will be the American Morgan PearsonPearson, the only participant who knows what it's like to win a WTCS event, leads an American contingent that will also include... John Reed, Seth rider y Darr Smith, all of them ready to take advantage of a favorable circuit to make a difference.

The Portuguese Ricardo BatistaCurrently in the top 10 of the rankings, he will be another strong contender for the podium. His consistency in 2025 and his experience in high-level events place him among the favorites.

Clear option for the Spanish

The Spanish expedition will be led by David Cantero Del Campo, who will come out wearing number 2.

The Madrid-born triathlete is coming off three consecutive top-10 finishes in the World Series (6th in Alghero, 8th in Hamburg, and 10th on the French Riviera), and Weihai could be the race in which he makes the final leap toward the podium.

by your side will be Roberto Sánchez Mantecón, wearing number 5, a triathlete with experience on tough courses and the ability to sneak into the front positions if the race breaks down on the bike. Both will look to take advantage of the absences to score points and take center stage.

See departure list

Beth Potter, faced with the opportunity of her career

In the women's draw, all eyes will be on the British Beth Potter, second in the world ranking and only 144 points behind Cassandre Beaugrand.

With the Frenchwoman absent in Weihai, Potter has the opportunity to level the standings just before the grand final in Wollongong.

His victory in Karlovy Vary confirmed his excellent form. Another victory in Weihai would put him in the running for the world title in Australia.

Heavyweight rivals: Tertsch, Spivey and Seregni

Although Potter is the favorite, it won't be easy. The German Lisa Tertsch, winner here in 2024, returns with real chances of repeating the podium.

The American Taylor Spivey, second in Karlovy Vary, arrives with high morale and leads a powerful American team that also includes Erika Ackerlund, gina serene y Danielle OrieSereno has fond memories of this venue, as he achieved his best Series result (8th place) here in 2024.

The Italian Bianca Seregni She will be another of the race's great entertainers. Her swimming power could determine the race's progress from the first segment and force the rest of the field to work together to avoid losing their chances.

No Spanish representation in the women's draw

There will be no Spanish presence in the women's race, leaving the responsibility entirely on the men. Even so, the women's race promises a spectacular event with a group of triathletes ready to take advantage of Beaugrand and Lehair's absence to dream of a WTCS podium finish.

See departure list

What is at stake

Beyond the 1.000 points for the winners, Weihai represents the last opportunity to increase their standings before the grand final. In the men's standings, the standings are dominated by Matthew Hauser, with a perfect score, followed by Miguel Hidalgo y Basque VilacaNeither of them are competing in China, so the fight will be to get closer to that virtual podium.

In women, the absence of Beaugrand leaves everything on a silver platter Beth Potter, who with a good result could arrive in Wollongong in a technical tie with the French team. That would make the Australian final a direct duel for the title.

Schedules and broadcast

The program starts at dawn for the Spanish audience. The men's event will be held at 03:00 a.m. on Friday, September 26, while the women's race will start at 05:45Both can be followed live through Triathlon Live.tv.

The format will be Olympic distance: 1.5km swim, 40km bike ride, and 10km run. The Weihai coastal circuit is fast but demanding, with tight turns, steady pace, and potentially decisive heat. The stakes will be 1.000 points for the winner, key points before the big event in Wollongong.