Tyler Mislawchuk of Canada emerged from the lead pack off the bike with the day’s-best 14:47 5k run to finish in 52:14 with a 5 seconds margin of victory over Brandon Copeland of Australia and 8 seconds over 3rd place finisher Valentin Wernz of Germany.

At the classic Mooloolaba seaside course, U.S. competitors Tony Smoragiewicz and Matthew McElroy finished 4th and 5th.

“First World Cup win, I am over the moon and I am just so excited,” Mislawchuk told ITU media. “Australia is my second home, I’ve got a lot of friends out so it’s awesome to be able to do it in front of them.”

Australia’s up and comer Copeland was thrilled to take the silver medal. “I am absolutely stoked with that,” said Copeland. “I came here hoping for a podium and it all came together today.” With his dreams set on an Olympic berth, Copeland saw reason for optimism. “To come out here and get a result like that, hopefully that will put my name in the ring.”

“My first time in Australia and first podium on the World Cup circuit, I am so happy,” said Wernz.“I had a good transition and tried to hold onto Tyler (Mislawchuk).”

Mislawchuk emerged from the 750 meter swim in 7:34 in the front pack and took the lead in transition to the bike leg. Unfortunately, Eli Hemming of the U.S. crashed hard and withdrew. As the ride shook out, a front pack of 30 formed with New Zealand’s Sam Ward leading into T2 followed closely by Mislawchuk and Ryan Bailie of Australia.

On the first lap, Mislawchuk surged out front, never to be challenged.

On the bell lap, Wernz and Copeland broke away from the pack and battled to the line. After a 14:53 run split, Copeland edged the German (14:55 run) by 2 seconds for the silver.

Mooloolaba World Cup Men
Mooloolaba, Australia
March 16, 2019
S 750m / B 20k / R 5k

Results

1. Tyler Mislawchuk (CAN) 52:14 S 7:34 T1 1:02 B 28:32 T21 00:21 R 14:47
2. Brandon Copeland (AUS) 52:19 S 7:43 T1 1:01 B 28:26 T2 00:17 R 14:53
3. Valentin Wernz (GER) 52:22 S 7:59 T1 1:04 B 28:08 T2 00:17 R 14:55
4. Tony Smoragiewicz (USA) 52:26 S 8:09 T1 1:03 B 28:05 T2 00:21 R 14:49
5. Matthew McElroy (USA) 52:26 S 8:09 T1 1:08 B 28:03 T2 00:21 R 14:51
6. Rostislav (AZE) 52:27 S 8:01 T1 1:01 B 2:16 T2 00:20 R 14:51
7. Morgan Pearson (USA) S 52:28 S 7:50 T1 00:59 B 28:27 T2 00:22 R 14:51
8. Michael Lori (CAN ) 52:29 S 8:00 T1 00:58 B 28:18 T2 00:20 R 14:55
9. Sam Ward (NZL) 52:32 S 7:39 T1 1:03 B 28:26 T2 00:19 R 15:07
10. Matthew Sharpe (CAN) 52:34 S 7:40 T1 1:05 B 28:27 T2 00:21 R 15:04