MONTREAL—A trio of Canadian triathletes shared an epic journey to the top of the international podium while hosting the world in Montreal on Saturday.
Calgary’s Stefan Daniel snagged his first World Triathlon Para Series victory of the season, while Desirae Ridenour (Cowichan Bay, B.C.) and Mathis Beaulieu (Quebec City) were tops in the Americas Triathlon Cup racing.
The 28-year-old Daniel raced at the front of the pack throughout the triple-discipline test in the men’s PTS5 category where he eventually crossed the line first in the sprint distance with a time of 56:25.
“It was good today. I was totally happy with that one,” said Daniel. “I didn’t have my best effort last week in Magog, so I tried to just have fun with it today and enjoy being back in Montreal. My fitness isn’t where I want it to be right now in the bike and the run, so the goal was to commit to having a really good swim.”
He did exactly that.
The two-time Paralympic medallist came out of the 750-metre swim in the Olympic Basin at Parc-Jean-Drapeau within the top three, just three seconds behind the leader, before jumping onto hisbike for a 20-kilometre ride around the Gilles Villeneuve Formula 1 track.
“’I’m glad I was able to have a good swim and find the front guys. The three of us quickly pulled away from the field,” said Daniel. “Everyone is close on the bike and there are lots of fast runners in the field now so I just wanted to find the feet of the lead pack. I was able to execute the plan.”
Ireland’s Tom Williamson was the next best finisher at 57:32. Chris Hammer, of the United States, who topped Daniel one week ago in Magog, Que., placed third at 57:42.
“It was a bit of a relief for sure crossing the finish line in first. There has been lots of ups and downs since Paris, and it is normal that you experience a bit of a dip in motivation in the post-Paralympic year,” added Daniel. “It felt great to know that I was able to battle hard and have a great result heading into this next stretch.”
Desirae Ridenour and Mathis Beaulieu Win Americas Triathlon Cup Races
Canada’s Desirae Ridenour snagged her third major podium of the 2025 season, winning the women’s elite race.
The 25-year-old, who became the first Canadian in more than 10 years to win a World Cup triathlon earlier this season, ran away with the women’s race – taking the tape at 57:12.
“There was a group of us that were battling to get on the feet of the leaders throughout the swim. We came out of the water as a group of seven and onto the bike,” said Ridenour, who also finished second in a European Premium Cup race. “Three of us were doing most of the work to keep the lead. The chase pack caught us, so I just tried to conserve the legs for the run.”
Ridenour led the field of 57 women out of second transition, and onto the 10-kilometere run around Parc Jean-Drapeau and never looked back.
“I came out of T2 first and just kept my focus on my own race and was able to run away from the field for the win.”
Naomi Ruff, of the United States, was second at 57:31. Bermuda’s Erica Hawley clocked-in at 57:36 for the bronze medal.
Sophia Howell, of Airdrie, Alta., also battled her way into the top-five, finishing just off the podium in fourth place with a time of 57:41.
Mathis Beaulieu took on many of the best triathletes for a competitive swim, bike and run tour around his home turf.
The Quebec City product clocked a golden time of 51:30.
“It was really cool to race at home. I’m so happy to come back to Canada and get job done,” said the 20-year-old Beaulieu, who captured his first career World Cup podium earlier this year.
“The swim was pretty good. The bike was chaotic because it’s not a breakaway course, so we all came back together, and on the run, I just went all in, and it paid off.”
Beaulieu shared the podium with two Americans. Morgan Pearson was second at 51:45. Braxton Legg stopped the clock at 51:47.
Complete World Triathlon Para Series Results
Complete Americas Triathlon Cup Results
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