Canada’s Mislawchuk earns World Cup sprint triathlon silver

HUATULCO, Mexico –

Tyler Mislawchuk was awarded a silver medal at Sunday’s World Cup sprint-triathlon.

Oak Bluff, Man.’s two-time Olympian finished just one second behind Genis Grau of Spain in a three man foot race for the podium.

Triathlon’s sprint distance includes a 750-meter swim, 20k bike ride and 5k run.

Miguel Hidalgo, the bronze medallist from Brazil, was just two seconds behind Mislawchuk. He won the Huatulco race in 2020 and 2021.

“It was a little strange race.” saidMislawchuk, 27, is a talented and experienced runner. “It was a championship-style track event. I pushed the first part, but realized that there were fifteen to twenty other guys.

“Tactical up to the end and I got caught off-guard going into the last corner. I didn’t know if I would ever be able to stand on one of these podiums again after I tore my Achilles (tendon).

“You never know when the last podium is.” This one is going to be great.

Mislawchuk’s silver comes after Emy Legault’s in Saturday’s women’s race.

26-year-old Ile Perot, Que. native won her first World Cup Medal, coming in second to Annika Koch, Germany, by 12 seconds.

Canadian triathletes also reached podium in Sunday’s World Para Cup in A Coruna (Spain).

Stefan Daniel from Calgary won gold in standing men’s classification. Kamylle Frenette from Dieppe, N.B. won bronze in the standing men’s classification for the second consecutive week.

Daniel, a four-time champion in the world of cross-country running, is now a University of Calgary cross-country runner. He lost time on the swim leg but made up for it Sunday via the bike and run.

Daniel: “I lost quite a bit of time because I went off-track in the water.” said. “Once my transition was complete, I was able focus and ride as hard as possible.

“I had the most amazing ride of my career, and I’m proud of it.”

He finished second at the last para World Cup in Besancon in France.

Stefan beat Filipe Marques of Portugal 55 seconds faster Sunday. Jack Howell, Australia, was third.

Frenette, who placed fourth in her Paralympic debut at Tokyo last summer, was able to reach the podium again after placing third in France.

She stated, “I’m very pleased to be returning home with my two bronze medals.” said.

“My goal today was control and to follow my race plan. I achieved that goal. These last two week have been a great foundation for the 2022 season. I’m excited to continue building from here.”

Grace Norman, U.S.A., was first ahead Claire Cashmore of Britain.

Canada’s triathlon teams will return home to compete in the world sprint and relay championships Saturday and Sunday in Montreal.

The World Para Triathlon Series event will be held in the city from July 4-9.

This report by The Canadian Press first appeared June 19, 2022.