Hugo Milner Qualifies But Final Wide Open
Hugo Milner made it through to the finals of the supertri E World Triathlon Championships powered by Zwift but the race for the title looks wide open.
Britain’s much talked about Milner, making his supertri E debut having been inspired to take up the sport just three years ago after watching the innovative format on TV, had to rely on getting through as a fastest loser as he tasted the raw pace of the event for the first time.
An incredible five athletes made it through from the first heat, such was the sheer pace, with a few athletes requiring some serious recovery before the evening’s finals.
Favourites Simon Henseleit and Chase McQueen both won their heats while Max Stapley suggested he may be ready to challenge for the top step of the podium with a convincing performance in his.
Heat 1
Simon Henseleit took control of a rapid heat 1. The ever improving German managed to keep his advantage from Stage 1 into Stage 2 to take a victory over Maxime Hueber-Moosbrugger.
Henseleit’s fellow German, Henry Graf, was in close contact throughout but had to settle for third place. However, the fast pace of the heat meant both Graf, fourth placed Esteban Basanta Fouz of Spain and fifth placed James Edgar of Ireland all made it to the finals as fastest losers.
Heat 2
Max Stapley was in imperious form with the British star putting in an impressive first swim and then pulling further and further away on Stage 1. He was in such command by the time he climbed out of the water on Stage 2 that he could relatively cruise his way into the finals.
The real race was behind him for the second automatic qualifying spot with British teammate Sam Dickinson getting the better of another Brit in Domicic Coy and the USA’s Carter Stuhlmacher.
Heat 3
All eyes were on Chase McQueen and Hugo Milner. The American, who won in Montreal last year, looked strong throughout to win the race.
Milner was someway off the pace in Stage 1, but a massive run saw him come through the field to get himself back in contention. Harry Leleu of Britain took second place with Milner third, but he still made it through to the finals as a fastest loser.
