The 2025 World Triathlon Cup season kicks off in Napier, New Zealand, on Sunday, 23 February, with the elite women’s race starting at 11am local time. After an exciting debut at Ahuriri Beach in 2024, this year’s race promises another gripping battle as some of the world's best line up to chase an early-season podium and you can follow along on TriathlonLive.tv.
THE STACKED LINE UP - THE CONTENDERS
The 2024 World Triathlon Cup Napier Elite women’s field is stacked with top contenders, including Italy’s Verena Steinhauser, a multiple-time World Cup medallist who will be looking to start her 2025 campaign with a strong performance. China’s Olympian Xinyu Lin and 2024 National Triathlon Champion returns to Napier with her sights set on producing a podium result. USA’s Erika Ackerlund is another podium threat, bringing consistency and race experience to the mix. Meanwhile, Italy’s Ilaria Zane, fresh off a solid 2024 season, will be looking to make her mark on the World Cup circuit once again.
ONES TO WATCH
Nicole van der Kaay, represented New Zealand at both the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics and has a strong track record in sprint-distance racing will be one to watch on Sunday and will be joined by fellow New Zealand’s Paris Olympian Ainsley Thorpe, who has been building momentum on the international stage, both flying the flag for the home nation. Fellow compatriot Eva Goodisson will be vying for World Cup success in front of a home crowd. Another Olympian to watch is Bermuda’s Erica Hawley, who competed in Paris 2024 and is a World Cup podium finisher. Hawley is gaining plenty of experience racing at this level and will be aiming to put together a strong all-round performance to challenge for the podium.
AUSSIE CONTINGENT ON THE HUNT
Also eager for race success in Napier are Australia’s Ellie Hoitink, Emma Jeffcoat and Richelle Hill, all hungry for a World Triathlon Cup podium. Hoitink crossed the line in the 2024 World Triathlon Cup Wollongong in 7th and earned gold in the 2024 Oceania Triathlon Championships Taupo. Jeffcoat, a former surf lifesaving champion, has a strong swim-bike combination that could see her in the mix from the start, while Hill, one of the nation’s rising stars, will be looking to capitalise on Oceania support and make a statement on the international stage.
With valuable World Triathlon ranking points and early-season momentum on the line, the race for the podium is wide open. A mix of experienced Olympians, rising stars, and proven podium finishers will ensure an unpredictable and exciting battle as they look to secure their first World Cup medals of 2025.
In addition to the elite races, the Napier Triathlon Festival will feature age-group competitions catering to all levels, from beginners to seasoned athletes. The festival includes the New Zealand Sprint Distance Championships, a key event in the Tri NZ Suzuki Series, which also serves as a qualifier for the 2025 World Triathlon Age Group Championships in Wollongong. This offers a unique opportunity for amateur triathletes to compete on the same stage as the world's best.
Don't miss the chance to witness world-class triathlon action set against the stunning backdrop of Napier's Ahuriri Beach. Whether you're cheering from the sidelines or tuning in from afar, you can follow all the live action streamed on TriathlonLive.tv. Mark your calendars for 23 February and get ready as the 2025 World Triathlon Cup season gets underway!
Review the full World Triathlon Napier Elite Women's Start List and TriathlonLive.tv.