Canadian para triathlete Stefan Daniel returned to top form on Saturday, winning the World Triathlon Para Series race in Montreal. The 28-year-old from Calgary finished first in the sprint-distance event at Parc Jean-Drapeau. He completed the course in 56 minutes and 25 seconds.
Daniel’s win in Montreal marks his first victory of the season. He led in the swim, stayed strong on the bike, and powered through the run to finish ahead of a competitive field. The race was part of a five-event international series, which includes previous stops in Australia, Japan, and Italy.
Daniel competes in the PTS5 category. This class is for athletes with mild or moderate physical impairments, including limb loss or muscle weakness. Daniel was born with club hands but has risen to become one of the most successful athletes in para triathlon.
A six-time world champion and two-time Paralympic medalist, Daniel showed his skill across all three stages. He started strong in the 750-meter swim, staying near the front. This gave him a solid position for the 20-kilometer bike ride around the Gilles Villeneuve Formula One track. He maintained that pace through the 5-kilometer run to secure the win.
Daniel said the victory felt good after a tough race one week earlier in Magog, Quebec, where he placed second. That race was won by American Chris Hammer, who finished third in Montreal.
“It was good today. I was totally happy with that one,” Daniel said after the race. “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.”
He added that he focused on having a strong swim, knowing his fitness on the bike and run was not yet at peak levels.
Daniel exited the water among the top three competitors. That helped him join the lead group early on the bike leg.
“I’m glad I was able to have a good swim and find the front guys,” he said. “The three of us quickly pulled away from the field. Everyone is close on the bike and there are lots of fast runners now, so I just wanted to stay with the lead pack.”
Daniel executed his race plan well, holding his pace and staying ahead through the finish line. This win is especially meaningful as he continues to rebuild confidence after a setback in Paris last year. While leading in a race there, he crashed during the bike portion and had to withdraw.
“It was a bit of a relief for sure crossing the finish line in first,” Daniel said. “There have been lots of ups and downs since Paris. It’s normal to feel less motivation after the Paralympics, but it felt great to battle hard and get this result before the final stretch of the season.”
The Montreal event was the fourth in the 2024 World Triathlon Para Series. The season’s final race and world championships will be held in Wollongong, Australia, in October. Daniel’s win positions him as a strong contender for that title.
Also competing in Montreal on Saturday were Canadian triathletes Desirae Ridenour and Mathis Beaulieu. They both took first place in the Americas Triathlon Cup, which was held alongside the Para triathlon race.
Ridenour, 25, from Cowichan Bay, British Columbia, won the women’s sprint-distance race in 57 minutes and 12 seconds. Beaulieu, 20, from Quebec City, won the men’s race in 51 minutes and 30 seconds. Their victories added to a successful day for Canadian triathletes.
With Montreal’s race now complete, the focus shifts to the final event in Australia. For Stefan Daniel, Saturday’s win shows he is once again ready to challenge the world’s best.
