Ireland’s paratriathlon team continued a strong run of international performances at the World Triathlon Para Series in Montreal, with Tom Williamson taking silver in the Men’s PTS5 race and the MacCombe sisters both recording top six finishes in the Women’s PTVI category.
The event came just two weeks after the European Championships in Tarragona and forms part of a demanding block of international racing for the Irish team, with the next World Triathlon Para Series event in Hamburg now quickly approaching.
Williamson Returns to the Montreal Podium
Tom Williamson produced another impressive performance in the Men’s PTS5 race, finishing second behind reigning World Champion Chris Hammer of the USA.
Williamson delivered the fastest swim of the day to put himself in a strong position early in the race and maintained his form throughout to secure the second step on the podium. Brazil’s Ruiter Antonio Goncalves Silva completed the podium in third.
The result saw Williamson match his silver medal performance from the same event in 2025 and continues a consistent spell of international form, following his bronze medal at the European Championships in Tarragona two weeks ago.
Reflecting on the performance, Williamson said:
“Coming second in Montreal again feels somewhat familiar. However, after a tough winter, standing on the podium at this level this year was something I hadn’t expected, and it means more than I can describe. I’m proud of how I’ve navigated the journey to get here. And I am extremely grateful for the support of the people who surround me over the past 6 months.”
Strong Showing in Women’s PTVI
In the Women’s PTVI race, Judith MacCombe and guide Eimear Nicholls finished fifth in a highly competitive field won by Spain’s Susana Rodriguez.
The result came in Judith’s second international race back from injury and followed their fourth place finish at the European Championships in Tarragona. The pairing had to overcome a significant challenge before the race, as their tandem bike did not arrive with their flight. With support from Triathlon Canada, Judith and Eimear were able to race on a replacement bike and still deliver a strong performance.
Chloe MacCombe and guide Jemma Speers also produced a positive performance in Montreal, crossing the line in sixth place in the Women’s PTVI category.
It was only their second race together as a partnership and their first appearance together at World Triathlon Para Series level, following their debut at the European Championships in Tarragona. The race provided another important opportunity for the pairing to build experience and continue developing their combination in international competition.
Tokyo Olympian Russell White, who leads the Triathlon Ireland Paratriathlon Programme, said the performances were an encouraging outcome in a busy period of the season.
“It was a great weekend and strong performances in an extremely busy part of the season for our Paratriathletes. Everyone has weathered a hard winter, be that with injuries or the uncertainty of guides, so it was super to see three great performances in Montreal.”
White said the timing of the event provided an important opportunity for the athletes to race, review and refine their performances in quick succession.
“This race is sandwiched between European Champs two weeks ago and Hamburg WTPS in two weeks time. I had told all the athletes that we don’t have the luxury of changing our fitness in this period, so it is how we can use this period of back to back racing to refine skills and learn race craft when the previous performances are always fresh in their heads.
“This worked well as Tom carried that confidence of his European medal into gaining silver behind the reigning World Champion. Judith and Eimear, with not being on their own bike focused on a strong swim, their current least favoured discipline and a big run to see how fitness has progressed off the back of her injury. Chloe and Jemma produced a great performance constantly learning as a new pairing and growing in unison with each opportunity.”
The Irish team will now turn its attention to the next World Triathlon Para Series event in Hamburg, before a further training block as preparations continue towards the World Championships later in the season.
“All these athletes will be excited to race again in Hamburg in two weeks time before having a good block to recover and lift everything once again with a big push towards World Champs at the end of the season,” White added.
