Winner receive medals after Cross Duathlon at Multisport World Championships in Townsville

An Aussie athlete who claimed third spot in the most recent event at the World Triathlon Multisport Championships in Townsville shared his excitement while the Italians continue to dominate the off-road events. 

Elite Men's Cross Duathlon World Champion Michele Bonacina of Italy, with silver medallist Sebastien Carabin of Belgium and bronze medallist Benjamin Forbes of Australia.

The Italians are full speed ahead as the 2024 World Triathlon Multisport Championships continued in Townsville with a Cross Duathlon World Championship.

All the action which included a 6km run followed by an intense 20km bike ride finished with a 3.2km run was at Pallarenda Park on Thursday.

In the Male Elite group Italian Michele Bonacina took out gold, with Belgium’s Sebastien Carabin claiming silver. Aussie Benjamin Forbes rounded out the top three taking home the bronze.

Coming in fourth place was Melbourne-based athlete Tom Fisher, who also competed in Tuesday’s Cross Triathlon and placed eighth.

He said overall he was happy with how he raced in the most recent event.

Australia's Tom Fisher powers up the hill away from Shelly Beach during the Elite Cross Duathlon World championships in Townsville. Picture: Stephen Harman.

“I got knocked around a bit in the swim, but overall had a great race,” he said.
“They’re definitely my best results I’ve ever achieved. I had a good, strong first run. I feel as if I put myself in a good position, I was third onto the bike. Ben (Forbes) ended up catching me and we worked together for a little bit then he rode off of me.”

“I am just really, really happy with how I went.”

Fisher said he was enjoying his first time in Townsville and escaping Melbourne’s cold weather.

“It’s been amazing. I’ve been doing a lot of heat and climatisation training, so I don’t think it knocked me around too much,” he said.

With his events completed, he plans to head to Magnetic Island on Friday with his Italian friends.

“I’m looking forward to being a tourist and seeing the koalas,” he said.

Italy's Marta Meditto makes it two wins from two races and claims the 2024 Cross Duathlon World title in Townsville. Picture: Stephen Harman.

Originally published as Winner receive medals after Cross Duathlon at Multisport World Championships in Townsville