FINAL GOLDEN TICKETS CLAIMED IN OTTAWA FOR MAIN SUPER LEAGUE TRIATHLON SEASON Competitors were given rare opportunity to swim in iconic Rideau Canal as six athletes secure spots for main season kick-off in Jersey

It was the last opportunity for the professional athletes (Pros) to claim one of six Golden Tickets for qualification, and the men’s and women’s racing didn’t disappoint the crowds in the Canadian capital. It was the first time that permission had been granted for competitive swimming in the iconic Rideau Canal – a truly unique experience for all the triathletes.

The Pros raced the Enduro format on Saturday before tackling Sunday’s gruelling Eliminator. It was a double success for the Australians over the weekend, with Charlotte McShane and Ryan Bailie both taking the first Golden Tickets; the pair raced in Super League last season, so clearly came prepared.

New Zealand’s Nicole Van Der Kaay and Canada’s Desirae Ridenour secured the final two spots in the women’s race – a return to Super League for a second time for Ridenour. The final two places for Jersey in the men’s race were won by Canada’s Aiden Longcroft-Harris and the USA’s Michael Arishita – both novices to the innovative triathlon format.

1. Charlotte McShane (AUS)
2. Nicole Van Der Kaay (NZL)
3. Desirae Ridenour (CAN)

MEN’S GOLDEN TICKET WINNERS

1. Ryan Bailie (AUS)
2. Aiden Longcroft-Harris (CAN)
3. Michael Arishita (USA)