Australia's Matt Hauser has kicked off his World Triathlon Championship Series title defence in dazzling style, claiming his second straight win in Japan.
Hauser produced a world-class performance to claim back-to-back gold in Yokohama on Saturday.
The reigning world champion ran a composed and clinical race, with compatriot Luke Willian capping a great day for Australia by claiming bronze.
Racing for the first time since claiming the 2025 world title in Wollongong, Hauser was a constant presence at the front of the field.
The win continues Hauser's outstanding record in Yokohama, with victory at the venue in 2025 and back-to-back silver medals in previous years.
Willian also claimed a podium finish at the event in 2024.
"It felt like a bloody national champs out there with three Aussies in the breakaway," Hauser said.
"It was awesome to see the Australians up the front, working together.
"Yokohama has been very friendly to me in the past and it's great to kick off my season against some hefty competition.
"(I want to do the world champion label) justice this season, back-to-back is the ultimate goal, but I don't want that to take away from LA 2028 qualification."
Hauser's victory was an important step on the road to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where Britain's Alex Yee will be looking to defend the gold he won at the 2024 Paris Games.
Yee, competing at his first WTCS event in 18 months after focusing on the marathon, finished fifth in Yokohama.
New Zealander Hayden Wilde, who won silver in Paris, didn't compete on Saturday.
Hauser was a marked man coming into Saturday's race, but showed no rust, perfectly positioning himself throughout the swim and bike before unleashing a trademark run leg to secure a 20-second victory over Brazil's Miguel Hidalgo.
Brisbane's Willian backed up his victory last week in China with a strong performance in Japan to claim bronze.
Gold Coast's Brayden Mercer finished an impressive sixth.
It was Mercer's best ever result in the WTC elite field, while in the women's race Richelle Hill finished 21st.
Australia's para-triathlon team delivered a stunning medal haul in Japan with six podium finishes, led by Lauren Parker, who stormed to gold in the women's race.
Compatriots Anu Francis and Maddie Sandals claimed silvers, while Grace Brimelow secured bronze.
The strong Australian showing continued in the men's events, with silver medals to Sam Harding and Jack Howell.
