New Zealand's Hayden Wilde has been crowned World Triathlon's Super Sprint champion after winning a thrilling final race in Hamburg, Germany on Sunday NZ time.

In front of a large crowd that included IOC President Thomas Bach, the Olympic bronze medallist broke clear on the first lap of the 1.75km run to come home in a time of 19 minutes and 26 seconds, just ahead of Portugal's Vasco Vilaça and Britain's Alex Yee, who both clocked 19min 28sec.

The Super Sprint format comprises a 300m swim followed by a 7.5km bike ride and a 1.75km run.

Reigning Olympic champion Kristian Blummenfelt of Norway was fourth.

After three stages of intense racing, Hayden again showed his sprint credentials in the final race.

"I had to do some work in that first round and the legs weren't feeling too good, but I was a bit more relaxed in the second out front," says Hayden.

"My tactic was always to try and get a couple of seconds swinging round into transition and get away.

"Everyone's upping their game and starting that race it was always going to be difficult to get it done."

Hayden remains second overall in the World Triathlon Championship Series with Vilaca holding first position after five races.

Fellow Kiwi Tayler Reid was 11th in the men's race.

The women's race was won by Cassandre Beaugrand of France from Britain's Beth Potter.

New Zealand's Nicole van der Kaay claimed a top 10 finish with an impressive sixth place.

Portugal's Vasco Vilaça, New Zealand's Hayden Wilde and Britain's Alex Yee. Photo: Marcus Brandt/Triathlon NZ.

RNZ