This week-end, Gwen Jorgensen won her 7th WTS in a row. Her weakest used to be her bike skills. It was in the past. Although with her win and agressive bike leg in Auckland, she proves that her opponents will have to adjust their plan to beat the most dominant athlete in the history of the WTS. We took some time to ask Gwen few questions about the meaning of this new win.
A important win on the circuit?
Auckland is known to be a tough course. In the past, my results have been a mixed bag: a 2nd place finish, a DNF and a 12th place finish. I couldn’t have been happier to come away with the win. It was a special day for me and my team.
The dynamic of the race?
I came out of the water about 40 seconds down on the lead group of about 10 but I was surrounded by strong cyclists. Lisa Norden did a lot of work to pull our chase group up to the leaders. I came into T2 with the leaders. When I started the run it was windy and my legs were tired, but I pushed until the end. I couldn’t have been more happy to finish 1-2 with USA teammate Katie Zaferes.
An important step?
Jamie Turner and I have been working hard to make my swim and bike on par with the best in the world. I still have some work to do, and look forward to the continued challenges.
Specificity…
I’ve trained with Jamie the last four years leading into Auckland. He has set up a course that mimics the demands of competition. If I can make it through that workout, I’m confident going into the race.
Gear selection
My husband Patrick is a former professional cyclist. He offers insight on gear selection, wheel choice, and tires. We always study what the course will demand and plan accordingly.
A perfect race?
No. There is always room for improvement. Just as one example, I should have rode on the front more, instead I was in the back of the group getting yo-yoed out the back after every turn.
What’s next?
I will race Gold Coast, Yokohama, and other WTS events leading into the Rio test event.