With a jammed packed WTS schedule, this stage of the circuit gains in importance. The recently published start list for London shows it’s becoming increasingly difficult to qualify for WTS events and athletes will need to take advantage of european events because of their proximity to one another.
The World Cup makes its return this weekend in Chengdu, China. This has always been a popular stage for the world’s elite triathletes. While its bike course is fairly flat and without any major technical difficulties, the same can not necessarily be said about the run course. Just ask Aurélien Lescure who succumbed to the heat at last years event.
Ryan Sissons of New Zealand will wear the no. 1 bib. One of the stronger runners on the WTS circuit, Sissons is often handicapped by his swim when facing off with the worlds best. We expect he wont suffer the same consequences at this weekends event in China. Irving Perez (MEX) who recently finished 2nd in Monterrey also figures to be a factor in this race.
Above all, the Americans should be paid close attention to. The USA continues to look for leaders in the men’s field. Hunter Kemper‘s participation confirms he is looking to qualify for his 5th Olympic Games. He has shown with recent results that he continues to be the top of the class when it comes to American triathletes. He will be joined by countryman Alan Webb, ex-track Olympian who remains an enigma when it comes to his development.
Eric Lagerstrom, a youngster who has practically won everything he’s entered in this early season, could very well turn some heads. Joe Maloy, USA’s most consistent athlete, is also considered a favorite while cancer survivor Kevin Mcdowell should come in full of confidence considering the type of early season he has had. Mcdowell finished 2nd at last years race.
Manuel Huerto, former American Olympian who now represents Puerto Rico will attempt to pave his way to the Olympic Games.
France’s Simon Viain is making his anticipated return to competition. His last race was a successful outing in Aukland and he is using this World Cup as a preparation for the next WTS in Yokohama, Japan. Simon, an excellent cyclist, should be ready to pounce this weekend if the right opportunity presents itself.
Canada will also be well represented. Matt Sharpe, fresh off a 40th place finish in Cape Town, is hoping to continue his progression. The athlete from British Columbia hopes his injury woes are finally a thing of the past. Québec’s Alexis Lepage will also be present. Following his first WTS experience in Gold Coast, the young Québécois now can draw on some experience to execute a performance that is up to his potential. He is an excellent swimmer who will need to learn to take his place in the early stages of races. This is his first year in Jamie Turner’s group and there is no doubt that he will eventually reach his high potential. He is currently Québec’s top prospect.
As for the Belgians, Jelle Geens and Marten Van Riel will be the ones to keep an eye on. Van Riel has had a successful beginning to his season with 22nd and 14th place finishes in WTS Abu Dhabi and Auckland.
Counting more than 75 athletes to take the start, we expect to have a very competitive swim. There should also be many different groups forming on the swim considering that many of them are unfamiliar with one an other. It will be difficult to make a difference on the bike course so expect most of the action to take place during the run.
The race takes place this Saturday. There will be no video streaming, but the race’s progression can be followed at triathlon.org/live. Go to zeles.org for a preview of the women’s race.
