Grande Finale – Juniors : Hausser and Dijkstra, Overwhelming Favorites. Berger, Hueber And Paquet Looking To Make Their Mark.

As a junior in development, a good result in high profile events such as this weeks race in Chicago is almost necessary to validate ones ambitions to eventually make a living as a triathlete.  Here at Trimes, we are more excited about the Junior race than any other on the bill for the Grande Finale.  The participating athletes (except perhaps for the Aussies) have very little international experience, having mostly raced within their continent.  This means that they know very little about their adversaries.  The French team has had the luxury of competing in D1 Grand Prix’ and so have competed in races that are fare more dense in participation than regular junior races.  Other nations have since followed suit by making more appearances in Elite Continental races.

A Question Of Federal Systems?

At the junior age, governing federations still have a very large part to play in the development of athletes.  For this very reason, we see certain nations repeatedly dominating at this level.  Success of French athletes such as Coninx (2013) and Montoya (2014) are a perfect example of this phenomenon.  The Australians have also had success as they select their athletes as early as March and guide them towards specific goals.

Can The French Three-peat?

TheFrench representatives will have experience to fall back on as all three were present at last years edition of the race in Edmonton.  Léo Bergère and Maxime Hueber Moosbrugger are totally different athletes but both have progressed nicely in their weaker disciplines which allows us to believe in their chances.

Léo Bergère battled injuries early in the season but has bounced back and has a top 10 finish in a Grand Prix.  We expect him to be at this strongest in this final showdown.  As for Moosbrugger, he will have to rely on a strong run if he has any hopes of stepping onto the podium.  That said, it will be critical for him to be in the lead pack coming into T2.

Neither one of these Frenchmen are considered favorites in this race but make no mistake, they are not there to act as spectators.

The Aussies : Heavy Favorites?

Australia has seen its status dip on the international scene in recent times which has forced them to double up on their efforts to regain its status as a dominating triathlon nation. Matthew Hauser is one of their athletes who has experienced the taste of victory.  The 17 year old phenom is already a complete athlete. He is presently in top form, having recently won the Edmonton Junior Cup. He will welcome the presence of countrymen Luke William and Christian Wilson in this race.  Note however that Quirck (3rd place finish in 2014) will not be taking the start.

Any Brits Poised To Take Over For The Brownlees?

A tough act to follow indeed!  Ben Dijkstra however figures to be up to the task.  Recent winner of the Youth Olympic Games, this 16 year old nearly won in his first European Championship.  Having clocked a 5km run of 14:20 earlier this season, he should be a main player if he’s around coming out of T2.

Title Hopeful For Canada?

Charles Paquet should be confidant heading into these Championships.  The Quebecer has a recent string of strong results finishing 2nd (behind Hauser) in Edmonton’s Junior Cup.  He could legitimately place in the Top 5 this week.

Olivier Blecher and Michael Milic are the two others to represent Canada in this race.  They are both making the first appearance at the World Championships.

Others To Look Out For..

Here are a few other Junior athletes to look out for : Manoel Messias of Brasil, German Lasse Lurhs who recently won the European Championships, KiwisDaniel Hoy and Tayler Reid, American Austin Handman,Gustav Idenof Norway and Noah Servais of Beligium.

An honorable mention for Chase McQueenof the USA who wins the coolest-name-in-this-race award!  It’s up to him now to make his name a little more wide known.

A Typical Race Dynamic?

Junior rankings and the order of placement on the pontoon is not necessarily a reflection of the talent in this race.  With as many as 77 athletes, it becomes difficult for all to swim to their potential in a 750m circuit because of the high density of swimmers.  Selection then becomes randomized.  When it comes to the bike, there is often a tendency to hold back and not want to do too much work since the athletes know very little about their competitors and their strengths.  This years race course, with its many turns and accelerations, will increase the risk of crashes.  It’ll be key for all aspiring to come out victorious to stay near the front of the pack.

Race start is Thursday at 4:30 pm (5:30 eastern time zone, 11:30 France).  Trimes and Triathlon Québec will broadcast the race via periscope (video).