ITU WTS continues this weekend at Madrid
Paula Findlay and Kyle Jones to race on Saturday and Sunday (June 1 & 2).
The World Triathlon Madrid not only marks the halfway point in the ITU World Triathlon Series, but also the first of five European stops. With stacked start lists in both the men’s and women’s races, the hot and hilly course is set to see some savage battles. Jonathan Brownlee and Javier Gomez will face off yet again in the men’s race, while leading ladies Gwen Jorgensen and Anne Haug will battle for the top ranking on the World Triathlon Series chart.
About the race:
Madrid has an impressive triathlon history, having hosted an ITU Triathlon World Cup from 2003 from 2009 – when it then became one of the host cities for the first season of the ITU World Triathlon Series. The unique course winds its way through Casa de Campo park in central Madrid, offering a quick sightseeing crash course around one of Europe’s most dynamic cities. Sitting at almost 700m above sea level, Madrid’s climate is dry with very warm afternoons and cool nights during summer.
SCHEDULE:
Elite Women – Saturday 1 June – 15:30 (UTC/GMT + 2) Click here for time in your area
Elite Men – Sunday 2 June – 12:30 (UTC/GMT + 2)
WEBSITE:
START LISTS:
Canadians Paula Findlay, and Kyle Jones are on the start list.
LIVE COVERAGE:
Live video coverage be available on race day at triathlonlive.tv or at @triathlonlive on Twitter.
TOTAL PRIZE MONEY: $182,000 USD (equal for men & women)
COURSE PROFILE:
Swim (1.5km) – Athletes dive into Casa de Campo lake off a pontoon and will swim 2 laps. Wetsuits may be expected.
Bike (40km) – After transitioning to the bike, athletes will set off on an 8-lap bike course around the park, featuring a 12% grade climb on each lap. Once summiting the 400m climb, the rest of each bike lap is mostly downhill with a few rolling hills.
Run (10km) – The 4-lap run course, also around Casa de Campo Park, is mostly flat and finishes back at the lake.
STORIES TO WATCH FOR:
Battle of the series leaders –
As the highest ranked woman so far this season, Gwen Jorgensen (USA) will wear the top number in Madrid. But current runner-up Anne Haug (GER) will be hard pressed to let Jorgensen keep the first seed after skipping the World Triathlon Yokohama race. The two top ranked women employ practically opposite race strategies, which will no doubt set the scene for an interesting event. But if Barbara Riveros Diaz (CHI) has anything to do with it, she will push the pace in the hunt for another medal in Madrid after earning bronze last year. Likewise, the hilly course is well suited for Great Britain’s Jodie Stimpson and Brazil’s Pamela Oliveira. Spain’s Ainhoa Murua and Canada’s Paula Findlay will also make their much-anticipated returns to the World Triathlon Series.
Returning the title to Spain –
Reigning World Champion Jonathan Brownlee (GBR), who won the race in Madrid last year, returns as a clear pre-race heavyweight. Brownlee will be charged with keeping the title in the family, as he or his brother has won the race every year since it became a WTS event. But Madrid will be no walk in the park with the likes of home country favourites Javier Gomez and Mario Mola rearing to win the title back for Spain. Throw in South Africa’s Richard Murray to the mix and we are looking at one epic run battle if nobody manages a break on the leg-burning eight lap bike.
The mechanics of racing –
Chain Reaction Cycles, the official Retail Performance Partner of the ITU World Triathlon Series, are pleased to add their expertise and technical knowledge at this weekend’s ITU World Triathlon Series race in Madrid, Spain, as well as further rounds in Hamburg, Stockholm, and London, where they’ll offer full mechanical support to pro athletes in addition to Age Groupers. Chain Reaction Cycles will assist riders with last-minute bike tweaks and essential final adjustments.
WTS circuit hits ITU President’s hometown –
Madrid native and ITU President Marisol Casado recently reflected on the importance the ITU World Triathlon Series has on the development of triathlon. Casado, who is also an IOC member, additionally recognized that the World Triathlon Madrid has always been a very special event for her, having been a large part of its growth as the race Executive Director from 2003-2008. Read Casado’s interview on the race hitting her hometown.
PREVIOUS MADRID WINNERS
ITU World Triathlon Series Winners
Elite Women Elite Men
2012 Nicola Spirig (SWE) Jonathan Brownlee (GBR)
2011 Paula Findlay (CAN) Alistair Brownlee (GBR)
2010 Nicola Spirig (SUI) Alistair Brownlee (GBR)
2009 Andrea Hewitt (NZL) Alistair Brownlee (GBR)
ITU World Cup Winners
Elite Women Elite Men
2008 Vanessa Fernandes (POR) Javier Gomez (ESP)
2007 Vanessa Fernandes (POR) Filip Ospaly (CZE)
2006 Vanessa Fernandes (POR) Javier Gomez (ESP)
2005 Vanessa Fernandes (POR) Tim Don (GBR)
2004 Vanessa Fernandes (POR) Frederic Belaubre (FRA)
2003 Vanessa Fernandes (POR) Hunter Kemper (USA)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=daRzneu14Bw&feature=youtu.be https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvHqIMF4qHw&feature=youtu.be
