talk before the race -main threats and competition

Looking at the preview on the ITU triathlon page www.triathlon.org it’s time for me to get my first win in the 2009 season.

What do they know..? Maybe I really like my sequense of 2nd’s and looking to complete it in Yokohama…? 🙂  (note. this is probably not what I’m aiming for…)

Norden in Search of Yokohama Win   (August 18, 2009 )

También texto en español.With just a week between the London and Yokohama legs of the Dextro Energy Triathlon – ITU World Championship Series, the athletes will have to overcome jetlag and the change in conditions as they traverse the globe for this weekend’s race.

Switzerland’s Nicola Spirig will go into the race as the hot favourite following her win in London. The Swiss star is enjoying a brilliant year with a European championship title and a second place finish in Kitzbühel to her name. Her compatriot Daniela Ryf is also one to watch out for as the under 23 world champion continues a good run of form, including bronze medals in both Washington DC and Hamburg.

Sweden’s Lisa Norden goes in search of her first win of the year following second places in Madrid, Hamburg and London. The ITU Sport Development athlete lies second in the series rankings behind Australia’s Emma Moffatt, so a good result in Yokohama could set her up nicely for the series Grand Final on the Gold Coast in three weeks time.

Home favourite Juri Ide will want to bounce back from a slump in form. The Beijing Olympic Games fifth place finisher started the season strongly with a win at the Ishigaki World Cup and a bronze medal at the opening leg of the Dextro Energy Triathlon – ITU World Championship Series in Tongyeong, South Korea. Having been involved in a eight woman crash in London her chances of performing well were hampered, but she could be one to watch come race day.

Luxembourg’s Liz May could also be one to keep an eye on. Having collected bronze at the European Championships, May finished just off the podium with fourth place in London. The Luxembourger has proven form in the heat and humidity of Asia and will be targeting the win.

Another European improving with every race is Ricarda Lisk from Germany. A decent result in London will give her confidence heading into Yokohama.

The North Americans will launch their assault in Japan as both Sarah Haskins from the USA and Kirsten Sweetland from Canada head across the Pacific, choosing to miss their national championships. Haskins has looked impressive so far this year whilst Sweetland returns to action following a long lay off with a back injury. If back to her best she will be a real contender.

Last, but certainly not least, the Kiwis will once again be looking to step up to the plate with Madrid winner Andrea Hewitt, and the improving Debbie Tanner, both in action. Hewitt slipped down the standings last weekend in London, but a strong finish in Yokohama will keep her in the top three ranking positions heading to the Gold Coast.

So there are your ones to watch for this weekend. Remember to tune in to www.triathlon.org/tv to watch the racing live, and to see video on demand highlights from the rest of the exciting Dextro Energy Triathlon – ITU World Championship Series.