New Zealand will be well represented at the latest round of the ITU Dextro Energy World Triathlon Championships in Kitzbuehel this weekend with our best ranked athletes Andrea Hewitt, Debbie Tanner, Bevan Docherty and Kris Gemmell well supported by Kate McIlroy and Nicky Samuels in the women’s and Clark Ellice, Martin van Barneveld and Ryan Sissons in the men’s race.
Hewitt has been the shining light for the Kiwis this year however, her second place overall puts her right in contention to better last year’s third place in the World Champs Series.
Her consistency is such that to improve her position, the Cantabrian must finish inside the top five and is ready for anything on the day at a venue where she has finished in the medals on three occasions.
“With 4 top results under my belt, to increase my points, I must finish in the top 5 in Austria. These are important points to gain for the battle for the World title. Others who are vying for points have to be less risky in their race strategy. So, I am going to accept everything the race throws at me, maybe that means a pushy swim, a breakaway on the bike and for sure there will be lots of surges during the run. I'll do it all to upset my competitors’ rhythm and I would love to win.”
Wanaka’s Nicky Samuels goes into the second to last World Champs Series event in 31st position on the points and wanting a strong performance.
“I’m just looking for a good race, one where I feel good! London was a terrible race for me. I really struggled with the violence in the swim but I have been swimming with Roly here in Font Romeu as he has been training up here with his number one athlete, so it has been great to have some variety in the pool. Hopefully it all comes together this weekend.
“I have spent two and a half weeks here in Font Romeu and really enjoyed my time, the people and of course the training has been perfect. So I am hoping to put it all together for Kitzbuehel. I have 6 races in the next 7 weeks including World Sprint Champs, World Team Sprint Champs and the World Series Finale, so the brunt of the season has just begun for me and it would be good to finish it well.”
In the men’s race Bevan Docherty lines up as our highest ranked competitor at 12th in the Series points with Kris Gemmell 30th and Clark Ellice 37th. Next best is young Ryan Sissons at 45th and the Aucklander is hoping to learn yet more from racing against the best in the world.
“I have been in Germany for the last 3 weeks preparing myself for the end of the season after having to readjust what I was doing after the result in London 3 weeks ago. Training has been going really well, and I’ve been able to crank up some great run mileage with the assistance of a daily massage to keep my body together!
“I haven’t raced Kitzbuehel before and it looks like the course may suit me with some undulations on the bike! Overall I am looking for a solid race and performance to set me up for the rest of the season.”
