Bevan Docherty, Tony Dodds and James Elvery will fly the New Zealand flag at the Monterrey Triathlon this weekend, the latest on the ITU World Cup circuit, a race that has assumed greater importance in the light of Japan’s current nuclear related issues.
Monterrey has attracted a stronger field than expected following the postponement of the Yokohama World Champs Series race due to the nuclear crisis in Japan. Amongst those lining up will be former World Champion Ivan Rana (ESP), former World Champs Series event winner Jarrod Shoemaker (USA), and fast improving Australian Brendan Sexton who is fresh off two top five finishes at the Mooloolaba World Cup and Sydney World Champs Series events.
Aucklander James Elvery lines up in his second race in the space of seven days following his fourth place finish at Subic Bay in the Philippines last weekend and is again looking to pick up valuable ranking points.
"I'm looking forward to another good chance to top up my ITU ranking points. I moved up to 45th after last weekend in the Philippines, and am keen to get as high up as I can before the business end of the season starts in Europe. I've had a great few days in LA, with nice warm weather, some good training and have recovered pretty well from last week's race and the travel. It won't be an easy race here in Mexico though, it will probably be another hot one and the field is solid, but I've prepared well and am feeling confident going in."
For Docherty it is a chance to improve on what was for him a lacklustre opening at the Sydney World Champs Series race while Dodds (Wanaka) will be in a similar boat to Elvery, looking to gain as many ranking points as he can to earn both himself a start at the London Olympics qualifying race in August, but also boost New Zealand's overall ranking in the race to secure three spots on the start list at the 2012 London Games.
Team USA has a trio of contenders including Matt Chrabot, who finished second in Monterrey last year. The 2009 ITU Duathlon World Champion Jarrod Shoemaker and three-time Olympian Hunter Kemper, who recently won a world cup in Ishigaki, are also in the field gunning for the podium.
Others to keep an eye on include Sexton (AUS), who was runner-up in the powerful Mooloolaba field and also finished in fourth in Sydney. A pair of World Champions will also line up at the starting grids this weekend, the 2007 champion Daniel Unger (GER) and 2002 champion Ivan Rana (ESP).
There are no Kiwis in the women's race.
The elite men's race gets underway at 4.30am Monday 9th May NZT. Visit www.triathlon.org for coverage and results.
