Gomez Highlights WTS Edmonton Start List

Published September 3, 2015 01:57PM

As the second-to-last race in the World Triathlon Series, this weekend’s Edmonton race will welcome a unique starting line up. On the one hand, there are big stars like Javier Gomez and Vicky Holland, who are looking for a final push in the WTS rankings ahead of Sept. 18-19’s WTS Grand Final in Chicago. On the other side of the spectrum, there are several stars—like top Americans Gwen Jorgensen, Sarah True and Katie Zaferes—who are using this weekend to prepare for that Chicago race.

Men’s Preview

In his drive for five World Championship titles, Gomez is back to top off the men’s roster and sport the golden number one. After dominating the competition in Stockholm and effortlessly earning himself the gold medal, the Spaniard remains in strong contention to become the first athlete to win five ITU World Championships, having scored his fourth here in Edmonton last year. Following his convincing win in Stockholm, Gomez raced to bronze at the Ironman 70.3 World Championships just days ago. While clearly in form, it remains to be seen if he will have enough spring in his step to score another podium in Edmonton. His toughest competition will come from Mario Mola (ESP), Vincent Luis (FRA), Richard Murray (RSA) and Joao Pereira (POR).

Women’s Preview

Great Britain has come prepared to seize that podium by bringing two of its leading ladies. Vicky Holland and Non Stanford grace the start list and based on their recent performances in the triathlon season, it is very likely that one or potentially both will be earning an Edmonton medal.

Both Holland and Stanford have reached a WTS podium this season. Holland won gold in Cape Town, while also adding a silver to her collection in Hamburg. Stanford joined her in Hamburg by taking home the bronze medal. Both women also secured step one of a two-step process for qualifying for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic team for their federation by making podium in the Rio Test Event in August. Step two could be accomplished by reaching the podium at the Grand Final in Chicago.

How And When To Follow

The elite women will kick off the action this Sunday at 12:30 p.m. PDT/3:30 p.m. EDT, and will be followed by the men at 2:30 p.m. PDT/5:30 p.m. EDT. Watch the races live at Triathlonlive.tv or follow the action on Twitter at @Triathlonlive.