ITU WTS Series Heads To Cape Town

In the highly anticipated debut of Africa on the World Triathlon Series calendar, the men’s and women’s races again spotlight impressive fields for the two-lap 1500m V&A Waterfront swim, which will be followed by an eight-lap bike with constant ocean views and a four-lap 10km run in Cape Town. The women’s race will be headlined by the top ranked Jodie Stimpson (GBR), while the men’s race sees another battle between Jonathan Brownlee (GBR) and current men’s leader Javier Gomez (ESP).

Men’s Preview

While the late withdrawal of Alistair Brownlee, who stated he wasn’t 100% on Wednesday, means that Cape Town won’t add another chapter in the Brownlee brothers versus Gomez book, the battle between Jonathan Brownlee and Javier Gomez is still one worthy of any triathlon fans time. In the past five events they have competed against each other, without Alistair on the start line, it’s been a 1-2 finish. But who holds the upper hand? Well in races where Alistair hasn’t been a factor, Jonathan won Stockholm in 2012, before Gomez claimed the Grand Final title in Auckland in 2012 with a killer sprint. In Yokohama and Madrid last year, Jonathan was on top, but Gomez re-claimed it in Auckland to start the 2014 season.  And then there was last year’s Grand Final in London where Alistair also raced but was forced out of contention due to injury. In possibly one of the best contests between the two, Gomez held on in an another epic sprint to claim a history-making third ITU World Championship.

Read more: Triathlon.org

Women’s Preview

For the second WTS race in a row, the women’s start list explodes with talent. While the ladies’ lineup is similar to that of Auckland, Cape Town’s course couldn’t be more different. Conclusion? Prepare to see yet another unpredictable nail biter. While Auckland favored strong bikers like Jodie Stimpson, Anne Haug and Helen Jenkins, the course this weekend doesn’t offer those pack-breaking climbs meaning the front group will have to work that much harder to ditch the competition. The change in strategy might also mean a change in the Threadneedle leaderboard, so be sure to tune in to see the leading ladies duke it out.

Whether it’s the men or women’s race, there’s no doubt about it, you’ve got to run if you want a spot on the podium. While Gwen Jorgensen got jammed up on the bike after an athlete crashed in Auckland, the American takes no prisoners when she’s off the bike. Jorgensen will have to keep triple threats like Stimpson, Jenkins, and Emma Moffatt in sight if she wants to return to the top of the rankings, but those gals will need to have rear-view vision if they want to keep blazing Jorgensen at bay. Also don’t forget Jorgensen’s compatriot Katie Hursey, who started strongly with World Cup podiums in Mooloolaba and New Plymouth before a tough day in Auckland.

Read more: Triathlon.org

About The Race

The Cape Town event marks the first time ever a World Triathlon Series event will be held on the continent of Africa. Race organizers have proposed a two-lap 1500m swim within the V&A Waterfront, followed by a scenic eight-lap 40km bike ride along Beach Road and a four-lap 10km run with constant ocean views for the elites. The weekend of events will also include races for mass participation events. Age groupers will have the option to choose between a standard Olympic distance courses or hone their speed skills on a sprint course. Standard and sprint distance team relays are also on the schedule, offering a race for all abilities. In addition to the competitions, athletes will be treated to a weekend full of festivities; including sundown concerts, a race exhibition, kids & family races.