Published September 15, 2015 05:58PM
WTS Chicago Race Week Gets Underway Tomorrow
After nine thrilling ITU World Triathlon Series races this year, the action wraps up this week in Chicago, Ill.
Photo: Delly Carr/Triathlon.org
After nine thrilling ITU World Triathlon Series races this year, the men’s and women’s elite World Championship titles will be decided in heated battles this week at the ITU World Triathlon Grand Final Chicago. The U.S. women have dominated the Columbia Threadneedle Rankings, with Gwen Jorgensen the favorite to retain her world title on home soil after an undefeated season. But she’ll have to contend with her own compatriot Katie Zaferes who sits just 300 points behind her.
Likewise, on the men’s side it’s Javier Gomez’s race to lose, but he’ll fight it out with his own Spanish teammate Mario Mola, as well as Frenchman Vincent Luis and South African Richard Murray for the men’s title. If Gomez can hold on to his top ranking, he’ll become the first athlete ever to win five ITU World Championship Olympic-distance races.
About The Race
This is the second year Chicago has featured on the World Triathlon Series calendar. Hundreds of thousands of spectators are expected to witness the excitement and drama of age group and professional triathlon in Chicago in one of the world’s most scenic and iconic venues. Chicago is the third U.S. city to welcome a WTS race, with D.C. having hosted a race in the WTS’ inaugural season. San Diego also welcomed competitors to its shores in 2012 and 2013.
Schedule (All Times CDT)
Aquathon Men – Wednesday, Sept.16 – 10:00 a.m.
Aquathon Women – Wednesday, Sept. 16 – 10:05 a.m.
Under23 Men – Thursday, Sept. 17 – 7:00 a.m.
Age group sprint – Thursday, Sept. 17 – 10:00 a.m.
Junior Men – Thursday, Sept. 17 – 4:30 p.m.
Paratriathlon – Friday, Sept. 18 – 7 a.m.
Under23 Women – Friday, Sept. 18 – 11:30 a.m.
Junior Women – Friday, Sept. 18 – 2:30 p.m.
Elite Women – Friday, Sept. 18 – 5 p.m.
Age group standard – Saturday, Sept. 19 – 10:10 a.m.
Elite Men – Saturday, Sept. 19 – 5 p.m.
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Elite Course
Swim (1500m) – Off a pontoon start, athletes will swim a two laps for 1500m in Monroe Harbor
Bike (40km) – After exiting the lake, athletes will bike a eight very technical bike laps down Columbus Drive and into off streets in Downtown Chicago.
Run (10km) – Off the bike, athletes will run four laps with several 180-degree turns again along Columbus Drive and the Downtown area.
Live Coverage
Follow all the events live with timing and text updates, at triathlonlive.tv and on twitter at @triathlonlive.
Check back for previews of the elite races.