London calling for leading Triathletes

The Dextro Energy Triathlon ITU World Championship Series continues this weekend (Saturday night NZT) in London as the athletes get a sneak preview of the course to be used for the London Olympics in 2012.

Leading the way for New Zealand is Andrea Hewitt in the women’s race and Kris Gemmell in the men’s as both look for strong performances to further enhance their rankings with just Yokohama and the season ending finale on the Gold Coast to come.

Hewitt goes into the race in second place overall in the World Championship rankings knowing that another top ten finish will set her up for the season ending Gold Coast race when points are further multiplied to find a World Champion.

Rising Wellington triathlete Kate McIlroy will also line up, just a week after her first ever win at ITU World Cup level in Hungary.

“This week will be really hard obviously a much more stacked field than Hungary, most of the girls are using it as a hit out before the World Champs final on the Gold Coast.

“I just want another good solid result, another top ten would be awesome and cap off the whole trip over here and come home with a great result. But I’m feeling pretty tired from last weekend, it took a bit more out of me than I thought, so we will see.

“The whole aim of this season was to swim well in each of my races so if I have a good swim it will set me up for the rest of the race - that will be the main focus again on the weekend.”

Joining Hewitt and McIlroy on the start line will be Debbie Tanner, Nicky Samuels and Rebecca Spence.

The leading internationals include reigning World Champion Helen Jenkins (GBR) and Vanessa Fernandes (POR) who looks to regain form after a year slowed by her return from leg and collar bone injuries. Series leader Emma Moffatt (AUS) sits this one out.

In the men’s race Kris Gemmell is the best of the Kiwi chances but he won’t lack for company with Clark Ellice, Graham O’Grady, Ryan Sissons, Callum Millward and James Elvery all on the start line. Wellington’s Martin van Barneveld might join them too if he gets a late acceptance from the ITU.

Tri NZ National Coach Greg Fraine

“Kris hasn’t been satisfied with his recent performances and I know is looking to consolidate his current ranking with just a couple of races left in the season. He has also been racing through some pretty heavy training so I’m sure will go well at this business end of the season.

“Of the others we are once again working with the younger athletes to get them working as a unit to put at least one in a position to finish high up the field.”

Leading internationals include Alistair Brownlee (GBR), Javier Gomez (ESP), Brad Kahlefeldt (AUS), Jarrod Shoemaker (USA) and a host of European athletes looking to make their mark late in the season.

New Zealanders competing this weekend (world ranking in brackets)

Andrea Hewitt Christchurch (2nd)

Debbie Tanner Auckland (18th)

Nicky Samuels Wanaka (21st)

Kate McIlroy Wellington (25th)

Rebecca Spence Auckland (90th)

Kris Gemmell Palmerston North (9th)

Clark Ellice New Plymouth (43rd)

Graham O’Grady Hamilton (80th)

Callum Millward Hawkes Bay (107th)

James Elvery Auckland (116th)

Ryan Sissons Auckland NA