Hewitt defends third ranking heading into Kitzbuhel

Andrea Hewitt continues her chase for an elusive World Championship title at the latest round of the ITU Dextro Energy World Champs Series at Kitzbuhel in Austria this weekend, racing alongside fellow Kiwis Debbie Tanner, Kate McIlroy, Nicky Samuels and Rebecca Spence.

The Canterbury triathlete is third ranked heading to Austria after finishing 3rd and 4th in the opening two events of the season, the most recent in Madrid just on two weeks ago.

Hewitt admits to a liking for the venue over and above any other on the calendar.

“This will be my sixth appearance in Kitzbuhel. It's my favourite place on the circuit with a beautiful landscape and a backdrop of steep downhill slopes. The race is however earlier in the season this year and the forecast is for much colder conditions than previously. It feels different also because my last race in Madrid ten days ago knocked me around a lot. It took me a week to recover which was pretty slow but I am confident now that I can race well this weekend.”

The goals for Hewitt are long term, with qualification for the London Olympics on her mind but also picking up consistent points to have her in contention for a world title at the season finale in Beijing in September.

“I am third in the current World Championship standings and another top five performance will keep me in contention for the World Championship crown. The goal is to once again race consistently and pick up good points to set me up for a strong finish to the season in August and September.”

Wellington’s Kate McIlroy meanwhile is looking to build on a startling career best finish of 6th in Madrid with another solid performance this weekend.

“I am really looking forward to racing this weekend in Kitzbuhel. I had a great race first up in Madrid finishing 6th. I was surprised to finish within the top 10 after a summer of interrupted training, so am keen to keep the momentum going. With only two weeks since Madrid, it is has left only a few days for some solid training to help recover and then get ready for this weekend. This will be my third year racing in Kitzbuhel, it’s a course I love due to the testing bike and run, as well as being one of the most stunning places to race in the world.”

Debbie Tanner meanwhile is looking for better luck than Madrid when she was forced to withdraw early on the bike with breathing issues.

“Madrid was a huge disappointment for me not to finish due to respiratory problems, I was really looking forward to it and am itching to get some more racing in, as training is going well and I would like to see where I am at.

“This is also our last week at our training base in Sete (France) before I head to altitude at Font Romeu which I am also really looking forward to as it is like a second home for me when I am overseas.

“It is looking like it could be quite cold in Kitzbuhel so that might upset a few people, but I think for the Kiwis it will play into our hands, so am looking for a good solid hit out.”

Nicky Samuels and Rebecca Spence round out the Kiwi contingent, with Samuels flying in after spending two weeks training with her coach Mark Elliott in the States while Spence continues a low key return to the sport after a two year absence.

ITU Dextro Energy Triathlon World Champs Series
Kitzbuhel, Austria
Round 3 of the 2012 World Champs Series

Elite Men
12.30am
Sunday 19th June NZT

Elite Women
10.36pm
Sunday 19th June NZT

Live coverage on Sky Sport and www.triathlon.org