2014 World Triathlon Series preview
We check out the first four races on the WTS tour, which kicks off in Auckland next month
For the first time in its six-year history, the World Triathlon Series will visit five continents on its global tour, stopping off at three new venues – Cape Town, Chicago and Edmonton. With excitement starting to build in the 220 offices, we take a look at the first four races…
The March issue of 220 Triathlon magazine (on sale now) features our complete guide to all eight races on the 2014 WTS tour, and can be picked up at all good newsagents. The digital edition is available via the iTunes store, Google Play and Zinio.
Auckland, New Zealand
When: 5-6 April
Promises a challenging bike course, and championed by spectators for its near constant views of the tri action. The tough bike will no doubt be a deciding factor in who will join the distinguished list of past Auckland winners. Non Stanford and Alistair Brownlee both confirmed earlier this week that they won’t be taking part.
2013 winners: Anne Haug (GER) and Javier Gomez (ESP).
Watch Auckland WTS for free!
The kindly folks at the ITU are offering all 220 readers a FREE TriathlonLIVE Event Pass for the Auckland World Triathlon Series opening race on 6 April – more info here.
Cape Town, South Africa
When: 26-27 April
The elite course is still being finalised but race organisers have proposed a two-lap, 1,500m swim within the V&A Waterfront, followed by a scenic eight-lap 40km bike ride along Beach Road, and finished off with a four-lap 10km run with constant ocean views.
Who will it suit? It’s a fast, flat course, so one for the runners. We expect, and are hoping, to see a finish-line battle between GB’s finest speedsters, Non Stanford and Jodie Stimpson.
Yokohama, Tokyo
When: 17-18 May
Starting with a pontoon dive into the two-lap, usually non-wetsuited, swim. The eight-lap, flat bike course follows, but includes many technical turns. Four laps around Yamashita Park concludes proceedings.
2013 winners: Gwen Jorgensen (USA) and Jonathan Brownlee (GBR).
London, UK
When: 31 May-1 June
Aside from it being the 2012 Olympic tri venue, the London course also affords spectators a fantastic opportunity to see the world’s finest athletes racing against a backdrop of some of the world’s most iconic monuments. Crowds lining Hyde Park bring the party atmosphere.
2013 winners: Non Stanford (GBR) and Javier Gomez (ESP).
220 prediction: The Brownlees have some unfinished business on the Olympic course: Alistair was injury-laden in 2013 and finished a lowly 52nd; Jonny, meanwhile, was outsprinted to the line, to lose not only the race but also the championship title.
(Images: Delly Carr)
Issue 298 of 220 Triathlon magazine is on sale from 1 April, featuring: A 28-page beginner’s guide to the open water; tips on how to achieve the perfect bike fit; essential triathlon coaching advice for kids; first test of the Boardman TT 9.4; plus all the latest racing action…
Jamie Beach
Former digital editor 
