Five mins with Helen Jenkins

Jenkins eyes a second consecutive podium in London

Published: July 22, 2010 at 12:56 pm

Two days before one of Olympic-distance triathlon's biggest events, we caught up with last year's third-place finisher Helen Jenkins…



220 Your season’s progressively improved, culminating with bronze at Hy-Vee. You came third last year at Hyde Park. All the signs are that this could be the one you win. Do you feel the same? And where do you feel you could win the race?



HJ Everything has been progressing well over the last few races, I've just completed a bit of a longer training block so hopefully that has moved me on again, I'd love to be back on the podium in Hyde Park but it’s a tough field so I'll have to have an outstanding day to win the race.



220 Obviously areas of the course will cover the same ground as 2012. How much of a ‘recce’ do you have on the Olympic event when racing Hyde Park?



HJ It’s good to see the course and get a 'feel' for it. It’s not exactly the same as the 2012 course but it is nice to get comfortable at a race course and then when you race on it on the big days it is familiar to you.



220 Which athletes do you perceive as your main threat at Hyde Park?



HJ There are so many! I consider everyone lining up as the ones to beat, I think the podium from each race so far this year has had different athletes on it.



220 Who on the Brit side, men’s and women’s, are potential victors? Guess Mr Brownlee is the man to watch.



HJ Al has had a fantastic first few races after his injury worries and Tim Don was impressive at Hy-Vee to. And in the women's too we have good depth, hopefully we'll have lots of Brits up there fighting for podium positions.



220 Has there been a tangible impact on the Brit team of the GE sponsorship?



HJ The GE sponsorship is in its early days but we are feeling the benefit throughout the whole of British triathlon. Having such a big company behind us with so many different ways to support the team is really positive. On a personal note, I’m delighted to be involved with GE Capital.



220 What gear will you be using on the day?



HJ I use a TCR advanced SL Giant bike, Giro helmet, Oakley eyewear, Speedo wetsuit and goggles, Asics DS racers and Asics race suit. I’ll also be wearing my Suunto Comfort belt during the race which the ITU have used to give heart rate details of athletes during the race.



220 Will you be racing The London Triathlon this year?



HJ Yes, I’m looking forward to it! It’s nice to race in the UK, and it’s fantastic to have two big races in London again this year.