ITU San Diego preview

ITU World Triathlon Series continues in Cali this weekend with Ali Brownlee vs Javier Gomez the big battle

Published: April 17, 2013 at 10:11 am

The second round of the ITU World Triathlon Series touches down where it all started in the birthplace of triathlon in San Diego this weekend. Friday sees a strong elite women's field take centre stage, while the elite men's event heralds the much anticipated first appearance of Alistair Brownlee (GBR) up against Javier Gomez (ESP) on Saturday.

In the women's race Anne Haug (GER) will again start favourite in what has been a dominant start to the season. She face the likes of veterans Andrea Hewitt (NZL), Barbara Riveros Diaz (CHI), as well as the return of Paula Findlay (CAN) and the United States' own Sarah Groff.

Racing will take place adjacent to the world's first ever triathlon over a 2-lap swim course, an 8-lap bike course focused on Mission Bay Drive and a 3-lap run course on Oceanfront Walk and Bayfront Walk surrounding Mission Boulevard.

BBC coverage

The women's race will be on the red button at 23:00 on Friday

The men's race will be on the red button at 22:30 on Saturday

Click here to read the full preview

About the race

On 25 September 1974 the very first triathletes dove into San Diego's Mission Bay to complete a 5.3-mile run, followed by a 5-mile bike and a 600-yard swim. Members of the San Diego Track and Field club organised it as an alternative to track work and 46 of them finished the race.

Last year marked the debut of San Diego's appearance on the ITU World Triahtlon Series calendar, becoming the second U.S. city to host a round of the series after Washington, D.C. in 2009. Great Britain's Jonathan Brownlee and Helen Jenkins swept the podium before thousands of age-groupers competed in almost the same spot as the original triathlon 40 years ago.

SCHEDULE

Elite Women - Friday 19 April - 15:30 (UTC/GMT -7) Click here for time in your area

Elite Men - Saturday 20 April - 16:00 (UTC/GMT -7) Click here for time in your area

Paratriathlon - Saturday 20 April - 08:25 (UTC/GMT -7) Click here for time in your area

WEBSITE

sandiego.triathlon.org

START LISTS

Click here for women's start list

Click here for men's start list

LIVE COVERAGE

Live video coverage be available on race day at triathlon.org/tv or at @triathlonlive on Twitter.

Image: Rich Cruse/ITU