Kitzbuhel Preview: Macca makes return to ITU racing

The battle for the 2011 Dextro Energy Triathlon ITU World Championship Series is back this weekend in Kitzbühel after one of the shortest rests in the 2011 – with just one weekend between Madrid and the Austrian round.

This year, all eyes are set to be on Canadian Paula Findlay as she defends a title for the first time. She will be gunning for her third straight victory of 2011 as she is in reach of capturing five Dextro Energy Triathlon Series race titles to become the most successful woman in the series. Among the men, Alistair Brownlee will be looking for his second win in a row in 2011 – particularly with the two series leaders, Javier Gomez and Jonathan Brownlee sitting this round out. Click here for full race preview

But the big story is the return to ITU racing of Chris McCormack. Australian Chris McCormack claimed the ITU World Championship and overall World Cup series win in 1997 and since then has gone on to have an equally impressive long distance career, capturing Kona twice. But he announced earlier this year he would target a return to the ITU circuit with an aim to qualify for the London Olympics.

Click here for an exclusive 220 interview with Chris…

https://www.220triathlon.com/news/macca-olympic-return

This will be his first ITU race McCormack has competed in since 2004. No matter where he finishes, his comeback race will be interesting to watch. Also, keep an eye on the rest of the Australian contingent. Apart from rising star Brendan Sexton, who pulled out early in Madrid due to a stomach bug and won’t be racing in Austria, it has not been a great start to the season for Courtney Atkinson, Brad Kahlefeldt, Emma Snowsill and Emma Moffatt.

Elite men start – Saturday 18 June – 14.30 (UTC/GMT + 2) Click here for time in your area

Elite women start – Sunday 19 June – 12:30 (UTC/GMT + 2) Click here for time in your area

WEBSITE: http://www.triathlon.org

Matt Baird Editor of Cycling Plus magazine

About

Matt is a regular contributor to 220 Triathlon, having joined the magazine in 2008. He’s raced everything from super-sprint to Ironman, duathlons and off-road triathlons, and can regularly be seen on the roads and trails around Bristol. Matt is the author of Triathlon! from Aurum Press and is now the editor of Cycling Plus magazine.