Paratriathletes heading to world champs in Rotterdam
Eleven of Britain’s 13 Rio-bound paratriathletes will be competing at the Rotterdam ITU Paratriathlon World Championships on Sunday 24 July
The paratriathletes hoping to bring back golds include defending world champion, Lauren Steadman. Steadman, who has been unbeaten for more than two years, but will face fierce competition from up-and-coming Grace Norman, USA, was second to her last year and could challenge her in the PT4 event.
The line up include Britain’s four current European Champions, Alison Patrick (PT5), Andy Lewis (PT2), Lizzie Tench (PT1) and Steadman are all lining up with good opportunities to add to their medal tallies.
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Head Coach, Jonathon Riall, said: “This is an opportunity for Rio bound athletes to practice their race processes and race hard seven weeks out from the games. It’s also an opportunity for staff to reinforce their games time roles.
“It’s a mixed bag in terms of competition, but that’s understandable at this stage, and we’ll focus on our own performances to get us on track for Rio.”
GB paratri team announced for Rio Paralympics
As well as Britain’s Paralympic athletes competing, the British team features athletes hoping to make their mark in the future. “We see this as an opportunity to kick start our 2020 cycle by integrating a new and exciting group of athletes to the upper level of the British squad and international competition.”
Athletes including Kerry Large, Mark Conway and Bret Crossley will compete in the open waves alongside their more experienced team mates.
Paratriathlon: the ultimate guide
In pictures: GB paratriathletes in training ahead of Rio
Great Britain team; Rotterdam ITU Paratriathlon World Championships; 750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run; Sunday 24 July:
PT1 Elite
Phil, Hogg, Joe Townsend, Lizzie Tench
PT1 Open
Mark Conway, Bret Crossley
PT2 Elite
Ryan Taylor, Andrew Lewis
PT3 Elite
Cassie Cava
PT4
George Peasgood, Steven Crowley, Lauren Steadman, Faye Mcclelland
PT4 Open
Chris Frost, Kerry Large
PT5
Alison Patrick + guide Hazel Smith, Melissa Reid + guide Nicole Walters