Three Kiwis will line up at the ITU World Cup in Alicante in Spain this weekend as the international triathlon season continues post the London World Championships.
Maddie Dillon (Auckland), Simone Ackermann (Auckland) and Rebecca Clarke (Auckland) will all start in hot temperatures on Sunday evening New Zealand time, with the focus on earning ranking points and experience in amongst a top quality World Cup field.
Maddie Dillon took out the World Aquathlon title in the U23 elite race in London and is looking forward to her first ever race over the full standard triathlon distance (1500m swim, 40km bike, 10km run).
"I am really looking forward to the weekend and as this my first ever Olympic distance race the goal is to go through the processes of swimming, biking and running and the end result will take care of itself. It is one the of the highest quality World Cup fields so I am expecting it to be hard, hot and fast from the get go.
"I am feeling good about this weekend and am excited to see what I am capable of delivering over the longer distance as well as enjoying the chance to race against some top quality women and gain some vital experience."
Simone Ackermann is also racing off the back of London as she begins to find some form after an injury interrupted first part of her season. The formerly Whangarei (now Auckland) based athlete is looking for a steady all round performance.
"This weekend's race is going to be challenging as it is still hot here in Alicante, which is in the Mediterranean. Also, the bike course follows the hilly coastline and the field is large and has a lot of depth. Still, I am looking forward to it as it gives me a chance to have a good all-round race, which I was unable to produce at London."
Rebecca Clarke finished 4th in the open elite Aquathlon World Champs in London and is looking to continue that good swimming form in the race this weekend.
"I gained a lot of confidence being 1st out of water at Elite Aquathlon World Champs so my aim to stay with the leaders on the swim, make sure I am in first pack and make a break on rest of field with a small group and maintain my position on the run.
"Training has been going really well in Portugal and I'm excited to race in just my second World Cup. It will be a non-wetsuit swim (about 22C), the bike is 6 laps with one main hill which will be challenging doing it 12 times. The run is flat but with the temperature expected to be high 20s the heat is likely to be a factor.
"There are 60 girls racing so this is still a very new experience for all of us Kiwis on Sunday. With Jodie Stimpson (GBR) wearing No1, and with strong swimmers like Lucy Hall, Carolina Routier to push the swim pace the potential for a small breakaway is strong; this could benefit such a group on the hilly course as everyone has to work to stay in touch."
ITU World Cup: Alicante, Spain
Sunday 29th September
Elite Women 7pm NZT
Featuring Maddie Dillon, Simone Ackermann, Rebecca Clarke
For live timing and updates, visit www.triathlon.org.
