The final ITU World Cup triathlon of the season will have a New Zealand presence with 5 athletes lining up in Tongyeong, South Korea tomorrow (Saturday).
Maddie Dillon (Auckland), Rebecca Clarke (Auckland) and Simone Ackermann (Auckland) will compete in the elite women's race with Bryce McMaster (Auckland) and Ryan Sissons in the men's.
For Sissons (Auckland) it is a return to a course and venue he has enjoyed in the past.
"I have come to Tongyeong as the last race of the season for me. I have done a lot of hard work of the European summer and am really looking forward to one last dance this Saturday in Korea. I have raced here a few years ago and really enjoyed the race atmosphere, great support, an interesting course and good chance to get a shot at a World Cup win before I go back to NZ.
"The course looks great, a few hills on the bike to open up the legs a bit, and then more than likely a fast flat run. The swim will be crucial for me, it hasn't been a strong point all season and I just hope I can get it right on Saturday and our myself in a good position."
Sissons has continued training in Europe since the London World Triathlon Series Grand Final, albeit not completely on his own.
"I have been in Vitoria, Spain post London training with the Australian team. It was good to have a little less pressure post London and I have quite enjoyed my time in Vitoria the past few weeks."
Simone Ackermann is similarly racing for the final time this season before returning home and is looking to finish a difficult year on a high.
"This weekend's race will be my last for the season. It is an important race for me because it is an opportunity to get points going into next season, in particular for the Auckland World Series which will be a qualifying race for the Commonwealth Games. Also, I would like to finish the season on a high as there haven't been many of them this season.
"It is quite muggy and warm here, and again the race will be tough. In particular, the bike that is mostly up and down. The run is flat, but as always, will be challenging. Tongyeong is an interesting place- it is kind of like a big fishing village. I think quite a few of us are struggling to find good food or food which we used to. It is one of those things you have to adjust to the best that you can and come prepared for."
Rebecca Clarke (Auckland) is also chasing experience and ITU rankings points to carry into next season.
"My main reasons for racing this weekend are to gain ITU points to move up the rankings and get more race experience. The last two weeks since Alicante have been about making sure I was recovered from the race, taking an extra day off as I was run down and then fitting in a few key sessions before tapering for this race.
"It will be my first time racing here, checked out course this morning, there are two main hills per lap. A smaller field than Alicante with 30 girls competing, with some strong Aussie swimmers, there is a chance for a breakaway and a course you can stay away on if the group is working well. My aim to be near the front in the swim, be in the first pack on the bike, making sure I conserve as much energy as I can on the challenging bike course to have a good run and will be really happy to finish in the top 10.
"There is not much around where we are staying Tongyeong in terms of supermarkets and restaurants, so very glad I stocked up on some essential food items before I flew here, pre race dinner should be interesting!"
