For Tony Dodds (Wanaka), Simone Ackerman (Whangarei), Rebecca Clarke (Auckland), Rebecca Spence (Auckland) and Sam Ward (Auckland) Edmonton this weekend presents the final opportunity for a tune up ahead of the ITU World Series grand final in Chicago on September 19/20.
The penultimate round of the WTS is a genuine top class event, with the top 3 men in the world and 2 of the 3 women's podium getters from the recent Rio Test Event on the start line. The Kiwis will be putting their best feet forward in pursuit of strong performances and ranking points before the Chicago finale.
Dodds goes into the sprint distance race ranked 12th in the starting lineup, after having only raced in four events this season due in part to a recent hip injury, but he is looking forward to putting the final touches on the Chicago preparation this weekend.
"The adrenaline will help on Sunday, I have great advice and know that I can push through a bit of pain in the race. It's going to be a fast, fast race so hopefully I might look to get a little buffer going into the run so can manage that part of the day more effectively, other than that it will be a test to see if I can push it more with Chicago in mind."
Triathlon New Zealand HP Coach Tim Brazier is looking forward to seeing the results of some recent continued hard work in Victoria (Canada).
"We are looking forward to racing Edmonton and seeing the results of a training block here in Victoria, which will enable us to fine tune over the last two weeks towards Chicago; our pinnacle event for the year. Whilst Chicago is the focus, every race is an opportunity to put yourself up against the world's best and the athletes will be looking to execute precisely and put forward a strong race performance."
Simone Ackermann has enjoyed a consistent season, posting a number of strong performances as she comes to terms with racing at the highest level and is coming off a strong 18th place at the Rio test event. The 25 year old has clear goals this weekend.
"I would like to get a decent result from this weekend's race. It is also an important step in preparing me to race well in Chicago. I think having a fast swim start and being strong through transition one and the first lap of the bike will allow me to do this.
"Many of the top ranked girls are not racing this weekend and the course is different to what is was last year. This makes it a bit difficult to predict how the race will play out. This is part of triathlon racing though and what makes it interesting."
Auckland's Rebecca Clarke will also line up in Edmonton where she finished 23rd in the grand final in 2014.
"Although my main focus for the season will be the Chicago grand final, the Edmonton WTS is a chance to gauge my training after a solid training block. I have just finished a three week altitude camp in Mexico. I've been training with the Brazilian team plus a few extras including Cameron Todd (NZ elite U23 representative for Chicago). We're here with our coach, Stephen Farrell, from North Harbour Tri Club. It's my first time training at altitude and I'm unsure how I will go in Edmonton. However, I have completed a great block of training and feel fitter and stronger than I have since the beginning of the year.
Sam Ward (Auckland) will get just his second start in a WTS race (he was 37th on debut in Stockholm in 2014), as he prepares for his appearance in the U23 World Championships in Chicago.
New Zealand also has a junior team racing on the Saturday as they too prepare for their world championship races in Chicago. Dan Hoy, Tayler Reid, Kyle Smith, Fynn Thompson, Elizabeth Stannard, Katherine Badham and Jaimee Leader are all looking to continue the consistent execution they achieved in Japan, with good diligence around their performance behaviours. Will O'Connor is with the team in a coaching capacity, his first in this role at an overseas competition.
Meanwhile Ryan Sissons and Andrea Hewitt put the finishing touches on their Chicago preparations with a French Grand Prix race this weekend before travelling to North America.
Races will be covered live on SKY Sport; check guides for details.
