Preview: WTS Cape Town 2014
Javier Gomez and Jonny Brownlee to resume hostilities as Alistair sits it out, while USA's Gwen Jorgensen takes on Brits Jodie Stimpson and Helen Jenkins
The second instalment of this year’s World Triathlon Series will be held in Cape Town, South Africa this weekend, with the elite women including Britain’s Jodie Stimpson and Helen Jenkins racing on Saturday 26 April, and the men (including Javier Gomez and Jonny Brownlee) under starter’s order the following day.
Marking the first time a WTS race has been held on African soil, the athletes will start with a two-lap 1500m swim in the V&A Waterfront, followed by an eight-lap 40km bike with constant ocean views and a four-lap 10km run in Cape Town Stadium, finishing along Granger Bay Boulevard at The Lookout.
With Britain’s Alistair Brownlee revealing this morning that he won’t be racing in Cape Town this weekend, the men’s race is likely to be dominated by his younger brother Jonny and defending champion Javier Gomez (ESP), although local favourite Richard Murray will have home advantage and plenty of vocal support from the crowds. Other international men to watch out for include Mario Mola (ESP) and João Silva (POR), while the British men also include Gordon Benson and Mark Buckingham.
The women’s race will see the USA’s Gwen Jorgensen eager to improve on her 12th place in Auckland a few weeks ago, while British athlete Jodie Stimpson will be riding high on confidence after her Auckland win, and teammate Helen Jenkins seems to have picked right up where she left off after her two-year absence from the sport. Emma Moffat (recently named as part of Australia’s triathlon team for the Commonwealth Games this summer) will also be a strong contender. Other British women racing in Cape Town this weekend include Vicky Holland, Lucy Hall and Katie Hewison.
The women’s race will start at 3pm local time (2pm UK time) on Saturday 26 April, while the men’s race will get underway at the same time the following day (Sunday 27 April).
All the racing action can be watched live on the BBC Red Button service, or online at https://triathlonlive.tv.
(Image: Martin Power)
Who do you think will win in Cape Town this weekend? Let us know in the comments!
Jamie Beach
Former digital editor 
