ABU DHABI // Jodie Stimpson says a fresh approach to her training regime has her raring to go as she bids to defend her title at this year’s ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi.
The capital once again hosts the opening leg of the 2017 ITU World Triathlon Series at the new surroundings of Yas Island this weekend, with the Briton, winner here 12 months ago, saying she is eager to see how she fares against her rivals ahead of a long and arduous campaign.
“The beauty of the opening race is we know so little about the challenge we face. It takes us to the unknown,” Stimpson said at the launch ceremony at Yas Viceroy Hotel onm Wednesday.
“I would, of course, be looking at my own preparation and of the others in the race. There’s definitely a few changes for me.
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“There’s been a change coachwise, a few challenges and a lot of learning for myself in training in a completely different way. Really positive changes, and I’m really looking forward the race.”
Commenting on the new course at Yas Marina, Stimpson said: “As an athlete you try to prepare the best you can for each race. This new course will definitely be a test, technically, for all athletes. You really have to be very on it on the bike course.”
Spain’s Mario Mola, winner of the men’s race here the past two years, said he was confident of handling the pressure of chasing a third straight title in Abu Dhabi.
“For me it’s great to start the season here in Abu Dhabi,” said Mola, who finished runner-up in the 2014 and 2015 ITU World Triathlon Series. “It’s a whole new season, with lots of challenges, and a motivation to try to do the same this year.”
Mola will be up against compatriot Javier Gomez, a five-time ITU world champion and two-time Olympic medallist, as well as the South African OIympians Henri Schoeman and Richard Murray.
Gomes comes into the race on the back of a victory in the Dubai 70.3 Challenge a few weeks ago.
“It was a good way to start the season, a totally different race,” he said.
“It had nothing to do with this race in Abu Dhabi, but I was very happy to win in Dubai, on a course that wasn’t good for me at all, too flat.
“I struggled a little bit on the bike for that, but I run well and managed to get the win. After that I’ve been training well, gaining speed, because for this race I think I’m going need it.
“I’m feeling good, I’m very excited to be back and let’s see what happens on the weekend.”
The ITU World Triathlon Series season-opener features a number of race categories for amateurs and juniors.
It has drawn over 2,500 athletes from 52 countries as well as 92 of the world’s leading elite triathletes to Yas Island.
“We are extremely encouraged to have once again attracted a world-class elite field and most importantly thousands of age-group participants and junior triathletes from around the world,” Talal Al Hashemi, the director of technical affairs at Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said.
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