2015 New Plymouth World Cup – The pre race hype

by Lisa Pringle on 20 Mar, 2015 02:08 • Español
2015 New Plymouth World Cup – The pre race hype

2015 New Plymouth World Cup – The pre race hype

South Africa’s vendula_frintova’>Vendula Frintova (CZE), will both wear the number one bibs on Sunday but with 145 athletes represented by 37 countries lining up over the sprint distance (750m swim, 20km bike and 5km run) nothing is guaranteed. There are so many quality athletes capable of making up the podium. What we can guarantee is another super quick thriller with the urgency from countries and athletes to earn qualification points for Rio.

We had a quick chat with a few favourites but also highlighted some other chances and interesting athletes that make up the field.

Richard Murray (RSA)
On racing in New Plymouth
“I had a good first event in Abu Dhabi. I’m looking forward to New Plymouth, I hear there is a bit of rain coming so should be an interesting race,” Murray said.

sophie_corbidge’>Sophie Corbidge (NZL)
Here first New Plymouth race:
“I haven’t raced in New Plymouth before, last year I was injured so didn’t come down. Actually that is not completely correct, this will be my first full triathlon in New Plymouth but I have raced here before in a team. It was way back in the year that the family arrived from the UK, I think it was a 3:9:3 beginner’s race and I swam for my team – I think we finished second that day. So I guess I do have some form in New Plymouth to fall back on!”

The course and 2015 season
“I have heard about it and I think it will suit me, it is apparently fast and technical with a bit of a climb on the bike and a flat run which suits me, and the sprint distance is something in enjoy as well.

“We are gradually but surely building towards our pinnacle event this year which for me is the World Champs in September, but at the same time I need to be earning ITU and Olympic ranking points and it is in my nature anyway that I will give it 110% regardless of the situation.”

gonzalo_raul_tellechea’>Gonzalo Raul Tellechea (ARG)
Latin America has produced the odd star in the sport but is perhaps still an untapped source as triathlon continues to spread around the globe. A top ten in Mooloolaba hinted at better things in 2014 for the 29 year old, this after winning the South American Champonships in La Paz earlier this year.

Ron Darmon (ISR)
If Latin America is an unlikely source for triathletes, then many will be shocked to see Israel represented on the start line. But it is not such a shock for 23 year old Ron Darmon, his sister Kim is one of the leading women triathletes in Israel, and two of his brothers and another sister are amateur triathletes. Ron’s father is also a triathlete, competing in Ironman competitions, and his mother is a member of the Israeli Triathlon Association board and head of the medical committee. You could say the family is very supportive of Darmon’s career choice…!

tamara_gomez-garrido’>Tamara Gomez-Garrido (ESP)
Talking of breakthrough performances, the former World Junior Duathlon Champion looks to be back from two years of injury in the wilderness with a win in Mooloolaba a week ago. One of only two athletes in the race to go sub 17 minutes for the 5k run, watch for back to back podiums from the up and coming Spaniard – who is no relation to Javier Gomez by the way!

Richard Murray RSA 00:52:38 2. Alexander Bryukhankov RUS 00:52:59 3. Kristian Blummenfelt NOR 00:53:02 4. Andrew Yorke CAN 00:53:05 5. Gonzalo Raul Tellechea ARG 00:53:08

Results: Elite Women
1. Kaitlin Donner USA 01:00:18
2. Renee Tomlin USA 01:00:20
3. Vendula Frintova CZE 01:00:25
4. Yuko Takahashi JPN 01:00:35
5. Ai Ueda JPN 01:00:41
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