Athletes chatter ahead of Tongyeong World Cup

by Doug Gray on 27 Oct, 2017 03:15 • Español

As the end of the season quickly approaches, athletes get ready for the 2017 ITU Tongyeong World Cup in South Korea. Let’s hear what they think of the race.

Chelsea Sodaro
In her first World Cup season, USA’s Chelsea Sodaro caused quite a stir with her podium finish in the heat of Sarasota at the start of October. “My running background has been reaping some good splits, but I’m focussing on my swims to give me a better start. I’m fortunate to be working with one of the best coaches in the world and to be surrounded by great women athletes, and now I just want to end my first season on a high. I’m used to the hills with my training in San Diego, so I think the Tongyeong course will suit me.”

Edda Hannesdottir
The sole Icelandic representative in Korea, Edda Hannesdottir’s is optimistic despite less-than-ideal preparations for the penultimate World Cup of the season. “I had a car accident followed by a sinus infection but after a couple of races, including a best-finish 15th place in Sarasota, I am back in good shape. I’ve been turning my clocks around for the past week or so and I feel fresh after the trip here, now I’m looking forward to the swim after missing out on the water in Sarasota. I suffered a lot on the last lap of the run there and needed half an hour in the ice bath to get over the heat. I made some mistakes in that race but I also learned a lot.”

Uxio Abuin
The winner here last year, Spain’s Uxio Abuin has featured on the podium in his last two World Cups including gold in Weihai, and is confident again going into the penultimate race of the year. “I feel in good shape right now, but I have done all year really. Maybe I got a bit unlucky earlier in the season but the podium finish in Huelva was a real confidence boost. The Spanish team is so strong right now, getting these points is really important. I like the Tongyeong course and I have good memories here, and I expect a similar race to last year.”

Andreas Schilling
Denmark’s Andreas Schilling will start a World Cup wearing the number one for the first time in his career this weekend, the reflection of a solid year for the powerful cyclist. “I don’t feel any extra pressure as top seed, it comes at the end of a good year with no injuries and despite a few ups and downs I feel I’ve made steps forward. It is a hilly course for the bike ride and that is where I’ll look to exert some pressure before the run. I enjoy the sprint distance, so I’d be very happy with a podium finish here.”