Stefan Daniel to step up Worlds preparation in Magog

by Olalla Cernuda on 13 Jul, 2017 11:51 • Español
Stefan Daniel to step up Worlds preparation in Magog

Ten months after winning silver at the Paralympic Games, Canada’s Stefan Daniel is stepping up his preparation for another global competition this weekend. The 20-year-old will compete in the Magog ITU Paratriathlon World Cup on Saturday (15 July) as he builds-up to the World Championships in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, in September.

“This year has gone very well so far,” Daniel said. “I haven’t done any Para races yet, as I’ve been competing in able-bodied races. I’ve taken lots of time to improve my weaknesses this year, and hopefully the hard work shows starting in Magog.”

Daniel is no stranger to able-bodied racing having won the national junior championships two years ago and he says competing against able-bodied athletes has been a “vital part” of his development.

“Racing in able-bodied events teaches you how to race smart and to race hard,” Daniel said. “It’s always a good challenge and it drives me to improve because I want to get to a high level in able bodied sport as well as Paratriathlon.”

The University of Calgary student trains about 15 hours a week across the three disciplines and he hopes this weekend’s Magog World Cup will give him an indication about his form ahead of the Paratriathlon World Championships in September.

“My aim is to win this weekend,” Daniel said. “This will be my first non-drafting race of the year, so it will be a good chance to see if I have improved in each of the three disciplines. I will know if I’m on track for having a good race at the World Championships.”

Daniel will go head-to-head with Spain’s Rafael Solis Torres in the men’s PTS5 race in Magog. Torres will be hoping to convert his duathlon success to triathlon, but Daniel will start as the favourite.

In the men’s PTWC event, Daniel’s compatriot Pierre Ouellet will compete in his first international triathlon since last July, but the USA’s Howie Sanborn is also in contention.

Australia’s Emily Tapp will be looking to build upon her early season form in the women’s PTWC event after securing gold at both the Oceania Championships and the World Paratriathlon Series race in Gold Coast.

Japan’s Kenji Hashimoto faces competition from compatriot Kenshiro Nakayama and the US pair of Adam Popp and Allan Armstrong in the men’s PTS2 race.

Joel Rosinbum is aiming to bounce back in the men’s PTS4 after losing his USA title last month.

In the PTVI events, Canada’s Jon Dunkerley will be hoping for home success, while the USA’s Amy Dixon starts as the favourite in the women’s race.

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