Astana will host the fifth stop on the 2018 World Cup circuit on Saturday, with qualification points for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games as well as the pride of a podium finish at stake in the Kazakhstan capital.
Wearing the number one on Saturday will be South Africa’s experienced Gillian Sanders:
“I feel no extra pressure wearing the number one, and i’ll actually enjoy being the target that comes with it. I was out of action for a time after Abu Dhabi, so hopefully 2018 is just going to get better for me. Astana has been on my radar for this year and after missing out on racing in Yokohama it feels good to be here and ready to race. I want to test myself with WTS Leeds coming up. I’m still enjoying my triathlon and I’m still improving so I’ll be looking for points for Tokyo 2020.”
Women’s race ambassador Tamsyn Moana-Veale (AUS) has been in Astana for two weeks, training and working with local children and triathletes:
“Having never been to Kazakhstan before this has been a great experience, its been so friendly. We have visited local kids, given them a few pointers, and just seeing the smiles on their faces during practices has been amazing. We’ve seen the course and it looks good, there’s some technical elements but the set up here is great so i’m keen to get racing.”
Great Britain’s Lucy Hall starts her first World Cup since June 2017 this weekend:
“I wasn’t so well by the end of 2017, but I’ve had the past 6-7 weeks in training so I’m happy to be back and I have set a few process goals that I want to hit through this race. A lot of athletes will be looking at this as a points race for Tokyo, but I’m just enjoying the Astana experience.”
Bence Bicsak (HUN) arrives after a brilliant fifth place at WTS Yokohama to also wear number one in Astana:
“I’m happy with recent results but it has all come after a lot of hard work. Yokohama was incredible for me but after the long trip I’m now excited for this race. The course looks good and I’m ready for the Olympic distance. I just want to enjoy the journey.”
Felix Duchampt of France is looking to secure a podium place having been on a strong run of form since Weihai:
“For the past two years my training has become more consistent and that has helped my recovery times and avoiding injury. Second place last year in Salinas was important to me. I knew I could get there but actually doing it was a big step. Astana has been on my plans as an Olympic distance race, and although I’m tired, I’m really excited for the race.”
