Almost 100 triathletes will take the stage this Sunday in Huelva for the inaugural ITU World Cup in the coastal Spanish city. With a very demanding and challenging course, let’s hear what athletes think about the race, the course and their expectations for the event.
Vicente Hernandez
On the pressure of wearing number 1: “This season I had the opportunity to race almost all WTS, and that was my main objective for the season. This is the first world cup of the season for me, and being in Spain is very special for me. I will have my family supporting here and I am also wearing number 1, so it’s a great race the one we have ahead.”
On the weather conditions in Huelva: “I?ve been racing lately in places where it was almost winter and here the weather it’s gonna be perfect. Sunny, warm but not too hot. It’s more confortable to compete with this type of weather, so we all can enjoy, triathletes and spectators alike.”
On the field of play in Huelva: “There are some very good riders, as Leo and some other really good swimmers. The first section of the bike will be very important, but everyone hast to play their cards. “
Anna Godoy Contreras
On her great results in Rotterdam last week: “This is also my last race of the season for my so I will give it all. I want to finish in the top ten, that’s the perfect goal for me here. In order to do so, with this technical circuit and with the first segment of 20km on the bike, I will try to be in the front pack because I think it’s where the race will be decided”.
Leo Bergere
On the technical course: “I haven’t had the chance of taking a look on the course yet, but I love the atmosphere here in the city and how everything is prepared. I really can’t wait to race this Sunday”.
On how does he feel after his great performance in Rotterdam: “my legs still hurt from Rotterdam, it was a really demanding race. But I have two more days to recover before this race”.
On his plans for the race: “It’s a secret. There is a really strong field here but the key will be to be strong during the first section of the bike course.
Joanna Brown
On her best season ever so far: “I was really happy with my season. I trained really well in winter and the hard work came up at the end of the season. I was really happy to finish 7th on the Series this year, and I am really excited to be racing here this week, in this perfect set up for a triathlon and with this warm and colourful atmosphere in Huelva”.
On her strategy for the race: “I have been here for a few days now, so I could take a look at the course. The women’s field is very strong. I love beach starts, with the running, and the technical and demanding bike course, so I’m really looking forward the race”.
Alberto Hernandez
On how does it feel to compete almost at home: “It feels great to race in front of your home crowd. I will try to enjoy the race, enjoy the atmosphere, try to get some ITU points for the ranking and deliver a great spectacle on Sunday”.
Sara Perez Sala
On her goals for the race: “This one will be my last race of the season, so I think I will perform great. I am in a great form, almost as I was two weeks ago (when she won the National Title- so I hope I can perform as I have planned here in Huelva”.
