The season is still young but the points are already beginning to add up. ETU Ranking points count to the end of season Cup Final that this year takes place in Melilla.

Athletes who wish to collect the bumper prize-money payout after a season’s racing must start in Melilla but are not obliged to race the entire series. Of course, if you want to risk targeting just a couple of races, then your chances are reduced but those who regularly race the circuit not only build up tremendous race experiences but also along the way, collect prize-money and those oh, so valuable points.

With Kitzbühel getting very close there might well be some tactics applied to race selection. We know from the organisers that the men’s race in Weert is full but that there are still a few slots left in the women’s race.

Would it be a good gamble to race Weert?

Well, as a warm-up race before the European Championships, it certainly has a plus point.

Will the big names be absent? Well, certainly there is no Hall or Learmonth to dominate the swim and bike, or indeed Coldwell, who in recent months has clearly shown that she deserves to be named alongside her teammates. The Russians, with regard to this race, are not coming but there are strong French athletes, the Dutch will be keen to show the home crowds a set of gold, silver and bronze and from Belgium there is always a threat and from Poland too. But essentially the race is open and, with those places available until this Sunday, when the entries close, we are watching closely to see just who will race.

Who is leading the rankings?

Well, for the Women (good for 17th April, 2017)

For the Men (good for 17th April, 2017)

Don’t forget to follow the rankings by clicking this link.