The penultimate round of the ITU World Triathlon Series takes place in Stockholm this weekend ahead of the Grand Final next month in Rotterdam. Jonathan Brownlee, Jodie Stimpson and Jessica Learmonth are amongst the eight British athletes preparing to race on Saturday.
The women’s race is first off on Saturday at 11am British time followed by the men’s race at 2pm.
Flora Duffy looks to be on track to retain the ITU world title, and starts as number one as the women dive into the 1500m city centre lake swim. British interest includes ETU European champion, Jessica Learmonth and the return of Jodie Stimpson from a lengthy injury. Stimpson opened the season with silver in Abu Dhabi in March, followed by a solid result on the Gold Coast before an Achilles injury interrupted her plans.
Lucy Hall and India Lee complete the line up, and despite the very strong field, the British women could all make an impact on this technical course.
Learmonth said: “I’m coming into this after a good block of training in Livigno. It’s a course that can reward hard work on the bike, so I’m looking forward to seeing what I can do.”
Jonathan Brownlee hopes to put illness firmly behind him in the men’s race, which features current Series leader and defending world champion, Mario Mola (ESP).
Stockholm has been successful for him in the past, with wins in 2012 and 2014, both over the sprint distance, as well as silver to his brother in 2016 and bronze in 2013 over the standard distance.
After finishing fourth at both previous rounds, he said: “I’m looking forward to this. It’s a good, technical bike course and I’m feeling a lot better than before Edmonton or Montreal.”
Tom Bishop, Adam Bowden and Marc Austin all come to Stockholm from the same altitude camp that the British women attended. All three have recorded solid results this season, including Bowden’s memorable fourth and Bishop’s fifth in Leeds. Bishop was also second in Abu Dhabi to Javier Gomez (ESP), who is not racing this weekend.
British athletes racing in Stockholm; 1500m swim, 40km bike, 10km run; Saturday 26 August 2017:
Jonathan Brownlee, Tom Bishop, Adam Bowden, Marc Austin
Jessica Learmonth, Jodie Stimpson, Lucy Hall, India Lee
Complete start lists: http://www.triathlon.org/events/start_list/2017_itu_world_triathlon_stockholm/309374
How to watch:
Women’s race: LIVE BBC Red Button and online from 11am, Saturday 26 August
Men’s race: LIVE BBC Red Button and online from 2pm, Saturday 26 August
Highlights: BBC2 1:45pm Sunday 27 August
