In Hong Kong, some of the best in the sport will be racing in the second World Triathlon Cup of the year, whilst in Quarteira, Portugal - former World Champions are testing their legs in an absolutely stacked Europe Triathlon Cup. Both races hold valuable points that are even more valuable as time draws nearer to the Olympics.
Giving you the lowdown of who is racing where this weekend, we have picked out the biggest storylines in both races so that you can sit back, relax, and get ready for two days of action-packed racing.
Georgia Taylor-Brown returns to racing in Portugal
After the Tokyo Olympic Games, Georgia Taylor-Brown was tipped as a future Olympic Champion, having somehow fought her way back up to claim the silver medal after a puncture mid-race on the bike.
In the three years since the Games, things haven’t always been straightforward for the Brit, with her most recent injury struggle keeping her on the sidelines since June 2023.
Despite winning WTCS Cagliari in one of her four races last season, the World #6 still faces an uphill battle to make the British Olympic team this summer, with two spots up for grabs alongside reigning World Champion Beth Potter who secured her’s last year.
Taking on the Olympic distance in Quarteira, Taylor-Brown has her first opportunity this season to prove to the British Team selectors that she is still a major medal contender in Paris. (Selectors obviously tend to value Olympic-distance races higher).
Racing fellow European stars Cassandre Beaugrand and Lisa Tertsch, a strong showing on the Algarve could set the 30-year-old up well for what is rumoured to be her final professional season in short course triathlon.
United Kingdom
Vincent Luis looks to lead Les Bleus
Sticking with Quarteira for just a moment longer, another former World Champion, Vincent Luis, will be looking to have a similar impact in Portugal to his partner Taylor-Brown.
The two-time World Champion, who won the last of his titles in 2020 and has shared his intention of moving on from short-course after this year, has his sights firmly set on qualifying for a fourth Olympic Games and a final shot at an individual Olympic medal.
As the current weakest link (with the toughest odds) in a four-way battle for three spots on the French Team, Luis has his work cut out after dealing with a number of injuries over the past couple of seasons.
However, as he demonstrated at WTCS Bermuda in 2022, when he is on, there is absolutely no stopping him - especially over the Olympic distance. Racing in Quarteira, the 34-year-old will undoubtedly have a point to prove, and a lot on the line.
As the poster boy for French triathlon for so long, it would be agonising to see a true short course legend miss out on the chance to compete at a home Olympic Games this summer. Up against a quality field in Portugal, expect him to take every chance he gets.
France
Katie Zaferes bounces back in Hong Kong
Whilst the men’s race in Hong Kong is set to be extremely competitive, it’s the women’s event that looks set to serve up the most drama, with a string of top Americans jockeying for pride and points.
Led by Olympians Summer Rappaport and Katie Zaferes, a foursome that also includes Kirsten Kasper and Erika Ackerlund will be racing the field - but mainly each other - as the end of the Paris qualification window draws closer.
For Olympic medalist Zaferes, the race in Hong Kong also offers a chance at redemption, after the 34-year-old was a DNF from the Americas Triathlon Championship in Miami this month due to the heat.
Racing over the sprint distance in South East Asia, each of the Americans will get the chance to test their compatriots strengths and weaknesses before the crucial Olympic distance events in Yokohama and Cagliari.
Come May, their results and points tally in Hong Kong could also play a vital part in determining who makes it on to the start lists in both Japan and Italy. With every single point and position playing a significant part in the road to Paris, expect some fierce racing on Sunday to say the least.
And we for one say - you better tune in to watch on Triathlonlive.tv (there’s a free trial). We know we will.
Quarteira 🇵🇹 Saturday 23 March
Women 1:45pm local time
Men 4:30pm local time
Hong Kong 🇭🇰 Sunday 24 March
Women 9:30am local time
Men 11:05am local time
United States
