Less than a week to go until the World Triathlon Series in Weihai (China)
The starlist has been published
The city of Weihai, China, is now ready to host the first edition of the World Triathlon Series (WTCS) in their territory.
This test, which will be carried out on 27th September 2024, marks the return of elite triathlon to China after a decade-long absence.
With crucial world title points at stake, several of the world's best triathletes will be taking part.
The World Championship at Stake in the Men's Category
The fight for the men's world title in the WTCS will intensify in Weihai. Matthew Hauser (AUS), the world number one, comes to China with his sights set on his first world title. His victory in Hamburg and silver medal in Yokohama have positioned him as favourite, but he will need to be in top form to defend his position.
It will also be necessary to take into account Pierre Le Corre (FRA) and the Olympic champion Alex Yee (GBR), who, with only two races this season, has a unique opportunity to dethrone HauserA third win in three races would put him in a prime position for the Grand Final in Torremolinos.
Leo Bergere (FRA), Hayden Wilde (NZL) and Luke Willian (AUS) complete the top 6 of the ranking and could destabilize the plans of Hauser. Also Vincent Luis (FRA), two-time world champion, will bid farewell to WTCS at the end of the season. Weihai will be one of the last opportunities to see this sporting icon in action.
The Spanish representation will also be present with Alberto González García, Antonio Serrat seoane y Roberto Sánchez Mantecón, who will seek to add important points for the world classification.
See men's start list
Beaugrand's Absence and the Challenge for Potter and Tertsch
In the women's category, the Olympic champion Cassandre Beaugrand (FRA) and the former leader of the ranking Emma lombi (FRA) have opted not to compete in Weihai to focus on the Grand Final. With three wins under their belt, Beaugrand He has a comfortable position in the rankings, almost securing the world title.
In his absence, Beth Potter (GBR) and Lisa Tertsch (GER) arrive as the highest ranked athletes. A win or even a podium for any of them would put them above Lombardi in the ranking, although they would not yet reach Beaugrand.
Si Potter o Tertsch aspiring to the world crown, they will have to reduce the advantage of Beaugrand the maximum possible.
Georgia Taylor-Brown (GBR), the 2020 world champion, will also be in Weihai. Despite being 11th in the rankings with two sixth places in recent races, she has only contested two races this year.
In the women's category, Spain will be represented by Miriam Casillas García y Anna Godoy Contreras, who will compete with the international elite seeking to improve their positions in the rankings.
Schedules and how to see it live
- Date: 27 September of 2024
- Men's event - Start: 08:30 (China time) corresponds to 02:30 (mainland Spain time).
- Women's event – Start: 11:45 (China time) corresponds to 05:45 (mainland Spain time).
The test can be followed live through Triathlon Live
