This weekend is the ITU Grand Final on the Gold Coast in Australia. So for a little fun I will offer my predictions for the top three finishers in the men's and women's race.
Always a good way to start is with the ladies. Been a bit different this year with Flora Duffy being injured. Some new names have stepped forward. Katie Zaferes has stepped up from last year to be leading the series going into the event this weekend... but with a resurgent Vicky Holland just 34 points behind and on a roll of several victories this season, the championship title is up for grabs.
But who will win the race this weekend?
Going on form, I can see it being a small army of British athletes (Holland, Learmonth, Taylor-Brown, Stimpson and possibly Stanford) coming off the bike with Zaferes amongst them.
To be honest, I cannot see beyond a foot race at the front between Holland and Zaferes. However, if Ashleigh Gentle can make it into the front bike pack, then she will be a contender too. Behind the lead players in this years event, the final podium spot is a much closer affair. Any of the British girls could claim it, or Gentle, Rachel Klamer from the Netherlands, perhaps even if its a slow bike then Laura Lindemann (Germany) will be there too. Never count out the outsiders too: Jo Brown (Canada), Yuka Sato (Japan) or even Andrea Hewitt from New Zealand.
Coach Paul's 1-2-3:
- Holland
- Zaferes
- Taylor-Brown
You can watch the race via Triathlon Live (click the image):
As for the men...
Mario Mola has looked unbeatable all season... but as the saying goes, you are only as good as your last race.
Its interesting that Alastair Brownlee (GB) is racing... straight off the back of his silver medal at the Ironman 70.3 Worlds just over a week ago. Do I think he will be a contender for the race... no. However, his inclusion will change the dynamic of the race. Its going to make the swim FAST, the bike HARD and then whoever, is left will be running the foot race. Put both Brownlees together and this has the potential to be different race to what we have seen most of the season.
I suspect Vincent Luis could win this one. He has been flying of late and getting stronger and stronger over the longer distance. Obviously Mola will be amongst it and Jacob Birtwhistle (Australia) will be there too. I believe Birtwhistle is the only guy who might catch Mola for the overall title. But as far as the race goes this weekend I think it will be hard and fast...
That means Kristian Blummenfelt (Nor) and Henri Shoeman (RSA) will be in that front group.
Who might win the race?
Coach Paul's 1-2-3:
- Luis
- Blummenfelt
- Brownlee J.
You will have to watch Triathlon Live to see the race... https://triathlonlive.tv/
If you are looking for an endurance coach then have a look at what Paul offers.
Paul is a Professional Endurance Coach. Passionate about the sport of Triathlon. Paul empowers athletic achievements with quality individualised bespoke coaching. Coach Paul is a British Triathlon Federation Level 3 Coach and a Triathlon Australia Performance Coach Candidate.
F4L Triathlon Coaching offers triathletes and other endurance athletes a full coaching and training service that caters to all levels of triathletes. F4L offers professional triathlon and endurance training support and the reliability triathletes and multisport athletes require. Each athlete is an individual, every athlete has different needs.
This is what you'll get...
1. Personalised Training Plan: At F4L Triathlon & Multisport Coaching we believe every athlete is different. Your training program is created around your lifestyle and goals. Not the other way around.
2. Specific goals: Train with a goal in mind. We will help you target the right goal for you.
3. Twice weekly review of your training plan and power and/or heart rate files.
You’re just weeks away from your best triathlon season ever:
Or CALL NOW: +61 415 679 232
