Italy continues to stage some of the most eye-catching World Cups on the calendar as the attentions shift to the capital Rome on Saturday, the world-famous city hosting a race on the circuit for the first time and promising to put on a big show for triathlon fans over the weekend.
The 45 women on the start list will get the sprint-distance action underway at 9am local time, diving in to the beautiful Lago dell’EUR for the 750m swim before a long run up into transition. The bike then takes in five laps of 4km, each packing a winding 60m climb at around the halfway mark, two 180-degree turns and long, fast straights, before the two lap run to the tape and, ultimately, the medals and precious Olympic Qualification points. As always, you can watch full coverage over on TriathlonLive.tv.
—
Eim looks to continue hot run
The race number one Nina Eim booked her Paris 2024 ticket thanks to an outstanding 6th place in the Paris Test Event, marking quite the comeback for the 25-year-old after a rollercoaster 12 months.
A hip injury at the end of 2022 saw an enforced lay-off from training, then a twisted ankle in May put the German star’s ambitions on hold once more, but the bounce back has been stronger than ever. Series top 10s in Abu Dhabi and Cagliari and silver in the Valencia World Cup only outrun by Gwen Jorgensen, this could be the moment for a first Cup gold.
Italian team eyes the prize
A strong Italian line up includes Verena Steinhauser, also chasing that elusive first gold at this level after two bronze medals in Arzachena and another in Weihai, and the young gun Bianca Seregni. One of the fastest around in the water, the 23-year-old has proven she has what it takes on bike and run too after consecutive podiums in Karlovy Vary and a first gold in Weihai back in August.
Another Italian talent, Alice Betto was back with a bang in Pontevedra, scooping a first top 10 since returning to Series racing as a mother and looking every bit as fearless as she did on route to that 7th-placed finish at the Tokyo Olympics. Also returning to the blue carpet from maternity is Great Britain’s Vicky Holland. Seventh in her first race back for two years just a week ago in Tangier, the Rio 2016 medallist will be looking to build on that strong return here.
European athletes dominate line up
Expect Therese Feuresinger (AUT) and Olivia Mathias (GBR) to be right there with Seregni in the swim and aiming to make a breakaway stick if possible, and if the fearless Brit Jessica Fullagar is with them, the pace could well be on for the 20km bike.
That could also be make or break for Tilda Mansson (SWE), who ran her way into bronze in Tangier, just running out of course as Spain’s Noelia Juan took silver to underline her strong finishing power just as she did in Tiszaujvaros, where the Swede pipped her to gold right on the line.
U23 stars come out
Portugal’s Maria Tomé emerged with silver in the U23 World Championships after a compelling battle in Pontevedra with Angelica Prestia (ITA) and Cathia Schar (SUI). All three will start in Italy with designs on another podium.
Australia’s Natalie Van Coevorden starts her first World Cup since Lisbon two years ago. Having hammered on the door of the Series top 10 since then, a podium here would provide a huge boost heading into a decisive period for the team’s Paris 2024 qualification.
Expect the talented trio of Jolien Vermeylen (BEL), Solveig Lovseth (NOR) and Alberte Kjaer Pedersen (DEN) to also feature at the pointy end of this one, all at home on the podium, all looking to get October off to a winning start.
The full start lists can be found here.
