The 2024 World Triathlon Cup season kicks off in Napier, a coastal city on New Zealand’s North Island. While New Zealand is no stranger to hosting triathlon races, this marks Napier’s debut as a host for the World Triathlon Cup. The event spans across Saturday, February 24th, and Sunday, February 25th.
Saturday will witness the 2024 Oceania Triathlon Junior Championships Napier and the inaugural 2024 World Triathlon Cup Napier, featuring top athletes vying for crucial Olympic qualification for Paris 2024. Sunday’s schedule includes Age-Group races, the Oceania Junior Mixed Relay, and the 2024 World Triathlon Mixed Relay.
The 2024 World Triathlon Cup is set as a sprint-distance triathlon covering a 750m swim, 20km cycle, and 5km run, commencing from the picturesque Perfume Point waterfront in Napier.
This year’s event is part of a broader Triathlon Festival incorporating the New Zealand Sprint Distance Championships.
Athletes are eager to gauge their pre-season preparations and showcase their form in this sprint-distance format, marking the debut World Cup race of 2024. The Elite women will kick off their race on Saturday at 4 pm local time, followed by the men’s event at 6 pm.
Among the contenders, USA’s Gina Sereno stands out, leading the 40-strong women’s field after notable performances in the 2023 World Triathlon Cup Vina del Mar and the 2023 Santiago Pan American Games Mixed Relay.
China’s Xinyu Lin enters Napier as a favorite following a remarkable run in the 2023 season, securing podium finishes in various competitions.
Hungary’s Zsanett Kuttor-Bragmayer and Australia’s Natalie Van Coevorden bring vast experience to the field, eyeing Olympic qualification for Paris 2024.
In the emerging talents category, Italy’s Ilaria Zane, fresh from her gold medal win in the 2024 Oceania Triathlon Wanaka, presents a promising prospect.
The competition promises to be fierce with athletes like Australia’s Sophie Linn, Spain’s Cecilia Santamaria Surroca, Great Britain’s Olivia Mathias, and Ecuador’s Elizabeth Bravo all geared up for the season opener.
Team World Triathlon, represented by Bermuda’s Erica Hawley, Colombia’s Maria Carolina Velasquez, and Czech Republic’s Zuzana Michalivkova, adds depth to the competition, each aiming for strong performances in this pivotal Olympic year.
Belgium’s Valerie Barthelemy, recovering from illness, seeks redemption after missing out on last weekend’s event in Wanaka.
Hungary’s Zsofia Kovacs, boasting strong performances in the previous season, eyes a top 10 finish in Napier.
Team New Zealand boasts a formidable lineup with Ainsley Thorpe, Brea Roderick, Olivia Thornbury, Eva Goodisson, Olivia Cummings, Hannah Howell, and Amara Rae all set to represent their country on home turf.
