Olympic silver and bronze medalists Alex Yee and Hayden Wilde are set to face off for the first time this year, providing an early glimpse of their potential showdown in Paris this summer.
The duo, who secured their podium finishes behind Kristian Blummenfelt in Tokyo three years ago, are considered strong contenders for the gold at the upcoming Olympics in the French capital.
The World Triathlon Cup Napier on February 24 will serve as the stage for their head-to-head battle over the sprint distance. This race, featuring a star-studded field, is expected to set the tone for their rivalry leading up to the highly anticipated Olympic Games.
The anticipation for this clash has been building since last year when fans had to wait until the WTCS Cagliari to witness Yee and Wilde go head-to-head. In that thrilling encounter, Yee emerged victorious in the final stages of a pulsating run battle.
Reflecting on the previous season, this race and the World Triathlon Super Sprint Championships in Hamburg were the only major face-offs between the two competitors when they were both in top form.
As the new season kicks off, Yee and Wilde have an early opportunity to establish momentum and confidence, factors that could prove crucial in gaining an edge as they prepare for the Olympic Games in just over six months.
While Yee and Wilde grab the spotlight, a strong field of athletes is poised to challenge them in New Zealand. British triathlete Hugo Milner, showcasing excellent cross-country form, aims to translate his success into triathlon victories after securing his first World Cup win last year.
Jonathan Brownlee, a three-time Olympic medalist, is also on the start list, gunning for a spot at one more Olympic Games in Paris, where two additional slots are potentially available for Team GB.
The competition includes notable names such as Norwegian WTCS winner Casper Stornes, recent IRONMAN 70.3 Indian Wells champion, Portuguese star Ricardo Batista, and Swiss athlete Simon Westermann.
Representing the host nation alongside Wilde are contenders, Taylor Reid and Dylan McCullough, along with the experienced Luke Willian from Australia. The stage is set for an exciting and competitive triathlon event, where each athlete aims to make their mark on the road to Paris.
