WTS returns with impressive line up set to compete in Hamburg

After having to suffer from a fifty-day hiatus, the World Triathlon Series is finally back as it returns to Hamburg, Germany this weekend. Known as arguably one of the most popular races of the season, it is also the biggest as 11,000 age groupers are expected to compete, along with the Mixed Relay World Championships set on Sunday. The one-lap swim, six-lap bike, two-lap run sprint distance course will be jam-packed with star-studded elites all eager to compete!

ABOUT THE RACE:

Hamburg is the longest-standing venue on the ITU World Triathlon Series calendar, having hosted events since 2002, including the 2007 World Championships, but has featured a twist the last three years. In 2012, the event featured a fast and furious sprint race. After such a successful event, the sprint race format returned again in 2013. Not only is Hamburg the oldest event on the WTS schedule, it hosts the world’s largest age-group triathlon with more than 11,000 athletes having raced last year. The entire city of Hamburg shuts down for the event, which is no easy feat considering it is the second largest city in Germany. This year, Hamburg will also again host the Mixed Team Relay World Championships for the third consecutive year.

SCHEDULE:

Elite Women

Saturday 18 July - 15:45 UTC/GMT +2 Click here for the time in your area

Elite Men

Saturday 18 July - 15:05 UTC/GMT+2 Click here for the time in your area

WEBSITES:

http://triathlon.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=00aa527d930b75ed31d447d44&id=c7e6e0d1cd&e=0509d8018f

START LISTS:

Click here for the women's start list

Click here for the men's start list

PRIZE MONEY:

$150,000 USD (equal for men & women)

LIVE COVERAGE:

Follow all the events live with timing and text updates, at triathlonlive.tv and on twitter at @triathlonlive. Below is a media login to watch the races for media use only.

COURSE PROFILE:

Swim (750m) – The start area is at "Jungfernstieg". Athletes will start from the quay along Jungfernstieg and stand in a staring position approximately 75cm wide. There is just one lap to swim. There is a rather dark tunnel about 40m long, which has to be swum through.

Bike (20km) – Generally flat profile with no noteworthy climbs. There are six circuits of 3.33 km to ride. The route is technically demanding, due to the many changes of direction and tight turns. Very good tarmac surface.

Run (5km) – Generally flat course. There are two laps of 2.5km to run. Two 180° turns per lap. Very good tarmac surface.

STORIES TO WATCH FOR:

NO MORE BROWNLEE BROTHERS

While originally there were two Brownlees on the start list, both decided to pull out of the competition. Tweeting the news earlier this month, Jonathan Brownlee revealed that he had suffered from a femoral stress fracture and would be out of the short-term competition and instead focusing on recovering in order to race in the Chicago Grand Final in September. While Alistair also removed himself from the race late in the game, leaving the path to the podium wide open.

DOWN TO THE SPRINT

Hamburg tends to leave all the excitement down to the blue carpet. Starting in 2011, three out of the four races have come down to an epic sprint finish. Last year Alistair Brownlee was able to push it to the final minute to claim the gold and with such a star-studded start list, it very well could come down to another thrilling finish.

FULL SPECTRUM OF CHAMPIONS

On both the men's and women's side, each start list contains triathletes who have reached a Hamburg podium. The women's race will feature eight different women who have found themselves earning a medal, including three who took home the Hamburg title. For the men's race there are five different athletes who have seen a podium, two of which have won the gold medal.

TOP THREE SPANIARDS

The Spainards round out the first three positions on the start list after showcasing a dominating season for their country. Javier Gomez Noya returns after skipping London. He competed in the ETU European Championships, but unfortunately suffered some issues in the first transition, causing a near-bike crash and ultimately did not finish. But despite the recent loss, he reenters WTS still with the No. 1 ranked position.

Spain’s Mario Mola and Fernando Alarza are also set to perform in Hamburg. Mola is ranked second in the WTS rankings, while Alarza is ranked third. Alarza has had a really strong season so far and earned a personal best in London, when he took home the silver.

PAST HAMBURG WINNERS

WOMEN MEN

2014 Gwen Jorgensen (USA) Alistair Brownlee (GBR)

2013 Anne Haug (GER) Jonathan Brownlee (GBR)

2012 Erin Densham (AUS) Richard Murray (RSA)

2011 Emma Moffatt (AUS) Brad Kahlefeldt (AUS)

2010 Lisa Norden (SWE) Javier Gomez (ESP)

2009 Emma Moffatt (AUS) Jarrod Shoemaker (USA)

For more information, please contact:

Erin Greene, Communications, ITU

Email: erin.greene@triathlon.org

Mobile: +34 645 216 509

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