SO many thoughts after this morning's #wtcsleeds (World Triathlon) women's race (from my FB post):
1. Lucy Charles-Barclay is amazing! 11 days focused short-course training and riding with some of the best in the world, then outrunning a great Taylor Spivey. The picture shows LCB motoring up the insane finish line hill.
2. Taylor Spivey - major statement for selection to the USA Triathlon Olympic Team. Over the period under consideration by the selection committee, Taylor has shown great consistency as the top American. The only argument for Katie Zaferes at this point is Taylor has not shown consistent medal achievement - Katie has, as the World's #1 pre-pandemic. But, guessing Taylor will get the nod. On a personal level, my heart goes out to Katie.
3. The Brits - With 2 of their three pre-selected women either sick or injured (Vicky Holland and Georgia Taylor-Brown), you have to wonder about the true value of such early selection procedures by British Triathlon. But, you don't have to wonder about their crazy strength on the women's side looking forward to Paris 2024.
4. The course and conditions in Leeds, plus the impact of Lucy Charles-Barclay in the swim, will be dramatically different in Tokyo. Big question as to the British women and men racing in such conditions.
NOW, over to the men.
1. Lucy Charles-Barclay is amazing! 11 days focused short-course training and riding with some of the best in the world, then outrunning a great Taylor Spivey. The picture shows LCB motoring up the insane finish line hill.
2. Taylor Spivey - major statement for selection to the USA Triathlon Olympic Team. Over the period under consideration by the selection committee, Taylor has shown great consistency as the top American. The only argument for Katie Zaferes at this point is Taylor has not shown consistent medal achievement - Katie has, as the World's #1 pre-pandemic. But, guessing Taylor will get the nod. On a personal level, my heart goes out to Katie.
3. The Brits - With 2 of their three pre-selected women either sick or injured (Vicky Holland and Georgia Taylor-Brown), you have to wonder about the true value of such early selection procedures by British Triathlon. But, you don't have to wonder about their crazy strength on the women's side looking forward to Paris 2024.
4. The course and conditions in Leeds, plus the impact of Lucy Charles-Barclay in the swim, will be dramatically different in Tokyo. Big question as to the British women and men racing in such conditions.
NOW, over to the men.