I'd be surprised if USAT announces before the 16th, since that is when the National Federation slot allocations become official, after the close of the qualification period.
I hadn't seen that Sophie Coldwell was announced as the reserve, but she's the obvious pick for GB as back-up, not only because she could help Learmonth and/or GTB establish a swim breakaway, but she's also arguably GB's best MTR/Super Sprint racer.
I think your 3rd ladies spot for USAT is between Spivey & KZ (Kasper is a dark horse, although honestly if recency bias comes into play, my picks would be Spivey, KK as first alternate and KZ as second alternate, but looking at podium potential, I might go KZ, TK & KK in that order). For the guys it's more of a crap shoot. Pearson is in, and I can't honestly see McElroy not being in, meaning the 3rd slot (if they secure it) is between Hemming, McDowell and Kanute (2-3 years ago, I would have said Kanute, but right now I'd say it's hard not to pick Hemming, and McDowell is likely your 1st alternate).
I suspect late next week, we'll have a much better sense of the starting grid for the OG, once they finalize the slots by country, then the fun will start with many announcements and appeals...
I hadn't seen that Sophie Coldwell was announced as the reserve, but she's the obvious pick for GB as back-up, not only because she could help Learmonth and/or GTB establish a swim breakaway, but she's also arguably GB's best MTR/Super Sprint racer.
I think your 3rd ladies spot for USAT is between Spivey & KZ (Kasper is a dark horse, although honestly if recency bias comes into play, my picks would be Spivey, KK as first alternate and KZ as second alternate, but looking at podium potential, I might go KZ, TK & KK in that order). For the guys it's more of a crap shoot. Pearson is in, and I can't honestly see McElroy not being in, meaning the 3rd slot (if they secure it) is between Hemming, McDowell and Kanute (2-3 years ago, I would have said Kanute, but right now I'd say it's hard not to pick Hemming, and McDowell is likely your 1st alternate).
I suspect late next week, we'll have a much better sense of the starting grid for the OG, once they finalize the slots by country, then the fun will start with many announcements and appeals...