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2023 WTCS Preview Paris Prelude
by TQ.kiwi
The fulltime return of Norwegians Kristian Blummenfelt and Gustav Iden ups the male ante as Dame Flora Duffy’s aims for a five-peat in World Triathlon’s showcase series.
Wilde redemption? Another Kiwi v GBR welterweight battle within the world heavyweight title fight with Alex Yee?
French domestiques working for reigning champion Léo Bergere? Perhaps a dose of ‘Big Blu’ for everyone courtesy of returning Tokyo Olympic champion Kristian Blummenfelt. Gustav Iden anyone? And, seriously, can anyone prevent Dame Flora Duffy from making it five world titles in 2023? Cue Georgia Taylor-Brown?
From Abu Dhabi in early March to the series finale in Pontevedra, Spain in late September, count on the usual suspects and fascinating new team tactics (perhaps) making the 2023 World Triathlon Championship Series (WTCS) utterly compelling viewing on Triathlonlive.tv.
After contracting Covid on the final day of the 2022 WTCS to slip two places to third overall, Hayden Wilde is fired up to make this his year before focusing on Olympic glory in 2024. For New Zealand’s other Paris ‘24 hopefuls, a run of WTCS results will enhance their nomination claims, as will strong performances at critical Mixed Relays that will run on the sidelines of WTCS stops in Montreal, Hamburg and Sunderland and at the Paris test event on Aug. 20.
A fascinating 2023 subplot will be how the world’s best peak and re-peak for the plethora of critical races, the Olympic test event among them where the highest placed Kiwi on any podium step will automatically qualify for Paris. Bring. It. (All) On.
