While
local veteran Carol Montgomery (CAN) has withdrawn
from her chance to defend her Toronto title, the ever
sharp Olympic silver medallist Michellie Jones (AUS)
will lead strong challenge group, together with recent
ITU World Cup winners Siri Lindley (USA) and Laura
Reback (USA).
Little
will separate the class men's field, including the
exuberant hometown favourite and Olympic Champion,
Simon Whitfield, current rankings leader, Hamish Carter
(NZL), and in form ITU World Cup victors Chris Hill
(AUS) and Craig Watson (NZL).
However
the main threat could come from former ITU World Champion,
Chris McCormack (AUS), who declared a mission to re-establish
the impact of the bike leg in every triathlon, demonstrated
by a solo break away on his path to an Australian
title last month.
Around
95 elite athletes from 21 countries will race for
a $US60,000 prize purse (equal for men and women).
While some National Federations (including AUS and
USA) are using the race as a final qualification race
for the ITU World Championships, the victors will
benefit most from the psychological boost leading
into the most coveted title of the season in Edmonton.
As
one of the final international events prior to the
IOC Olympic host city decision, the Toronto 2008 Bid
Committee are thrilled by the quality field attracted
by the ITU Pizza Hut Triathlon World Cup, Toronto.
"The international exposure an event of this
calibre brings to Toronto will go a long way to proving
Toronto has what it takes to host the world and the
best Olympic Games ever," said John Bitvoe Jr.,
President of the Toronto 2008 Bid Committee. "We'll
take that momentum in to the decision in Moscow [one
week after the Toronto ITU World Cup]."
For further information please contact;
Nici
Andronicus, Sportsworld ITU Media Manager
Mob: +44 78 8778 7402 Tel: +416.483.5124
Email: nici.andronicus@sportsworld.net
Christine
Brown, Toronto ITU World Cup Media Manager
Email: cpbrown@telus.net
Click
here for full details
