ITU Media Release: 17 July 2003

ITU World Cup Circuit  Hits ‘The Rock’

Corner Brook, Newfoundland to host July 20th ITU Triathlon World Cup

 

Corner Brook, Newfoundland, the second Canadian stop on the World Cup circuit is gearing up to welcome triathletes back to one of the toughest course on the ITU World Cup schedule.  Following the success of last weekend’s Edmonton ITU World Cup, triathlon fans are anxiously anticipating the Corner Brook event.

The Corner Brook ITU World Cup event, now in it’s 6th year, attracts athletes not only to conquer the difficult course but also for the unique Newfoundland experience this event offers.  The people of Corner Brook, population 25 000, line the streets and open their homes to welcome triathletes from around the world.

In the women’s event American Sheila Taormina, currently ranked third in the ITU World rankings, is in good form following a second place finish last weekend in Edmonton.  Canadian Carol Montgomery, who ran through the field in Edmonton to place 7th has a strong possibility of a podium finish, along with team-mate Jill Savege who was 2nd at this event last year.  Brazilian Mariana Ohata (ranked 14th) will also be looking for one of the three steps on the podium after finishing 4th in Edmonton last weekend.   Belgian Kathleen Smet, currently ranked 9th, is another strong podium contender after a 3rd place finish last year.

In the men’s event Chris Hill, currently ranked 2nd in the world, was unable to race in Edmonton due to a throat infection but is on the start list for Corner Brook.  Bevan Docherty of New Zealand, currently ranked 4th in the world and Martin Krnavek of the Czech Republic, currently ranked 7th are both in good form having posted top 5 finishes this past weekend.  Krnavek was the 2001 Corner Brook World Cup winner.  Australian Peter Robertson, 2001 World Champion, the winner of 2 World Cup titles in 2002 and 1 so far in 2003 will also race in Corner Brook.

The story fans will be looking for in the men’s event is Canadian Olympic Champion Simon Whitfield.   Simon, currently ranked 10th in the world, is just coming off a win in Edmonton.  In 2002 Simon posted back to back World Cup victories in Edmonton and Corner Brook – he will be hoping to do the same again in 2003.

Tune into www.triathlon.org for live event coverage.

Live coverage begins July 20th at 11:30 am (local time), 2:00 pm (GMT)

For further information contact:

International Triathlon Union – www.triathlon.org

Email: ituhdq@triathlon.org - Phone: 1.604.250.8561