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ITU Media Release - 10 October, 2003 |
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ITU World Cup Series Returns to Japan - Monday, October 13- Makuhari, Japan- Makuhari ITU Triathlon World Cup Elite Women -8:25 am (local time); 11:25 pm, October 13 (GMT) Elite Men -10:35 (local time), 1:35 am (GMT) The October segment of the ITU World Cup series kicks off in Makuhari, Japan on Monday, October 13th In the men's event; World Ranked Number 1 Greg Bennett (AUS) is back on the ITU World Cup Circuit - he hasn't taken a position on the start line of a World Cup event since August. Greg has held the top rankings position for most of 2003; however, during his break from racing Andrew Johns (GBR) has rapidly climbed the rankings to his current position of second and has now moved within striking distance of the top spot. The race should heat up even further as there is another contender on the start list anxious for the win - Chris Hill (AUS). Chris was in the battle with Greg Bennett for the top spot of the World Rankings early in 2003 and is currently ranked Number 4 in the World. He is no stranger to the top spot of the rankings having won the President's Cup as overall rankings leader in 2001. 1999. ITU World Champion, Dmitriy Gaag (KAZ), currently ranked 6th in the world - a tough competitor who races nearly every weekend, is not a surprise name on the start list but always a podium threat. On the women's side - Laura Reback (USA) World Ranked Number 2, winner of two ITU World Cup events in 2003, and fiancé of Greg Bennett is the clear pre-race favourite. This will also be her first appearance back on the World Cup circuit since August. Her prime competition will come from Liz Blatchford (AUS). Liz had her first World cup win this year in Gamagori, Japan and now back in Japan she will be hoping to duplicate her success. Liz's Australian teammate and former World Champion Loretta Harrop has fallen to tenth place in the ITU World Cup Rankings but this tough competitor, who has faced many personal challenges over the last year, will be looking to come back late in the season. The home country competitor to watch is Machiko Nakanishi of Japan. Currently ranked 16th in the world and with a chance of placing on the podium she will be a favourite with the Japanese crowd. Visit www.triathlon.org for event details and results. Live coverage from Makuhari on www.triathlon.org begins 8:25 am (local time); 11:25 pm (GMT) on Monday, October 13. For more
information contact:ITU Headquarters; |