British triathletes prepare for third ITU World Triathlon Series event of 2019, with the opportunity to tick the first box for Tokyo 2020 selection. The first of two ITU World Paratriathlon Series events also gets underway.
Having stepped onto the World Series podium in both Abu Dhabi and Bermuda, Britain’s Jess Learmonth returns to the start line this Saturday (18 May) in Yokohama looking to repeat her fine run of form so far this season. This occasion holds greater value for the Great Britain squad, however, for if Learmonth or any of her four compatriots medal in the Japanese city, they will meet the criteria for the first stage of Team GB Olympic selection.
Leeds-based training partner Georgia Taylor-Brown and Non Stanford will start alongside Learmonth in a race once again headlined by USA’s Katie Zaferes, unbeaten in 2019.
Tom Bishop and Alex Yee fly the GB flag in the men’s race, the latter having taken silver in the ITU World Series opener in Abu Dhabi. For Yee, this will be his first standard distance race on the World Series circuit.
The second stage of Olympic qualification for Team GB takes place in August at the Tokyo Test Event, where for returning Olympic medallists or those having finished top-three this weekend, a podium spot in Tokyo will see athletes well on the way to a seat on the plane next summer.
A number of Britain’s top paratriathletes will also be in the spotlight for the first of two ITU World Paratriathlon Series races of 2019. With Paralympic selection shifting the focus largely around WPS Montreal, the Tokyo Test Event and ITU Paratriathlon World Championships, and qualification points not up for grabs until later this season, this weekend will be an opportunity for athletes to get race-sharp and blow away any cobwebs following winter training.
Jade Jones-Hall, Melissa Reid and Fran Brown will all open up in Yokohama, with Steve Crowley looking to build on his season opener in Milan.
Great Britain Team; ITU World Triathlon Yokohama; Saturday 18 May 2019
Men: Tom Bishop, Alex Yee
Women: Jess Learmonth, Non Stanford, Georgia Taylor-Brown
For full start lists, visit https://wts.triathlon.org/start_lists
Great Britain Team; Yokohama ITU World Paratriathlon Series; Saturday 18 May 2019
Men: Steve Crowley (PTS4)
Women: Jade Jones-Hall (PTWC), Melissa Reid – Guide: Rosie Lindsey (PTVI), Fran Brown (PTS2)
For full start lists, visit https://triathlon.org/events/event/2019_yokohama_itu_world_paratriathlon_series
How to watch (ITU World Triathlon Yokohama):
Saturday 18 May
02:00-04:20, Women’s race – BBC Red Button (replayed 08:20-10:40), connected TV or https://www.triathlonlive.tv/
04:50-07:10, Men’s race, BBC Red Button (replayed 10:40-13:00), connected TV or https://www.triathlonlive.tv/
Monday 20 May
13:00-14:45, Highlights – BBC Two (19:00-20:45 & 22:15-00:00, BBC Red Button)
