Jake Birtwhistle will be looking to recreate the magic of his breakthrough World Triathlon Series win in Leeds when the WTS hits Montreal this weekend.
With his courageous win shooting him up the Series rankings to 8th, Birtwhistle is set to continue his strong form in Canada as he takes on a competitive starting line Commonwealth Games gold medallist Henri Schoeman (RSA) and the dynamic Spanish combination of Fernando Alarza and Javier Gomez ranked number two and three in the world.
After taking home 3rd in Montreal last season, Birtwhistle told Triathlon Australia that he’s looking forward to carrying his recent success into the rest of the Series.
“I’m looking forward to be back on the start line this weekend, after showing great form in Leeds recently I will look to carry that momentum into Montreal,” Birtwhistle said.
“I have spent the last couple of weeks in The Pyrenees to maintain and build on that condition and I am happy with where I’m at.”
“I have always enjoyed Montreal as an event and a destination and will be expecting more of the same once again for the next round of the World Series.”
Matt Hauser will be joining Birtwhistle on the start line this weekend to make his 2019 debut on the WTS circuit. Coming off the back of World Cup wins in Chengdu and Nur-Sultan, Hauser has shown he can push his competition right to the finish line, making him one to keep an eye on in Montreal.
Brandon Copeland, Ryan Bailie, and Matthew Roberts have also had consistent showings on the World Cup circuit over recent months and will be looking to continue to build into their seasons in Montreal.
A reenergised Ashleigh Gentle heads back onto the WTS circuit following a short break. Jetting back to the place where her WTS journey began with her first tour win in 2017, Gentle will have her sights set on another strong showing in Montreal.
Speaking to Triathlon Australia, Gentle said that despite a tough start to her 2019 season, she’s looking forward to taking to the course in Montreal.
“Montreal is a place which holds great memories for me, it was where I won my first WTS race back in 2017, I am looking forward to returning,” Gentle said.
“The start of this year hasn’t been ideal, but I am really enjoying training again and feel as though my shape is returning.”
“I believe I can put together a good race on the weekend, but no matter what happens, I know I’m heading in the right direction.”
Joining Gentle in Montreal are recent consistent performers Tamsyn Moana-Veale and Jaz Hedgeland. Coming off the back of consistent top 10 World Cup finishes, both Moana-Veale and Hedgeland will be looking to continue their good form in Montreal.
After a less than ideal start to her season, Charlotte McShane will have her sights set on an inside Top 20 finish after a few tough World Cup races. While Emma Jackson will be looking to continue to build into her season after snagging 20th at Leeds WTS and 9th at the Cagliari World Cup earlier this year.
The Australian women will be coming up against another quality field in Montreal, with current Series leader Katie Zaferes on the hunt for her fourth WTS win of the season.
Leeds WTS winner, Georgia Taylor Brown and fellow Briton Jess Learmonth will be preparing to back-up their recent slate of podium finishes in Montreal this weekend.
Canadian Joanna Brown is also not one to be underestimated, with consistent performances on the WTS tour combined with a hometown crowd a lethal formula for success.
Photo: Craig Hawkhead Photography
Race Start: Saturday June 29
Women: 14:36 LOCAL | SUNDAY JUNE 30 4:36AM AEST
Men: 16:36 LOCAL | SUNDAY JUNE 30 6:36AM AEST
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