Seven of Australia’s top paratriathletes will have the chance to test out the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic course and earn valuable Paralympic qualification points when they hit the starting line for the Tokyo ITU Paratriathlon World Cup this weekend.

In just the third major race of the 2020 Paralympic qualification period, the Australians will be looking to build on their current rankings and refine their racing ahead of the World Championships in Lausanne, Switzerland later this month.

After taking the win at the Devonport World Cup earlier this year, as well as third and fourth at World Paratriathlon Series (WPS) events in Yokohama and Montreal respectively, Lauren Parker (PTWC) is looking to gain further selection points and solidify her ranking with a strong result at this weekend’s Test Event.

Speaking to Triathlon Australia, Parker said that she’s looking forward showcasing her form in a jam-packed month of travelling, training and racing.

“The opportunity to race in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Test Event is very exciting. It will be great to get familiar with the course as well as the conditions,” Parker said.

“There has been a lot spoken about the warm racing conditions we can expect. If I had to choose I'm always a much bigger fan of racing in the heat than the cold, so hopefully the hotter temperatures will suit me.”

“Of course the Test Event is also the next opportunity to add more points and strengthen my position on the Women's PTWC Paralympic Qualification rankings table.”

“The competition in the Women's PTWC category is super strong at the moment and I'm expecting it to be a tough battle once again, in Tokyo.”

Joining Parker in the PTWC class is Commonwealth Games teammate Emily Tapp. Coming off the back of her WPS win in Montreal in June, Tapp will be looking to put together another strong performance in Tokyo this weekend as she works towards gaining selection in her first Paralympic team. 

Parker and Tapp will have their work cut out for them with a world-class field set to join them on the starting line, including 2018 Commonwealth Games gold medallist, Jade Hall (GBR) and Besancon World Cup winner, Kendall Gretsch (USA).

Just seven months after making an assertive return to elite competition with a win at the Devonport World Cup, Kate Doughty is one to keep an eye on in the PTS5 class at the Tokyo Test Event. Coming off the back of an impressive win at WPS Milan earlier this year, Doughty will continue to make her case for her second Paralympic appearance when she takes to the field in Tokyo on Saturday.

Katie Kelly (PTVI) and David Bryant (PTS5 ) will both commence their Paralympic qualifying this weekend, after both athletes put together successful races in their respective classes in Devonport earlier this season to take home gold. 

While Devonport World Cup silver medallist, Jonathan Goerlach will be looking to go one better in Tokyo and claim his first World Cup win of the season and as well as valuable Paralympic qualification points. Clint Pickin will also be looking to continue his recent run of success in Tokyo, after taking home bronze in Magog and silver in Devonport.

Tokyo ITU Paratriathlon World Cup

Saturday August 17 6:30AM LOCAL | 7:30AM AEST

Start Lists

Men
Clint Pickin (PTS4)
David Bryant (PTS5)
Jonathan Goerlach (PTVI)

Women
Lauren Parker (PTWC)
Emily Tapp (PTWC)
Kate Doughty (PTS5)
Katie Kelly (PTVI)