Hillarys is one of the most popular races on Western Australia’s triathlon calendar, and tomorrow it will play host to Race #8 of the Triathlon WA State Series.
Felicity Sheedy-Ryan will return to Whitfords Nodes Beach, looking to capitalise on some recent fitness gains.
“I’ve done some World Cup races over east recently and it feels great to see my form returning, especially the running,” said Sheedy-Ryan.
“I feel so much stronger and fitter than I did a few months ago, so I’m pumped to return to Hillarys with some form this time round.
Despite also being on the Professional Start List for SunSmart Ironman 70.3 Busselton, a race she won in 2012, Sheedy-Ryan has been focusing her training on the shorter distances.
“My prep for Busselton has been good, but is still targeted towards my short course racing,” said the former ITU World Duathlon Champion.
“I actually have to race a World Cup in China the following weekend, and that’s my priority, so I’m just hoping Busso is friendly to me again,” laughed Sheedy-Ryan.
The gutsy athlete will go into Hillarys as race favourite over two-time TWA Triathlete of the Year, Katey Gibb and emerging talent, Kira Hedgeland.
Hedgeland, who was recently named in the 2018 Commonwealth Games squad, relishes the opportunity to race against the likes of Gibb and Sheedy-Ryan.
“I believe that racing is the best way to learn how to race well,” said Hedgeland.
“You can train hard, but a lot of lessons for me are learnt by racing.
Hedgeland is currently focused on completing her Year 12 studies, making local races like Hillarys all the more important for her progression.
“Being surrounded by local talent has impacted my development positively. It has allowed me to gain more racing experience, which I can apply when I compete domestically and overseas.
“Experienced athletes such as Katy, Felicity and Ryan (Bailie) have also inspired me to achieve and made me proud to be a West Australian athlete,” noted Hedgeland.
In the men’s race, all eyes will be on last year’s TOTY winner, Jesse Thyer, who will make his comeback after being out due to illness.
Thyer was hit by a debilitating illness which ended up putting him out for ten weeks.
“The diagnosis was exercise induced asthma,” confirmed Thyer.
“Though, I’ve been training for five weeks now and getting fit, and I’m really looking forward to getting back out and racing.
Despite the time away and a loss in race fitness, we’re expecting a solid performance from Thyer, and a podium finish is not out of the question.
Thyer will line up against the experience of Paul Mackay and gun swim-biker, Oli Stenning. Sam Lade is also expected to be in the mix after an exceptional race at Karri Valley in March.
Open Start List:
WOMEN
Christina Ladyman
Alexandria Boehm
Alise Farrelly
Katey Gibb
Felicity Sheedy-Ryan
Lisa Delaurentis
Jessica Claxton
Kate Vernon
Kira Hedgeland
Mikala Falconer
MEN
Paul Gregory
Oli Stenning
Justin Adam Ghosh
Balinga Pasco
Lindsay Bennett
Aaron Williams
Jesse Thyer
Drew Corrigan
Luke Bate
Blake Kappler
Ryan Baugh
Brody Baker
James Allen
Luke Bate
Brendon Dimmer
Riki Shinozuka
Samuel Lade
Jonathan Sammut
Liam McCoach
Paul Mackay
Jason Rhine
Leon Wilken
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