Time to test the best in triathlon

Jake Japan-bound

TOKYO-bound Jake Birtwhistle will compete on the international circuit for the first time since 2019 when he contests the World Triathlon Championship Series opener in Yokohama.

Tasmania’s triathlete star — who alongside Ashleigh Gentle late last year had his Olympic selection from the Triathlon Australia board ratified to the Australian Olympic Committee — will be one of just six Australians who will feature in Japan this weekend.

Highly restricted travel due to COVID-19 has limited the number of athletes who have headed to Yokohama in the first edition of the revamped WTCS, in which four Australians will square off against international rivals in the 1.5km swim, 40km bike ride and 10km run.

Paratriathletes Clint Pickin (men’s PTS4) and Katie Kelly (women’s PTVI) will also don the green and gold.

Birtwhistle has not raced on the world stage since before the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. He collected two World Triathlon Series titles in 2019 to stamp himself as a genuine Olympic medal contender.

“I’m really grateful that we have the opportunity to race in Yokohama this weekend,” said

Birtwhistle, who has spent the majority of 2020 and early this year training in his hometown of Launceston.

“It’s been a long time since my last international race, so I’m just happy to be back. I’ve spent the past year just focusing on building that strong training base at home.

“I’m looking forward to putting my training to the test in Yokohama this weekend.

“It’s a great opportunity to see where my training is at, but more important to simply be back racing this top-level competition again ahead of Tokyo in a few months.”

Joining him in the elite men’s field is Aaron Royle.

The duo faces strong competition, with training partners and podium regulars Vincent Luis (France) and Belgium pair Jelle Geens and Marten Van Riel all headed to Yokohama.

Natalie Van Coevorden and Emma Jackson will fly the national flag in the women’s elite race.