European stage for Saunders

Selbornian eyes place in Youth Olympics team

RISING Triathlon talent Travis Saunders is all set to jet off to Europe next week, where he will be competing in two major Triathlons for Triathlon South Africa.

Saunders was selected as part of the team to compete on the Junior European Tour in Hungary and the Czech Republic after a solid showing at the South African Triathlon Championships earlier this year.

“I was not at all expecting to be selected, and it will be my first time competing overseas and I can’t wait to go,” said Saunders.

“I qualified at the South African champs which were held in March at Aldam resort, where I represented Amathole Triathlon and had a very good race.”

Saunders, who currently attends Selborne College, will be representing South Africa in the Junior Men (U19) races.

He will leave for Europe next week Tuesday and will be in action that Saturday in Hungary, when he will be competing in the 2017 Tiszaujvaros ETU Triathlon Junior European Cup over two days and then will head on to the Czech Republic to compete in the 2017 Tabor ETU Triathlon Junior European Cup on July 30.

“My goal for both these events is to do my best and enjoy the experience to compete at international level,” said Saunders.

“I think I will do well as my preparation has all gone according to plan.”

The two races will also be used by the South African Triathlon Federation in identifying young athletes for possible inclusion in the 2017 ITU World Triathlon Grand Final Rotterdam which will take place in September.

“I can do enough to be selected to represent South Africa at the World Champs, but it all depends on what happens on the day,” said Saunders.

“But my goals is to do my best and represent my country and province with honour.”

Another big nod towards Saunders’ talent is that he has been selected as a candidate for the Youth Olympics next year in Beunos Aires.

These events will form part of his experience racing at international level and will be used by Triathlon SA to narrow down the field that they will be looking to send to the Youth Olympics.

“My ultimate goal is to qualify for the Youth Olympics and I will be focusing on that for now,” said Saunders.

“To qualify for the Youth Olympics I will have to win the South African Champs next year in March.

“But I will be looking to take it one step at a time. Let’s first see how it goes in Europe.

“I think it will be a huge learning curve for me and my ultimate goal will be to qualify for the Youth Olympics.”