Hedgeland’s ready to Jaz it up in Yokohama
TRIATHLON Australia coach Dan Atkins says Gold Coaster Jaz Hedgeland is capable of anything in her first World Triathlon Series race in two years.
Hedgeland will line up in the elite women’s race at WTS Yokohama after finishing second at the Moreton Bay OTU Triathlon Oceania Championships in April.
The 23-year-old is looking to build on her good form after struggling with injuries last year. National performance centre head coach Atkins said there was no cap on what she could produce.
“Jaz has been racing really well and training really consistently,” Atkins said.
“She is capable of anything this weekend. It’s hard to tell what she is going to do. Going by her training she will hopefully have a good race.
“We don’t talk about aims. In my head a top 20 would be outstanding. For Jaz it’s more about being in among the big name girls. There is no expectation on her so it’s about … letting her legs do the talking.”
Hedgeland has competed in four WTS races, with her 26th at Edmonton, her last appearance at the top level, her best result so far.
“It’s time for her to have a go instead of going to just see what happens,” Atkins said. “There is an emphasis on trying to get a result. At this level a result could be top 20 as opposed to winning. This is probably the most prepared she has been for a WTS.”
Fellow Gold Coaster and Rio Paralympic gold medallist Katie Kelly will also race in Yokohama as part of the World Paratriathlon Series.