Top Ranked Men Step Out in ITU Auckland

Saturday 05 April 2014
Like the women, the men’s start list is stacked with super stars at the Barfoot & Thompson World Triathlon Auckland. From Javier Gomez to Jonathan Brownlee to the ever increasingly speedy Mario Mola, they’ve all come to race in Auckland this weekend. Here’s a peek at who we think can be major players for the podium.

The Gomez vs Brownlee rival
Whether it’s Alistair vs Gomez or Jonny vs Gomez or the Brownlee brothers vs Gomez, this familiar rivalry just never gets old. Last time Jonathan Brownlee and Javier Gomez met in Auckland, Gomez out sprinted the younger Brownlee down the finish chute to cinch his 2012 season up with a win. A similar scenario played out when the pair last met in London with Gomez again out sprinting Jonathan down the blue carpet, this time winning both the World Title and the Grand Final. Last year, Brownlee proved he didn’t need his brother around to win a race and could even do it when his brother was the competition. A just-missed chance at the World Championship has surely been fueling the younger Brownlee’s desire to get his title back, and that journey begins this weekend. It’s going to be one Sunday fun day watching this pair duke it out.

Super Mario
While the Brownlees have dominated ITU racing in the last several years, Mario Mola just may be the rise of the Spanish inquisition. A second-place finish in the Auckland last year set the path to a top three ranking at the end of the 2013 season. He has already started his season out with a bang, having won two World Cup races, the last of which he beat out long-time friend and idol Gomez. There’s no doubt Mola’s run is on point, evidenced by his sub-14 minute 5k split in Mooloolaba, but he’ll have to conquer the choppy harbour for a chance at catching the leaders en route to the tough bike course.

Run, run, run 
While eyes will certainly be on the top three ranked men, there is a strong lot of gents that could split up the leaderboard early in the season. While Joao Silva (POR) struggled in his season opener, he was back in solid run form in New Plymouth two weeks ago, finishing third to just Mola and Gomez. Sven Riederer (SUI) also challenged Mola early on the run in Mooloolaba. There’s no doubt about it. The men are bringing their running game this year. With Silva, Riederer, Mola, Brownlee and Gomez on the list, all of the men who have ever medalled in Auckland are back to race.

Fish out of water
While the Russian contingency stumbled slightly in the rankings last year, these machines are never far behind, especially in the water. Look for Dmitry Polyanskiy and Ivan Vasiliev to slice their way to the lead, along with three-time aquathlon World Champion Ricahrd Varga. American Tommy Zaferes has also been making a name for himself as a leader out of the swim.

Wildcards
Henri Schoeman‘s (RSA) impressive climb in Kitzbuehel last year put him on the map as a cyclist to watch, meaning he could be well matched for the Auckland course. Likewise, Kiwi favourite Ryan Sissons (NZL) put together an eye-opening climb and will have the home advantage. After moving up to longer distances last year, longtime ITU legend Ivan Rana (ESP) returns to WTS racing this weekend. The stamina built up while training for longer races should serve him well on the hills in New Zealand. As an Under23 competitor, Aaron Royle (AUS) claimed his first World Championships on the course in Auckland, giving him fond memories of the event.

How to watch
The women’s race will start at 12:10pm local time on Sunday, April 6, while the men open their WTS season later in the day at 3:40pm local time. Find international start times here. If you haven’t already, buy your season pass to watch the races live at triathlonlive.tv. You can also follow along live on twitter @worldtriathlon. Don’t forget to pick your podium with our new fantasy triathlon game TRIFECTA.
By Erin Greene ITU Triathlon (photo: Delly Carr)


Coming Triathlon Events View all

Patagonman

Puerto Chacabuco, Chile

Oxman

North Canterbury, New Zealand

Fodaxman

Nova Veneza State of Santa Catarina, Brazil

HercUlean Triathlon

Konark, Puri, India

Challenge Israman

Eilat, Israel

Saharaman

Taghit, Béchar, Algeria

CHALLENGE Sir Bani Yas

Sir Baniyas Island, United Arab Emirates

Kiwiman Xtreme

New Plymouth, New Zealand

Strongman

Miyakojima, Okinawa, Japan

Challenge Taiwan

Taitung City, Taiwan, China

Ironman Western Australia

Busselton, Australia

Ironman New Zealand

Taupo, New Zealand

Ironman African Championship

Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Ironman Taiwan

Penghu, Taiwan, China

Ironman Texas

The Woodlands, Texas, United States

Ironman Australia

Port Macquarie, Australia

Ironman Lanzarote

Canary Islands, Spain

Ironman Brazil

Florianopolis, Brazil

Ironman Hamburg

Hamburg, Germany

Ironman Austria

Klagenfurt, Austria

Clash Daytona

Daytona, FL, United States

BergMan 113 Kolhapur

Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India

Rotorua Suffer

Rotorua, New Zealand

Alpha Win Sarasota

Sarasota, FL, United States

Tauranga Half

Tauranga, New Zealand

Half Camino de la Costa

Viedma, Río Negro, Argentina

Coles Bay Half

Coles Bay, TAS, Australia

Challenge Wanaka

Wanaka, New Zealand

Tweed Coast Enduro

Pottsville NSW, Australia

Husky Ultimate

Huskisson, NSW, Australia

70.3 Bahrain

Manama, Bahrain

70.3 Cartagena

Cartagena de Indias, Colombia

70.3 Western Australia

Busselton, Australia

70.3 Acapulco

Acapulco, Mexico

70.3 Indian Wells La Quinta

Indian Wells La Quinta, United States

70.3 WORLD CHAMPS WOMEN

Taupo, New Zealand

70.3 Florida

Haines City, Florida, United States

70.3 WORLD CHAMPS MEN

Taupo, New Zealand

70.3 Pucon

Pucon, Chile

70.3 Oman

Muscat, Oman

Triathlon News & Media Blogs View all

IRONMAN Cozumel Latin American Champs Pro Preview

IRONMAN Cozumel Latin American Champs Pro Preview

Friday 22 Nov 2024 [Triathlon News]

A Late-Season Destination Race in Paradise Cozumel is not only a beach-goer's paradise, but it’s also a seasoned IRONMAN host city. Off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, the area has over 14 miles of reefs for exploring, plus archaeological ruins, a national park, and endless expanses of turquoise water and white sandy beaches. more

CHALLENGE Family Season Finale Challenge Florianopolis

CHALLENGE Family Season Finale Challenge Florianopolis

Friday 22 Nov 2024 [Triathlon News]

One of the final races of the 2024 triathlon season, the sold-out Challenge Florianópolis, will take place on Sunday, 24 November, on the scenic coastline of Santa Catarina in Brazil. The event brings together a strong field of Brazilian and American athletes alongside over 1,100 age groupers, promising exciting competition in both the men’s and women’s races. more

Double Olympic Champ Alistair Brownlee Calls Time On Triathlon Career

Double Olympic Champ Alistair Brownlee Calls Time On Triathlon Career

Thursday 21 Nov 2024 [Triathlon News]

British double Olympic champion Alistair Brownlee has announced this morning his retirement from professional triathlon, following his podium finish at the Dubai T100 Triathlon World Championship Final on Sunday. more

Marten van Riel Supreme In Dubai To Win T100 World Champs

Marten van Riel Supreme In Dubai To Win T100 World Champs

Sunday 17 Nov 2024 [Triathlon News]

Marten Van Riel defied the intense heat and then outran the world’s best triathletes to win the inaugural T100 Triathlon World Championship Final and take the first-ever T100 Triathlon World Championship Title in commanding fashion this afternoon in Dubai. Van Riel chalked up his 3rd T100 win from 4 T100 starts and make history – following victories in San Francisco, Ibiza and now Dubai – earning $301,000 in prize money along the way. more

Taylor Knibb Dominant In Dubai To Claim T100 World Champs Crown

Taylor Knibb Dominant In Dubai To Claim T100 World Champs Crown

Saturday 16 Nov 2024 [Triathlon News]

Taylor Knibb delivered a flawless swim, bike and run performance to win the inaugural T100 Triathlon World Championship Final and take the first-ever T100 Triathlon World Championship Title in dominant fashion, despite the sweltering heat in Dubai today. more

Facebook


YouTube


Sign up for FREE NEWSLETTER:

We will never share your email address or spam you.