Avilés ready to welcome the best duathletes of the world

The world’s best duathletes are set to astonish the crowds on the streets of Aviles with the medieval town in the northern coast of Spain hosting the 2016 ITU Duathlon World Championships this weekend . More than 1400 athletes will enjoy the stunning views of the Niemeyer Centre, the only work in Spain of the famed Brazilian architect, which stands out as an exclusive space between the Avilés estuary (La Ría) and its historic quarter.

For the elite men, two of the favorites athletes are defending champion Emilio Martín (ESP), and World Champion silver medallist Benoit Nicolas (FRA). The pair will have stiff competition from Richard Murray (RSA), who is ranked fourth in the Columbia Threadneedle Rankings. A top triathlete known for his bike and run speed, Murray makes his first appearance racing after undergoing surgery for a shoulder injury he incurred during an accident at World Triathlon Gold Coast.

The pre-race favorites will have strong competition with rising stars of duathlon such as Yohan Leberre (FRA), Philip Wylie (GBR) or Angelo Vandecasteele (BEL), who are all committed to making their lives as difficult as possible on the 10 km run/40 km cycle and 5 km run. 

In the elite women’s race, defending World Champion Emma Pallant (GBR) will have very strong opponents, such as Susanne Svendsen (DEN), who was third at the Duathlon Long Distance European Championship this year, as well as Duathlon European Champion Giorgia Priarone (ITA). Brazil’s Nayara Luniere and Spain’s Paula García Godino and Margarita García Cañellas will also be strong contenders for the World title. Michelle Dillon (GBR), who won the event in 2005, returns to competition in her first ITU race since 2008.

Saturday will also be the day for the Junior and U23 races, with some promising young athletes fighting for crowns. Paratriathletes, some of whom are already classified for the Rio Paralympic Games, will be trying their best on the streets of Aviles with Susana Rodríguez and Raquel Dominguez Martin lining up with the likes of Franck Paget and José Vicente Arzo Diago.

The last day of competition, Sunday, will be lycra time as the streets of Avilés will be filled with color with thousands of atheltes taking part in the age group races all day long. The two-day event will finish with the thrilling Mixed Relay race with Great Britain and Spain competing for the World Duathlon Title. 

Men’s Elite Start List
Women’s Elite Start list

Men’s Elite race – Saturday 4th, 19h
Women’s Elite race – Saturday 4th, 16h

Follow all of the action live on twitter @triathlonlive