In her debut return to ITU racing since winning gold at the 2012 London Olympics, Nicola Spirig joined three-time World Champion Javier Gomez, along with Mexico’s Claudia Rivas and Crisanto Grajales to talk to press ahead of the Cozumel World Cup. In its debut on the circuit, Cozumel will offer up a fast and furious sprint race around the scenic resort destination.

Nicola Spirig (SUI)
On training and competing in Mexico
“I’m very happy to be here. I have the possibility to not just be here for the race but for three weeks to train as well. I’ve seen the social project with the kids and it really impressed me how with triathlon, we can support kids. We can help to make not better triathletes, but better persons. I hope really that this project is growing. It only started 4-5 months ago and it’s really interesting to see how many kids are participating. I’m really looking forward to the race. It’s my first international race after having my first baby in March, so I’m really interested how it goes. I’m looking forward to seeing how I stand against international competition. I like to race and I wish everyone good luck who is racing as well.”

Javier Gomez (ESP)
On his season
“It’s a pleasure to be here in Cozumel to enjoy the World Cup. It’ll be my last race of the season. I had the opportunity to train at home in Spain this summer and we had the idea to come here to finish with this World Cup. I’m fairly tired after the long season, but had a lot of success. I hope to have the same on Sunday.”

Claudia Rivas (MEX)
On competing at home
“I’d like to thank everyone for supporting the sport of triathlon and for all that helped coordinate the race here in Cozumel. It’s great to have people like Javier and Nicola here competing. It’s a great example for all the kids that are going to race. I hope everyone competing enjoys the race. We have a lot of Mexicans racing here, some of our best athletes, so I hope we perform well at home.”

Crisanto Grajales (MEX)
On finishing up his season at home
“We are really happy for a lot of reasons, but firstly to be able to compete here at home with such great athletes like Nicola and Javier. Cozumel is a gorgeous destination for a World Cup. I haven’t had a lot of time to train at home, but I feel at home here. Like Javier, this will be my last competition of the year. I’m really happy with my season this year. I got better each race, so I’m satisfied.”