Prior to the 10th anniversary of an ITU race in Madrid, Andrea Hewitt and Jonathan Brownlee joined Spain’s Ainhoa Murua and Mario Mola to answer media inquiries. While Olympic qualification will be top priority for a number of competitors, these four are looking forward to a challenging race course at the scenic Casa de Campo park with relaxed attitudes. 

Andrea Hewitt (NZL)
On her race history racing in Madrid
“I’ve had some great races here. I’ve been here five times. Back in 2009 was one of the closest races. I saw the photos and it was pretty much just my hair that was in front. Looking back to then, it was great. Coming back here, I just want to have another good race.”

On her race strategy
“I think every race now is fast after the swim. I just trained at the moment to be at the front of the swim and the front of the bike, to be there for the start of the run. That’s my race plan going into this weekend too.”

Ainhoa Murua (ESP)
On her race season to date
“I’m very happy with how the year started. I had a good summer. In Sydney, the first race, you didn’t know how good the other people would be. But I had a really good race. It put me in a good position.”

On competing in front of her compatriots
“Like all of the years, I think it an important race here at home. I hope people come out to cheer us on. You can feel their energy when you are climbing the hill (on the bike) and running. It helps. It is an advantage. The truth is I like to compete in Casa de Campo when family and friends come. This helps a lot too.”

Jonathan Brownlee (GBR)
On his expectations for the competition
“Madrid does tend to split into a small group in the front. This year there are some very, very good swimmers. There are lots of people who want the race this year to qualify for the Olympics. On the other hand, there are a lot of people missing. There’s obviously Alistair not here and Javier is not here. Last year, they were two people that worked very hard on the bike. So it could go either way. But, I’d quite like (the field) to split into a small group of ten.”

On training without his brother
“It has affected me a little bit but Alistair tends to get injured every year around the same time as he got injured this year. He has missed a lot of sessions every single year, really. But it has affected a little bit. Some runs I’ve had to go out on some runs on my own when he’s not been there, it’s been a little bit harder. But I’ve got a good group around me at Leeds, there’s lots of runners to train with, it’s not just me completely on my own, there’s a lot of people I can join in with.”

Mario Mola (ESP)
On his season so far
“The first months of racing and competition were good for me (this season). I had good training all of winter. I began in Mooloolaba where I finished fourth. I also got fourth in San Diego. These are very good results for me. I’m happy with that and I hope to continue on this path. I know after San Diego, mathematically, I am in a better position for the Olympics. This relieves some pressure for me. I will try in Madrid to do my best. I hope to do a good race here with all the Spanish crowds helping us on the course.”

On Madrid’s bid for the Olympics in 2020
“I suppose it must be difficult to have a big event at home and be the favorites. I think it would partly be difficult because it’s at home and puts a lot of pressure on you. On the other hand, having all the people pushing with you and for you must be great. It would be a great opportunity to have an Olympics Games at home.

The 2012 ITU World Triathlon Madrid gets underway when the women’s elite starts at 5:45pm (local time) on Saturday 26 May, followed by the men’s race at 1:55pm on Sunday 27 May. Follow every movement live through triathlonlive.tv. Follow on Twitter at twitter.com/triathlonlive.