The 2017 ITU World Triathlon Series debuts this weekend in Abu Dhabi, bringing the top triathletes from all over the world to compete in a brand new course that will stretch over the famed Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix course. With the men racing on Saturday after the women kick start the season on Friday, Jodie Stimpson, Mario Mola and Javier Gomez Noya talked on the press conference on their feelings about the new season that is just beginning and their expectations for the race.

Jodie Stimpson
On the changes that she has experienced in the last few months…
“There’s definitely a few changes for me. There’s been a change coachwise, a few challenges and a lot of learning for myself in training in a completely different way. Really positive changes, and I’m really looking forward the race”.

On the new course in Abu Dhabi, and returning here where she won last year…
“As an athlete you try to prepare the best you can for each race. This new course will definitely be a test, technically, for all athletes. You really have to be very on it on the bike course”.

On the disappointment of not going to Rio…
“Missing the Rio Games was disappointing but is also positive, because I don’t wanna miss another big championship. In 2016 I started the year really strong, but we have so many great athletes in my country. And the race in which I had to perform, she (Helen Jenkins) performed better and she deserved it. It was disappointing because I was so close to be in the Olympics, but now I’m using it as a huge motivation. I’ll try to qualify for the Commonwealth Games next year and also for Tokyo 2020”.

Mario Mola

On the pressure on him as a two-time champion in Abu Dhabi…
“I really don’t feel much pressure, is rather a motivation to keep trying things as I’ve done in the past. For me it’s great to start the season here in Abu Dhabi. Is a whole new season, with lots of challenges, and a motivation to try to do the same this year”.

On having eaten too much birthday cake lately….
“I’ve been eating too much lately, but on the other hand, I’m training more to burn those calories out. The more you eat, the more you have to train, so the better”.

Javier Gomez Noya

On the excitement of returning to competition…
“I’m really excited to be here racing again an a ITU WTS race”.

On his win on the Dubai 70.3 Challenge a few weeks ago…
“It was a good way to start the season, a totally different race. It had nothing to do with this race in Abu Dhabi, but I was very happy to win in Dubai, in a course that wasn’t good for me at all, too flat. I struggled a little bit on the bike for that, but I run well and managed to get the win.  After that I’ve been training well, gaining speed, because for this race I think I’m gonna need it. I’m feeling good, I’m very excited to be back and let’s see what happens on the weekend”.

On how he copes with normal life with so many trips and training…

“That’s something not many people think about. People see us racing on TV, but there’s a lot behind that, a lot of training, a lot of traveling… you just have to try to do everything the best you can. I’ve been doing this for many years and you learn from experience, and try to make your trips a bit more confortable, try to rest a bit more, train properly… there’s not much secret. Just try to look after yourself”.