The 2017 ITU World Cup season officially begins this weekend as Cape Town, South Africa holds the privilege of hosting the first stop in a 16-city worldwide tour. While Cape Town is no stranger to ITU events after hosting World Triathlon Series races from 2014-2016, this will be the first time that the picturesque and coastal city will host a World Cup. Elite athletes, including Olympic heroes and hometown heroes, are eager to get the competition season underway with a fast and furious sprint.

Jolanda Annen

“I am happy to be back and see that Cape Town is sunny this time! I did not have a great race last year and hope that it goes better this time. It is not that the weather must be warm for me to race good or perform, it was just really difficult last year.”

“I have never been to South Africa for training, but this is my second time racing. I have been training in Europe and am feeling good. I hope the off-season training was good enough. We will see on Saturday.”

henri_schoeman’>Henri Schoeman

“The Olympic Games was an amazing experience. All the focus beforehand was on Richard Murray. I was still trying to get that breakthrough race and be someone to look out for at every race. I knew I had been working hard and that the breakthrough will come. Obviously the breakthrough could not have come at a better time. I had smart tactics for the race and it all worked out. To follow the bronze medal up with my first WTS win was perfect, because I felt the need to silence some critics who were writing me off shortly after the Games already. I have to proof to myself and my critics that I am here to stay.”

“I will be racing a new bike on Saturday. That was customised for me. It is really special. It has some bronze in it! I am excited to race on it in Cape Town…it will turn I few heads I think.”