Ahead of the hot and hilly course awaiting the elite athletes on Sunday morning, competitors took time out of their training schedules to share their thoughts on the Huatulco World Cup.

Crisanto Grajales (MEX)
“This is a very tough event but we love it, for the people, the place. I like competing here because it’s a challenge; the early start, the bike race. We’re all after points to qualify for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and to improve our ranking and there are some very strong triathletes, in both the men’s and women’s races. We’re going to give it our best.”

Tyler Butterfield (BER)
“We all love Huatulco, this is one of the nicest places on the circuit and it’s great this event is now in its seventh year. This is my third time here. I hope we all have a great race.”

Ai Ueda (JPN)
“I’m very happy to be back, having won here twice before. Huatulco is one of my favourite places. I like the course, the climb on the bike and the descent, and I like humid weather. I’d like to win here again.”

Michelle Flipo (MEX)
“It’s my third time here and it’s one of my favourite places; the people, their friendliness, and which is a real plus. I always come here to do my best but also to enjoy it and to try to represent Mexico the best I can.”