Pre-race chatter on #WTSLondon

Ahead of the 2014 PruHealth World Triathlon London, elite athletes shared their thoughts on the race scheduled to be played out on Saturday in Hyde Park. From injuries to comebacks to preparation, check out what they have to say about the race.

Jodie Stimpson (GBR):
“The foot’s fine. It was definitely a testing couple of weeks between Yokohama and now, but it’s fine. I’m happy to say that I’m ready to race on the weekend.”

Gwen Jorgensen (USA):
“Yea, it’ll be fun to go out there and race this weekend. Every race is different. I know it will be hard with the home town favourites sitting next to me with Helen and Jodie. It’ll be fun to race Lisa Norden, as well.”

Helen Jenkins (GBR):
“I’m really looking forward to it. I think one of the best things about London 2012 was the crowd support. I ran over in Hyde Park this morning and it all comes coming back with the memories. I hope a lot of people turn out to support the Brits.”

Richard Murray (RSA):
“Yea, I’m thinking I’m hoping for a close bike. I think a lot of the guys will be watching that group for some action. I’m looking forward to a good event. It’s awesome to be back in London. I always think the course is quite special and it’s great to be here.”

Jonny Brownlee (GBR):
“Over the winter I’ve perhaps done a bit too much training, I’m a bit over tired but I’ve rested up now and hopefully I’ll have a lot better weekend. I’ll be happy with a podium, I’ll be very happy if I win. I always go to every race to try and win, but I’ll be happy with a podium.”

On the rivalry between himself, Alistair and Javier Gomez
“I’ve loved being part of that, it’s been a great few years for triathlon. The rivalry with Javier Gomez from my own personal point of view has been great, he’s pushed me on, he’s made me better. I’ve had to improve and I’ve had to change things and that’s what you want as an athlete. Sometimes it’s better not to win all the time.”

Alistair Brownlee (GBR):
“It’s a sprint race, which is a bit different. Obviously I want to have a good race and be competitive. It think I’ll be a lot better than I was in Yokohama, well hopefully. And just make it a real quick race, it’s a sprint, which means you can afford to go as hard and you can and make it fast exciting racing and I’m looking forward to it.”