Reactions to ITU Team Champs

The exciting action of Sunday’s ITU Triathlon Team Championships drew great reviews from athletes, coaches and the media alike. We take a look at some of the reactions from across triathlon.

Simon Whitfield, Canada. Sydney Olympic champion, Beijing Olympic silver:
It was another great day and this event is very exciting for the future of our sport, it was definitely fun and everyone raced exceptionally well. Its a spectacular event.

Emma Snowsill, Australia. Beijing Olympic champion:
Its fantastic; I think it just shows the sport and what we do in a slightly different format. Obviously, there are a lot of other sports that get to compete as a team and this is just the same. If they can see how exciting it is, how close the racing is even after having four team members; I think it really should be a part of the Games.

Emma Moffatt, Australia. Beijing Olympic bronze:
I was really up for today, its such an exciting race format and I was really looking forward to it.

Greg Fraine, New Zealand national coach:
In this type of racing if you arent at 100% you are going to be off the pace, it was relentless all race and seconds at crucial moments can make or break your chances. Team racing is an exciting addition to the sport and one that will go from strength to strength.

Shaun Stephens, Australia. Head Coach:
It was a great day and a great event for the sport. This is the way triathlon has to move. I really think this relay format would be a huge hit at the Olympics because its just so dynamic.

Daniela Ryf, Switzerland. Beijing Olympian:
Hopefully the ITU will be able to get this format into London 2012. It was so exciting with the changes and the short distances, and it was planned so well and awesome for the spectators to watch.

Lukas Salvisberg, Switzerland:
This was really different; we have four winners, not only one. Its just really good to feel like this!

Samantha Warriner, New Zealand. Beijing Olympian:
A lot of the up and coming athletes coming through get the chance to take part and be on the start line it will be nice to have that team atmosphere, with all of us racing for New Zealand and in the same teams.

Lauren Groves, Canada. Beijing Olympian:
We laid it all on the line today and Im more tired than yesterday [Olympic distance race] if that is possible. It was a complete burn up on tired legs and I was at absolute maximum for twenty minutes, but it was a lot of fun.

Matt Reed, USA. Beijing Olympian:
Its so short and fast, its not like a two hour event, its more exciting. People love fast things. Its a great event and it absolutely suits the Olympics. It would be great if it could get in there.

Jarrod Shoemaker, USA. Beijing Olympian:
It was unbelievably fast; I did everything I could to catch up in the swim and then by the time I got on the bike I was already spent. I was going as hard as I could on the bike and then the run hurt even more.