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With Olympic qualification underway for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, the start list for the first World Cup of the season features some of the biggest names in sprint distance triathlon, representing 42 nations. Expect fast and tactical racing in the 2023 World Triathlon Cup New Plymouth over the hilly course in Taranaki, starting from Ngamotu Beach - with a 750m ocean swim (1-lap). 20km bike (4 laps) and 5km run (3-laps). Follow the Elite races on TriathlonLive.tv on Sunday, 26th March with the women starting at 11am local time and the men at 1.30pm in the coastal and mountainous region of Taranaki.

Hayden Wilde NZL
“It’s really nice to be back in New Zealand, I’ve spent eleven months away from the country and it’s nice to be back. You forget how relaxed it is here, it’s nice to be home.”

“It’s been a while since a New Zealander hasn’t won here in New Plymouth since Bevan Docherty so I will be going out there pretty hard to see what I can do for the local crowd. My friends and family are here so looking forward to having them here as they never get to see me race, it’s usually following the live-action most of the time.”

Sandra Dodet FRA
“I think the bike will be very interesting because it’s hilly so we will see.”

“I hope I will race very well as I would like points for the Olympic ranking. We won’t have many races in the first period of qualification so it’s really important. I had a very long travel day but I am happy to start my season here because it’s the first time for me and it’s so nice. I will start with number two so I would like to have a podium. We don’t know what will happen so we will see.”

Luke Willian AUS
“It’s a tough course, an honest course, you just have to really position yourself at the front all day to put yourself in the chance to win it. The bike is tough with that hill and we do it four times and it can really hurt the legs if you’re not smart and the run, little pinch before the end can really hurt if you’re not smart.”

“Got to take this with both hands. It’s hugely important, you have to take every opportunity to get points. This race too, it’s my sixth time racing and it was my first World Cup win so it’s a special place, I am very happy to be back.”

Claire Michel BEL
“This is a really good honest course, it’s got a good hill in the bike and the run and the swim can be choppy and you’ve got all the extra variables with the run in and run out. The conditions are also variable here. You can get rain, wind and bright sunshine.”

“I am really excited. I have had a consistent winter. It’s been a long time since we’ve had that so I am happy to be back healthy and eager to be fighting in the race and not just surviving in the race so that’s good.
“I have been staying here with the same homestay family since 2014. It’s an extremely welcoming community and that’s really unique. Especially for us when we’re on the road a lot, having a home-cooked meal, basic things but they really makes a difference. That was actually the reason I came here, directly after (WTCS) Abu Dhabi to spend two weeks training. I expect it to be a good, hard race. I just don’t count anyone out, especially with Olympic qualification but I also count myself in. I am just excited to get out there for a good battle and hopefully the weather conditions stay cooperative to keep it a good, clean race.”

Tyler Mislawchuk CAN
“New Plymouth is one of the best in the world. I am biased because New Zealand is top of the list and it resembles Canada a little. You’ve got the ocean, the sun, it’s hard to beat those factors alone and you toss in a little hill and nice locals, it’s hard to beat.”

“I have had mixed results here from breaking my jaw to sprinting for the podium. The field is stacked this weekend for a World Cup early season. Away from everything and being so far, it’s pretty incredible to have the start list we do.”

“A place is all about the people. This place is special, locals are always so special. I have spent so much time here, I am biased but it’s one of my favourite World Cups on the circuit.”

“It’s important for me to be here early, pick up some points and get myself safe on some start lines moving forward.”

Gwen Jorgensen USA
“I have a lot of special memories in New Plymouth, especially this time around. The last time I was here was in 2016 and we have spent here in the Taranaki this year as well and it’s just been an amazing experience. My son has gone to school here which has been really special and teaching me some of the Maori traditions and it’s been really fun to be here and to experience this city with my family.”

“I am super excited to race. I am really nervous, to be honest, it’s been seven years. I did a race in Taupo right off the place, which was a Continental Cup. A World Cup is a huge step up from a Continental Cup so I am really excited to race. I came here to perform and I don’t know what that will look like on Sunday but it will be me going out there and giving it my everything.”

To review full start lists for the 2023 World Triathlon Cup New Plymouth, visit the website.