Abu Dhabi: Defending ITU World Triathlon Series women’s champion Gwen Jorgensen believes Abu Dhabi is the perfect venue to launch her title defence this weekend.
The capital race, which takes place on Saturday, will mark the first time that a WTS event has been held in the Middle East, much to Jorgensen’s delight.
It is the first of 10 global races — which involve swimming, cycling and running in immediate succession over various distances — culminating in a grand final in Chicago in September.
Speaking exclusively to Gulf News, the American said: “This year the WTS will make its first-ever stop in Abu Dhabi. It will be an iconic location and great start to the series.
“The biggest factor to potentially change this race is the wind. If winds are high enough, there is potential for serious splits on the bike.”
The 28-year-old added that, while she is firmly focused on this weekend’s competition, she is acutely aware of the bigger picture.
Jorgensen explained: “Since finishing the 2012 London Olympics, I have publicly said that my goal is to win gold in Rio [at the 2016 Olympics]. However, now that Rio is approaching, I must first attempt to qualify. This year I will target the Rio Olympic Games’ qualifying races.”
The American will face stiff competition from six of the top-10 women triathletes in the world this weekend at the Abu Dhabi Sailing & Yacht Club and the Corniche, so how does she assess her chances of victory?
Jorgensen replied: “Everyone who shows up on the start line is there to win. It is getting closer to Olympic Games qualification, so athletes will step it up another notch this year.
“I am preparing myself to be the best athlete I can be and am excited to test myself against the best.”
Jorgensen said the keys to success in the punishing endurance discipline of triathlon lie in both mental and physical preparation.
She added: “I am currently training with Jamie Turner and the Wollongong Wizards [a triathlon squad in Australia]. I am in a performance environment where I am challenged daily by my competitors and friends.
“It is a great atmosphere and the group is encouraging and upbeat.”
In terms of her career highlights, Jorgensen acknowledged that winning the WTS on home soil in Chicago last year was a hugely proud moment for her.
She added: “As for one of my career race highlights, the Stockholm WTS in 2013 was one of the first WTS races that I felt I was able to execute on the swim, bike and run. It showed me that if I keep working hard, I do belong [in elite company].”
