A strong women’s field has been announced for the first World Triathlon Cup of the year in Napier, New Zealand next month, with a wide range of countries sending their top athletes to the North Island.
Amongst the field are former World Triathlon Cup medalists, WTCS calibre racers and a number of women who will be hoping to boost their Olympic ranking ahead of the cut off period.
Thorpe leads home hopes
In the absence of top ranked New Zealander Nicole Van Der Kaay, World #40 Ainsley Thorpe will lead the hopes of the home team in Napier along with Brea Roderick.
From Australia, Nicole Van Coevorden will join the Kiwi pair as podium threats, as the highest ranked Oceania athlete on the start line. Her fellow countrywoman, Sophie Linn, will also hope to feature.
World Triathlon Cup medalist Sereno will aim to start this season as she finished last year’s after taking second at the World Triathlon Cup Vina del Mar.
Ackerlund, who finished 2023 with a string of World Triathlon Cup Top 10 finishes, is another athlete worth watching out for and will be chasing her first podium since 2019.
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