Search
shop

Rejuvenated Pallant-Browne expects ‘amazing race’ in Canada

We hear from four of the leading contenders in a stacked women's field ahead of the PTO Canadian Open
News Director
Last updated -
STRENGTH. ENDURANCE. PERFORMANCE.

Laura Philipp goes into Saturday’s first-ever PTO Canadian Open as the highest ranked female and she could hardly be in better form.

After being forced to miss the IRONMAN World Championship at St George through COVID she was just seven seconds off the world record time for the full distance when she returned at IRONMAN Hamburg last month.

And speaking at the eve-of-race press conference, the German admitted it even came as a surprise to her.

She explained: “It was really tough to miss out St George but I guess I was not the only one.

“I was unlucky but COVID can hit you anytime and it definitely fired me up to get back into shape and back into racing.

Advertisement

Back in style

“So I looked out for new opportunities and with Hamburg as the European Championships for women it seemed a good choice but I never expected to go that fast after the COVID break.

“Because I was not going for any time or record, it was simply not in my mind. Of course people started to tell me I was on world record pace but I didn’t believe them to start with!

“And picking up your pace at the end of a marathon is easier said than done but I was super proud of my performance.”

That marks her out as the one to beat in Edmonton, but local favourite Paula Findlay should give her plenty to think about – especially on the bike.

She was recently crowned Canadian Time Trial Champion and she revealed: “I’m going to ride the same UCI legal bike I rode a month ago in that event and I feel really good on it.

“It was obviously very different to a triathlon but I think I gained a lot of confidence in training for that and I think I’m going to be able to use the bike to my advantage on this course.”

Controlling the controllables

Also speaking to the media was American Jackie Hering, ranked at #12, and she referenced the strength in depth of the field – which sees 17 of the top 25 women lining up.

“I’m not going to lie, there’s an extremely intimidating list of people at this race in both the women’s and men’s races.

“But it’s important for me not to think about that and just focus on my own race and controlling how I can execute that, which I do feel confident about doing, rather than worrying about everyone else.”

Emma Pallant-Browne The Championship 2022 bike
Emma Pallant-Browne [Photo Credit: Jose Luis Hourcade]

Completing the press conference line up was Britain’s Emma Pallant-Browne, now ranked at #8 following a rich vein of form after bouncing back from a worrying collapse at CLASH Miami earlier in the year.

Talking about that, she said: “It was definitely scary but I’ve worked with Precision Hydration since then and made some big changes.

“It’s putting things in place, nutrition and hydration-wise – and even tactically how I race.

“I went into the races after that feeling a bit worried but it’s paid off.

“There are so many people with so much talent and it’s going to make for an amazing race tomorrow.”

Jonathan Turner
Written by
Jonathan Turner
Jonathan Turner is News Director for both TRI247 and RUN247, and is accustomed to big-name interviews, breaking news stories and providing unrivalled coverage for endurance sports.  
Discover more
Dave Ellis / Luke Pollard - World Para Triathlon Championships Pontevedra 2023
Golden opportunity – British Triathlon launches search for LA2028 paratriathlon guides
IRONMAN Lanzarote 2024 - Anne Haug on run course
Best marathon shoes for Ironman – the ‘legal’ super shoes you CAN wear to level up your run split
Challenge Sanremo 2024 - Photo: Jose Luis Hourcade
How to fuel your triathlon training: Expert nutritionist tips to help you nail every session
swim start IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2024 photo credit Tony Svensson IRONMAN
Level up your Ironman swim split – must-read tips from an expert swim coach
Ironman gear guide – everything you need to get to the finish line of a full distance triathlon
latest News
Taylor Knibb 2024 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship Taupo New Zealand
US triathlon phenom Taylor Knibb hails great rival Kat Matthews for record-breaking IRONMAN Texas win
Richard Varga Jonny Brownlee Arzachena
Triathlon legend Jonny Brownlee reveals ‘Last Dance’ motivation behind latest challenge
IRONMAN Kona 2022 Age Group Results
How will “re-imagined” IRONMAN World Championship at Kona actually look for Age Groupers?
Lucy Charles-Barclay IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2023 Finish
IRONMAN World Championship goes ALL IN on Kona again with men and women to race on same day from 2026
Laura Philipp and Kat Matthews on the run at the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship
Nice gets consolation prize of 70.3 Worlds after IRONMAN World Championships return to Kona
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

Share to...