Search
shop

PTO Canadian Open: Nicola Spirig among new names added to line-up

The ‘Superfrau’ is looking to end her career on a high and heads next to first 'major' of the PTO era
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Nicola Spirig, one of triathlon’s greatest names, is among a number of new additions to the women’s field at this month’s PTO Canadian Open.

The Swiss star, who is retiring at the end of the 2022 season, will follow up her incredible Sub7Sub8 battle with Kat Matthews by taking on the likes of Laura Philipp in Edmonton.

Philipp at #3 and Spirig at #14 are among the 18 athletes in the top 25 of the PTO’s World Rankings who will be taking part.

“After my exciting Sub8 project in Dresden, I am now looking forward to tackle the second half of the year,” Spirig said.

Final flourish

Nicola Spirig Sub7Sub8 Run Dekra Lausitzring Germany June 2022
Nicola Spirig in action on the run at the Sub7Sub8 event (Mana Studios).

“In my final year as an active triathlete, I am very excited to be competing at the PTO Canadian Open in Edmonton for the first time.”

Spirig’s inclusion sees an already-stellar field at the North American race, which has been dubbed the first ‘major’ of the PTO era, further strengthened as she is joined by seven other new names.

Sophie Watts (USA), Vittoria Lopes (BRA), Radka Kahlefeldt (CZE), Rach McBride (CAN), Grace Thek (AUS), Penny Slater (AUS) and India Lee (GBR) have all had their places confirmed on the start line.

Unfortunately one big name who is missing is top-ranked American Taylor Knibb, who withdrew on Wednesday night due to what she termed “a little injury”.

Full women’s start list here.

Star quality

And the men’s field, which features a hugely-anticipated showdown between Norway’s top stars, Kristian Blummenfelt and Gustav Iden, has been further boosted.

Joining the Norwegian duo – as well as home favourite Lionel Sanders and newly-crowned Challenge Roth champion Magnus Ditlev – are 11 additions.

They are Henri Schoeman (RSA), Matt McElroy (USA), Andre Lopes (USA/BRA), Kyle Buckingham (RSA), Max Neumann (AUS), Brent McMahon (CAN), Reinaldo Colucci (BRA), Steve McKenna (AUS), Pieter Heemeryck (BEL), Matt Sharpe (CAN) and Youri Keulen (NED).

Full men’s start list here.

Olly Green
Written by
Olly Green
Olly is is been the content lead for RUN247, is a regular contributor to TRI247 and keeps an eye out for content that appeals to both audiences including interviews with pro Heather Jackson.
Discover more
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumTriathlon’s mid-season report card: Tim Don on who’s raising the bar this triathlon race season
TRI-FIT VANGUARD tri suit review
The entry-level tri suit with a serious amount of performance for the price point – TRI-FIT VANGUARD review
Hayden Wilde bike supertri Boston 2024 photo credit supertri
Premium10 ways to make your road bike faster and more aero for triathlons
Kristian Blummenfelt photo credit: PTO Canadian Open
PremiumIs your gut health impacting your performance? The untapped potential of good gut health for triathletes
Laura Philipp and Kat Matthews on the run at the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship
PremiumHas triathlon reached peak performance? Tri experts and legends on how much faster triathletes could get
latest News
Triathlon superstar Hayden Wilde to make shock comeback at London T100
Lionel Sanders wins 70.3 St George 2025 photo credit Getty Images for IRONMAN
‘Intimidating’ to go into Worlds after four months off – but Lionel Sanders up for the challenge
Georgia Taylor-Brown Alex Yee Super League Triathlon Malibu 2021
Triathlon’s most decorated Olympic duo now honoured by their former University
Olav Aleksander Bu Photo credit: Roj Ferman | Surpas
Top triathlon coach Olav Aleksander Bu says it’s all about the team after Uno-X bag first Tour de France win
Danielle Lewis (USA) takes the win in Lake Placid.
IRONMAN Lake Placid 2025: Date, start time, how to watch and who’s racing
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

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

100+ new articles/month

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

100+ new articles/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...