Long-course legend Jan Frodeno has been named as the first wildcard for the PTO Tour US Open in Milwaukee next month, with the German chasing a first podium on the PTO Tour after finishing fourth at the European Open in Milwaukee.
With a stellar cast already announced for the men’s race, Frodeno will be the third Olympic Champion to toe the start line in Wisconsin along with Tokyo winner Kristian Blummenfelt and double Olympic gold medalist Alistair Brownlee.
The trio, who went head to head in Ibiza in May, were unable to take the top spot last time around after being thwarted by Aussie Max Neumann, but will relish the chance to do battle again stateside.
Milwaukee set for fireworks
Having improved race by race so far this season and avoided any serious injuries, Frodeno will be one of the favourites heading into Milwaukee and not just because of what he has done in the past.
Fourth at the PTO Tour European Open and a win at IRONMAN 70.3 Andorra in recent weeks has proved beyond reasonable doubt that the multiple IRONMAN World Champion is gunning for victories.
With the rest of the wildcards set to be announced by the PTO in due course, stay tuned to find out who will be joining Frodeno, Blummenfelt and Brownlee in Milwaukee.
Joining Frodeno on the start list is Belgian Marten Van Riel, who will be swapping short course exploits for a shot at the US Open title.
The Belgian, who many think is well suited to the longer distances given his incredible bike power, will add some ability to the front swim pack along with fellow Olympians Ben Kanute and Aaron Royle.
Finally, American duo Tim O’Donnell and Marc Dubrick take the last two wildcard slots and finish the line up.
Dubrick, the recent winner of the Escape from Alcatraz triathlon, will relish the chance to race a quality field, whilst O’Donnell continues his comeback after a period out of the sport.
