Triathletes to Watch in 2018
2018 is set to be a huge year for triathlon with a number of superstars set to emerge, while regular stalwarts continue dominating the sport. Triathletes from countries around the world will showcase their talents at the Commonwealth Games, but it's not only these athletes we have our eye on.
2018 is set to be a huge year for triathlon with a number of superstars set to emerge, while regular stalwarts continue dominating the sport. Triathletes from countries around the world will showcase their talents at the Commonwealth Games, but it’s not only these athletes we have our eye on. Here are Trizone’s picks for the top athletes of 2018.
Alistair Brownlee – ITU
It’s no surprise Alistair and Jonny Brownlee will be heading to the Commonwealth Games in Australia this year. After a powerful year in 2017, all eyes will be on Alistair who just won Ironman 70.3 Dubai on 2nd February.
Trizone has tipped Alistair to finish in the top three partly because of his experience at the Commonwealth Games venue. Brownlee told the British Triathlon Foundation; “At the moment I am focusing on my training for the next few months to get myself in the best possible shape I can be in for the Games. I have been lucky enough to race there before actually, at the same venue, and I have some good and bad memories of that. But I am just looking forward to being there on one of the biggest stages that you can in triathlon.”
Ashleigh Gentle – ITU
After winning the infamous Noosa Triathlon for the fourth time in a row last November, it’s clear Gentle knows how to race in the Queensland heat and humidity. This unique ability, her impressive second-place ranking in ITU plus the added bonus of racing in her home country could take Gentle to the podium on the Gold Coast at The Games.
Flora Duffy – ITU
World Champion of everything, Flora Duffy will lead Bermuda’s Commonwealth Games team at the opening ceremony, and we’re betting it’s not the only thing she’ll be leading. With an impressive attitude, work ethic, and a year of formidable results in her favour, if Gentle doesn’t take out the gold, we’re betting Duffy will dominate the women’s race at the Commonwealth Games.
Jake Birtwhistle – ITU
After ferocious second-place finishes at Edmonton and Hamburg last year, Birtwhistle is one to watch at the games. We know he can race under pressure, and we know he can finish well in hot conditions. Trizone is backing the Aussie for a gold or silver medal finish at the Gold Coast.
Holly Lawrence – Ironman 70.3
Lawrence won’t be appearing at the Commonwealth Games again, however, Trizone predicts she will be a fierce contender in 70.3 throughout the year. After an injury forced her to pull out of the 70.3 World Championships last year, Duffy has rehabilitated and is now race ready for 2018. Lawrence placed third at Ironman 70.3 Dubai on February second, and we’re betting she’s only getting started.
Javier Gomez – Ironman 70.3
After winning the World Championships last year, Gomez is most definitely one to watch. With his seemingly carefree style, Gomez performed well in 2017 and will continue to perform in 2018. While he’s certainly not a new face, he is one of the regulars we pick to continue charging to the front of the ranks.
Lucy Charles – Ironman
British athlete Lucy Charles is young, hungry and after placing second at Kona in 2017, we know she can perform impressively under pressure on the world stage. Thanks to her young age and her impressive trajectory in the past two years (read more here) Charles is set to continue dominating Ironman races in 2018, and we bet she’ll become the top female Ironman within the next 12 months.
Sam Appleton – Ironman 70.3
Aussie athlete Appo is currently ranked fourth in the world after an impressive win at Santa Rosa Ironman 70.3 and a fourth-place finish at the Ironman 70.3 World Championships in 2017. With new sponsors in the past 12 months and consistent performance, we’re betting Appleton will continue to outperform in 2018.
All eyes will be on the Gold Coast in 2018 as selected ITU champions battle it out, but Trizone is also excited to see how other athletes in Ironman and Ironman 70.3 manage the year. With injury always a threat, the start of the year is uncertain in any sport, but it’s this time period filled with anticipation that reinvigorates fans after the holiday period.
Who do you think will dominate in 2018?
