Sitting on top of the World Triathlon Championship Series leaderboard with the maximum points possible after five races this year, Australia’s Matt Hauser is heading into this Sunday’s race in the Czech city of Karlovy Vary with his eyes firmly on the Final in Wollongong on 19 October.
“I’m really looking forward to a pressure free hit out, having max points, to test myself over a hard Olympic distance course, somewhat similar to what I’ll face in Wollongong next month,” he said.
“Perhaps the final chink in my armour is consistently performing on challenging Olympic distance courses, but I feel like I’m a different athlete now and have the strength in my legs to be a contender over this distance. A breakaway will be on every swim / bikers mind this weekend offering a unique opportunity, so we’ll have to be ready as soon as the gun goes. A test of strength over speed.”
With three races and the Finals counting in the chase to become World Champion, Hauser has already hit the maximum 3000 points available. This will be the first time he has competed on the Olympic-distance course since May when he won the silver in Alghero. He will be joined in Karlovy Vary by fellow Aussie Emma Jeffcoat lining up in the women’s race.
AusTriathlon High Performance Director Shaun Stephens said preparations were well underway for Wollongong with the U23 and Junior Teams already finalised and the Elite men, women and Para Triathlon Teams to be finalised following Karlovy Vary on the weekend.
“With the home World Championships rapidly approaching, many of the athletes have chosen to return to Australia for their final preparations.”
“Matt is super motivated to continue his impressive year with a strong performance in Karlovy Vary which will be his final race ahead of Wollongong. Matt has had an incredible year, and we’re looking forward to seeing him compete in front of a home crowd in 5 weeks’ time,” Stephens said.
“On the women’s side Emma Jeffcoat is still fighting for a spot on the team for Wollongong. Emma is coming off a busy period of racing and her experience along with her swim, bike strength should position her well over the tough Karlovy Vary course.”
