WTPS Devonport: Paralympic hopefuls set for World Triathlon Para Series opener

13 Mar 2024

The Road to Paris stops on home soil for Australia’s Paralympic hopefuls, as they gear up to take on the World Triathlon Para Series opener in Devonport.

With only ten races left before the Paralympic Qualification Period ends on July 1st, top para triathletes from around the globe arrive in the Apple Isle vying for crucial ranking points.

The stakes are high, with the top nine athletes in most events, and a select few in the women’s PTS4 category, clinching quota spots for their nations.

Fresh off their wins at the Oceania Triathlon Para Championships in Stockton, Nic Beveridge (PTWC), Sam Harding (PTVI), Thomas Goodman (PTS2), Jeremy Peacock (PTS4), Jack Howell (PTS5), Anu Francis (PTS2), Grace Brimelow (PTS4), and Maggie Sandles (PTVI) are looking to continue their strong starts to the season.

Glen Jarvis (PTS2), David Bryant (PTS5), Justin Godfrey (PTS3), Liam Twomey (PTS4), Sally Pilbeam (PTS4), and Caroline Baird (PTVI) round out the impressive line-up of Aussies.

Australian athletes can secure automatic nominations for those ranking within the top five in their respective categories.

With newfound confidence, Jack Howell will take on the World Triathlon Para Series opener following his first Continental-level triumph in Stockton – a win that propelled him up three spots to sixth in the Paralympic Qualification rankings.

Having relocated to the Gold Coast from Melbourne, Howell is now training under the guidance of National Junior Coach and Olympian, Brendon Sexton.

“The win in Stockton was great points in my qualification run to Paris, and it gave me confidence that the work I have been doing during the break is working and leading me in the right direction.” Howell said.

Among the locations on the World Triathlon circuit, Devonport holds a special place for the 20 year-old, who first competed there in 2022.

“The race at Devonport is one of my favourites on the circuit,” he said.

“The swim provides the surf swim which is not seen as much overseas, the ride following the coastline is relatively flat and has great views, and you can’t go past the run – wide streets that are flat and create some very quick run times.“

As he prepares to race in Devonport, Howell can count on a wealth of support cheering him on – an Australian World Triathlon Para Series race providing an opportunity to showcase his abilities on home soil.

“I have my entire family, my girlfriend’s family and some family friends coming as well.” Howell said.

“It’s also important and awesome that I can showcase my abilities to people that may not get the opportunity to see this status of racing whilst I’m overseas.”

This year’s Devonport Triathlon will run from Friday, March 15th, through Sunday, March 17th, 2024, headlined by the World Triathlon Para Series. Additionally, it will feature the Oceania Triathlon Sprint Championships, Oceania Triathlon Mixed Relay Championship, Australian Elite Sprint Championships, and age group events.

WTPS Devonport
Friday, March 15 – 1:30 pm AEST
TriathlonLive.TV
Full Start Lists

To view the World Triathlon Paralympic Games Qualification Rankings, click here.
To view the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games Nomination Criteria, click here.

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