What we learnt from Yokahama WTS

What we learnt from Yokahama WTS

by Emma Carney (AUS) -
Number of replies: 0

Dear Athletes,

What a weekend we just had! The first WTS of the season was in Yokohama, Japan. The amazing work behind the scenes by everyone involved at World Triathlon, the Local Organising Committee and the athletes cannot be underestimated. It was so good to see the blue carpet out again and watching the best triathletes in the world race.

As is always the case, watching the world’s best race is a very good way to learn about the skills of triathlon racing.

So what did we learn from Yokohama?

1 - Everyone is vulnerable, even the experienced athletes. While the race had favourites, it was clear in Yokohama any athlete who is prepared to have a go, can overcome the champions.

2 - The swim is important but

  • T1 must be fast. Those athletes who were not quick in T1, regardless of where they exited the water did not exit T1 with the swimmers they exited the water with. The most time losses appeared to be from those athletes who were not able to run efficiently barefoot and those who were not able to do a flying mount onto their bike.
  • Athletes spend more time on the bike. Those athletes who settled for the group they were in after exiting the water did not in any way make an impact on the outcome of the race. We have seen time and time again even when you exit the water in the front pack, if you are not prepared – or if you are not fit enough to maintain the pressure on the bike – you are vulnerable to attacks.

3 – Two athletes can outride 20 (and put together a gap over 2 min), but one athlete alone may struggle

Never underestimate the impact a small aggressive pack on a bike can do. In the women’s race we saw a very effective attack with 2 riders. These two athletes very quickly organised themselves according to their strengths. One was better technically and led through the technical sections and another was very effective on the time trial straight sections. As a result, they were more efficient in every section of the bike course. The main chasing pack was slow in every section in comparison and no one took the opportunity to counter attack. It was quite clear the larger pack was slowed considerably through technical sections and there were opportunities to jump out off the front on many occasions.

There was an opportunity, waiting to be taken for one, possibly two athletes courageous enough to attempt a second break, bridge across to the two leaders and attempt a podium finish, particularly in the early stages of the breakaway when the gap was small. No one took the risk, opportunity, call it what you will, so the two athletes courageous enough to put themselves on the line both took the honours of the day. A lesson for everyone.

In comparison in the men’s, there was an attempt for a breakaway, but it was solo and no one was prepared (preferred to wait for the run) to join the single athlete off the front. As it turned out the group organised itself to shut it down.

The comparison with the women’s race is however very clear and potentially could have led to a similar outcome. Had one or two been prepared to try to jump across to the leader and share the load, the race result could have been altered, just as the two brave women did.

The bike is a massive opportunity to change the course of a race. If you have the opportunity, take it. Particularly if you are a developing athlete, because the experienced athletes won’t expect you to last off the front. Most athletes are afraid to go hard on the bike – be the opposite, take control and go for glory. Remember, fortune favours the brave.

4 - A tough bike does not affect your run if you are fit on the bike. Back yourself.

After a hard bike you don’t need the fastest time in the run, you just need to be the fastest runner in your breakaway group.

5 – After a tough bike, take the time to find your legs and rather than blast out of T2, find your legs then build to a faster pace of those you are running with. The winner in the women’s was not the fastest out of T2, but was in front by 2.5km.

6 – The run is vital. If you aren’t confident in your run, use the bike – don’t waste it. Just remember the simple logic, if you finish the bike let alongside faster runners you will finish the race behind them every time. If you finish the bike leg ahead of faster runners you may finish the race ahead of some, ahead of most or ahead of all of them.

Looking forward to the next race!

Emma