Jodie Stimpson admits she is chomping at the bit to get her ITU World Triathlon Series campaign underway, starting with the season’s curtain raiser in Auckland this weekend.
The 24-year-old, who finished fifth in the Grand Final race of last season that also took place in Auckland, leads a team of four Brits in New Zealand.
And the triathlete admits she is looking forward to returning to the site of her impressive end of season as she bids for an improved 2013.
“I’m very happy to be back in Auckland,” she said.
“The race here last year was a great way to end the year. I am excited to race the first WTS of the season, and starting it off in Auckland on one of the tough races will be challenging and exciting all in one.”
Joining her on the start line will be Series debutant, Katie Hewison. A former ITU Duathlon World Champion, Hewison has been training alongside Stimpson in Australia.
“This will be the first major race of 2013 for me, and I’m really looking forward to it with it also being my first start in a WTS race,” said Hewison.
“Although I am not 100% fit yet, Auckland will be a good hit out to see where I am against the best girls in the world.”
On the men’s side, London 2012 Olympian Stuart Hayes returns to international action having spent the winter in Australia.
The 33-year-old from Twickenham will be one of the most experienced athletes in the men’s line up, which features Olympic silver medallist, Javier Gomez and fellow Brit and former U23 world champion Matt Sharp.
© Sportsbeat 2013