Agony and Ecstasy As Olympic Qualifying Intensifies in Yokohama

Good morning everyone,

I wrote a lot of this newsletter on the flight from Japan to Spain. Leg two of my wife’s Olympic qualifying campaign has us in Girona for the week. She absolutely nailed her race on the weekend and I’m very proud of her effort in finishing 5th overall.

After some serious nerve-wracking time watching her on the sidelines, I feel like spectating might be just as hard as competing. Seriously! Just boatloads of cortisol without the nice endorphins of actually racing 🥵 

And after a week in the dense urban environment of Yokohama, I’m looking forward to some open roads and clear run paths!

In today’s edition: 

• 🎭 The Olympic qualification drama intensifies at World Triathlon Yokohama.  

• 🥱 This one sleep hack can transform your recovery.

• 🔭 And how to sight in the open water!

Thanks for being here,

-Matt Sharpe, newsletter editor

Have a triathlete in your life who can't stop swimming, biking, or running? Fire this off to them. Forwarded from a friend? Sign-up for free. 

ONE BIG THING

Agony and Ecstasy As Olympic Qualifying Intensifies in Yokohama

What is it: This past weekend World Triathlon Championship Series (WTCS) kicked off with its first race in Yokohama, Japan. On the line? Olympic dreams.

Women’s race: The big unknown heading into this Olympic distance race was whether one of the four U.S. women on the start line would lay claim to the final automatic Olympic berth in Paris. A podium would do it.

• The race also saw Olympic champion Flora Duffy (BER) back in action after 15 months away due to injury.

Out of the water, 16 women including Olympic medalist Taylor Knibb (USA), Maya Kingma (NED), and Duffy were pushing the pace and putting significant time into the chase packs.

Also among the leaders - Americans Taylor Spivey and Kirsten Kasper - their Olympic dreams still in play. Meanwhile, the other Americans, Summer Rappaport and 2016 Olympic gold medalist Gwen Jorgensen were in the main chase pack. They would eventually start the run over two minutes down from the front group.

Onto the run, it was Leonie Periault (FRA) who said au revoir! to the rest of the field as she ran away with her first WTCS win. She also her spot at a historic home Olympics.

Meanwhile, early in the run Kasper was running in third and seemed to be going all in for her Olympic berth. But she was soon gapped by Knibb and Emma Lombardi (FRA) who would go on to finish second and third respectively - closing the door on the American auto spot.

Men’s race: The men’s race had plenty of podium contenders. But the race was dominated by big crashes, an exceptional win, and a return to glory for Australia.

The swim was full gas but saw little separation with over 50 athletes together on the bike. An early crash was followed by later crashes which showed the risks the athletes were willing to take as they fight for precious Olympic points and selection.

Early on the run two men - Morgan Pearson (USA), and Luke William (AUS) - separated themselves from the pack and were running incredibly quick given the large chips on their shoulders.

• Pearson, one of the most talented athletes in a generation has shown moments of brilliance - 2nd place in the 2022 Grand Final - but also significant periods of inconsistency and injury.

• Willian just missed qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics. And after a period of inconsistency was removed from the Australian Triathlon High Performance program and lost all funding.

Both athletes flew through the 10k. Eventually Pearson would pull away taking his first WTCS victory, and a first for the US men since 2009. Willian was passed by fellow Aussie Matt Hauser in the final meters, but his podium secured him Olympic selection. And hopefully, a bit more funding.

On the horizon: it’s now two weeks until the next WTCS in Cagliari. Which will also feature 2023 World Champion Beth Potter (GBR) and #2 in the world, Cassandre Beaugrand (FRA). The incredibly strong Great Britain women’s team will be out in full force. Similar to the American women, four athletes will be fighting tooth and nail for two Olympic berths.

• Which athletes will rise to the occasion? And who will crumble under the immense pressure?

One thing is sure, it will be a hell of a race weekend!

FAVOURITES

🦸‍♂️ Recover better with sleep: Sleep is the most important aspect of recovery from training, and life! So what does a sleep expert recommend you do to have your best sleep? Find out here. [Huberman Lab]

⛔ Sitting sucks: Prolonged periods of sitting are part and aprcel of our modern lifestyle. But it isn’t always the best for our bodies and performance! A short 10-minute stretching routine like this one can help counteract the downsides of sitting and have you moving your best! [Outside]

🔭 Sighting for success: For many athletes, open water swim season is right around the corner. This means proper sighting is also back on the menu! This video shows how to properly sight in the open water. And even if you only train in a pool, you can still practice this crucial skill indoors! [Blueseventy USA]

🌡️ Train better in the heat: For some athletes, the hot summer months are right around the corner. Being able to better regulate heat will help you stay cool and train more efficiently. Read this article and learn how to stay cool, and better regulate your body temperature during training. [Polar]

😮 Triathlon saves lives: Jonathan Perez used to “practically live off booze and Pizza Hut.” Now, after using triathlon training to help lose 400 pounds, he’s an age group champion! [NY Post]

REEL TIME

There’s only 3000 other bikes, how hard can it be to find?!? 🤣

Reel link

WEEKEND RACES

World Triathlon Paratriathlon Series - Yokohama

There were plenty of tight races in Yokohama as the athletes used this event to test early-season form ahead of the Paralympics in August.

• In the men’s PTS5 Chris Hammer (USA) hammered down on the run to take the narrow five-second win ahead of Stefan Daniel (CAN).

• Lauren Parker (AUS) showed she is the woman to beat in the women’s PTWC category as she got another one over her rival Kendall Gretsch (USA) and fended off a strong showing from Leanne Taylor (CAN).

• Haley Danz (USA) dominated the women’s PTS2 race as local hero Yukaka Hato rounded out the podium in third.

Full category results

IRONMAN 70.3 Mallorca

Women’s race: It was always shaping up to be a battle between superstars Emma Pallant-Browne (GBR) and Laura Phillip (GER) and they both certainly delivered. Phillip appeared to have the upper hand coming off the bike, but EPB was able to hunt her down and cross the line first just 15 seconds ahead of the German.

• Sara Svensk (GER) rounded out the podium in third.

Men’s race: The hype pre-race was around the return of Gustav Iden (NOR) and the racing return of Youri Kuelin (NED) after a recent career-defining win at T100 Singapore. Both DNF’d.

Instead, Nicolas Mann (GER) took a very strong win ahead of the very-consistent Jan Stratmann (GER). The entire podium was separated by a mere 23 seconds 😮

Full results

QUICK NEWS

New tech: Leaked Shimano patent hints at a fully wireless, 13-speed groupset. 

Eco triathlon: The Tamuda Bay eco triathlon wrapped up a weekend of athletic spirit and environmental advocacy. [Morocco World News]

Hats off to her: A re-energized 76 year-old woman is taking on a triathlon challenge despite significant mobility issues. [Peeblesshire News]

TEMPO EXCLUSIVE ARCHIVE

• Why you need to train faster, not harder!

• Strength training for your next breakthrough race!

• Why this performance psychologist wants you to celebrate the small wins.

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