Duffy ‘Favorite’ To Win Second ITU World Title
Reigning world champion Flora Duffy will be back in action this weekend at the 2016 Snowy Mountains ITU Cross Triathlon World Championships in Australia, with a leading international publication saying she comes in as the “heavy favorite” to win the race, which consists of a 1.5km swim, 32.8km mountain bike and 10km run.
Duffy has been exceptional on the international stage this year, claiming both the Xterra and ITU World Championships, and in a recent Bernews podcast, she said Bermudians have been very supportive, stopping her in the streets to congratulate her and say how proud they are to have a Bermudian win world titles.
16-minute podcast with Flora Duffy:
Triathlon.org said, “Reigning ITU World Champion Flora Duffy [BER] turns to her attention to cross triathlon this weekend as she hunts for her second ITU world title in two months, and her second consecutive Cross Triathlon World Title.
“In the men’s race, two-time ITU Cross Triathlon World Champ Ruben Ruzafa [ESP] is back to try for a triple crown at the 2016 Snowy Mountains ITU Cross Triathlon World Championships over a 1.5km swim, 32.8km mountain bike and 10km cross country run.
“Duffy enters the Lake Crackenback race as the heavy favorite, having won the event last year and having finished with silver in 2014. Not to mention Duffy pulled out all-star performances across the 2016 ITU World Triathlon Series that amassed to an ITU World Championship title. The Bermuda star also is fresh off a win in the Xterra World Championships, which was her third straight Xterra world victory.
Duffy crosses the line to win the Xterra World Championships last month:
“Fellow ITU triathlon racers Charlotte McShane [AUS] and Barbara Riveros [CHI] will offer up a challenge to Duffy, with the added advantage of knowing Duffy’s strengths from having raced her all year. Riveros finished second to Duffy last year, and recorded a top five finish at the Olympics this year.
“While she hasn’t delved in the discipline often, McShane found early success in cross triathlon as the 2008 U23 Xterra World Champion. Having just racked her highest finish ever in a WTS, McShane appears more on point than ever.
“However, the traditional triathletes will have to go up against Jacqueline Slack [GBR], who is far more experienced in racing the cross terrain events. Slack worked her way to a career-high fourth-place finish last year and will no doubt be hungry for a podium. Slack and Olympic bronze medallist Erin Densham [AUS], who is also featured on the start list, have the added advantage of having raced the course last year.
“Racing gets underway on Friday with the women’s Age Group World Championships. The elite men and women will take off on Saturday at 2:30pm, with the men’s Age Group World Championships held early in the morning. The Junior and Paratriathlon races will be held on Sunday.”
Congratulating you up front Flora….you are the BEST!!!