The Race of the Year?

The top 34 subject to 3 per nation gain a starting slot for their nation in the World Championships in Australia . It appears from the Irish selection criteria that the Worlds slot will go directly to the athlete finishing in that top 34. Mathys Bocquet and Senan McDonnell have been given the opportunity to compete for Ireland. There may have been a selection event but we did not see one advertised. 

Hollie Elliott and James Edgar go in the Elite championships. No start for Erin McConnell in the individual race and social media posts showing Elizabeth Carr onsite likely means we will get to see her back racing in the Relay team. 20 teams go in the Mixed Relay in a race where Ireland were 13th last year with a team of McConnell, Edgar, Saoirse O’Brien and Russell White. Edgar was 4th in the individual race in 2024 but that was over a supersprint format. Can he recover from Hamburg and bring a big result again?

There will be a big Para team in Montreal. Chloe and Judith MacCoombe are both racing, unfortunately we still do not get guides names from the start list. Donnacha McCarthy and Sean Husband continue their Canadian tour following up a 3rd place last weekend. Also racing will be Tom Williamson fresh from his efforts in the Elite National Championships last weekend. Can the PTVI group close the swim gaps a little to put themselves in stronger positions heading out on the bikes and can Williamson continue to improve his run over the remainder of the season? 

Luke McCarron races again in Canada following his 31st place finish last weekend. We know he can run well but just has to get himself there relatively fresh.

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