14 August 2019

Olympic spots up for grabs at Tokyo test triathlon event

The Elite Women's 2019 Tokyo Olympic Qualification Event is taking place over four days in Odaiba Park this week. 

The event incorporates a 1.5km swim consisting of two 750m laps from the pontoon by Odabia Beach heading towards Bird Island in Tokyo Bay.

When they emerge from the water, the athletes embark on an eight-lap 40km bike course from the Seaside Park, through the gardens of West Promenade and then cutting back under Wangan-doro Avenue before transitioning to a four-lap run circling the park and finishing along Tokyo Bay.

After her Bronze medal in Rio 2016, a podium finish for Britain's reigning World Champion Vicky Holland would guarantee her a starting spot at next year's Olympics.

Holland's closest rival, Katie Zaferes of the USA has been on top form in 2019 winning four of the first five World Series races this year, placing second in the other so will be hot on her heels this weekend.

The event starts on Thursday in Odiba Park and looks to be a thrilling weekend of racing.

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