Manama: Javier Gomez and Ben Hoffman are set to compete for one of the world’s biggest triathlon prizes at this weekend’s Island House Invitational Triathlon.
The three-race format that takes place over three days on the island of Highbourne Cay in the Bahamas will pit them against a limited field of the world’s best short-course and long-course triathletes.
A 300-metre swim, seven-km cycling and 2-km run individual time trial on the first day, a draft-legal Olympic Enduro on the second, and non-drafting sprint distance race on the final day will decide which among them can take home the lion’s share of the $500,000 combined purse.
“I’m honoured to be one of the 10 male athletes invited. It’s going to be a very high-level race in an amazing place and I can’t wait to live the experience. It’s going to be the last race of the year and even though it has been a long one, I’m looking forward to finish this season the best way possible,” said five-time ITU world champion Gomez.
Hoffman has raced in the Bahamas previously, but is looking forward to the new venue.
“This is easily one of my favourite trips of the year, and with the unique race format, big prize purse, world-class field, and stunning venue, it’s going to be an instant classic.
“With the fitness from racing last weekend in Maui, I will look to take chances and race hard over all three days on Highbourne Cay!” said Hoffman.
Coming off the Olympic-distance Noosa Triathlon, Caroline Steffen will once again shift gears to middle distance at Ironman 70.3 Mandurah. Luke Bell and Terenzo Bozzone will also step onto the starting line.
Steffen ran into second place last year with a great run.
“Mandurah is such a great spot to race and a spectacular course too. It’s a unique swim in the canal and the run course is just super-fast,.” said Steffen.
This will be Bozzone’s first race back since his third place finish at Ironman 70.3 Sunshine Coast.
Sam Appleton rounds out the Bahrain Endurance athletes racing this weekend, toeing the line at Ironman 70.3 Austin. He will be on the hunt to add to his 70.3 titles this year after taking Cairns by storm in June.