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The World Cup circuit heads to Asia for the second stop of the series in familiar Ishigaki, Japan. The small island has been a staple on the ITU calendar for nearly two decades, with this weekend’s World Cup marking the 18th consecutive year Ishigaki has hosted an elite ITU event. This year, the race will serve as a homecoming of sorts for Japan’s 2012 London Olympics team, as all five of the Olympians are slated to toe the start line.
Juri Ide (JPN) leads the women’s start list, having just recorded a top 10 finish at the World Triathlon Series in Auckland where she proved her strong swim and bike form. Ishigaki also holds good memories for Ide, as she earned her first major ITU title at the World Cup in 2009.
Tony Dodds (NZL) will be the man to beat in Ishigaki, having already recorded a pair of podium finishes this year. The Kiwi appears to be in top shape, having held his own with an impressive lead group in Auckland on the swim and bike last weekend.
Read more: Triathlon.org