ParaTriathletes to Watch in 2015

This year’s World Paratriathlon Event (WPE) circuit is more important than ever as qualification for the sport’s debut at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games ramps up. A total of 10 events are on the circuit, starting on 1 March in Buffalo City, South Africa, and touching down on every continent before concluding in Chicago, USA, with the World Championships.

In addition to racking up points to punch a ticket to the Windy City in September, para-triathletes will begin securing points for Rio qualification at the Iseo – Franciacorta ITU World Paratriathlon Event. All of the WPE races from then until 30 June 2016 will serve as critical races to synch up one of the 60 available spots. While six sport classes will debut in Rio, WPE races will feature all 10 sport classes. Here is who to watch this para-triathlon season.

Women’s PT5

Great Britain’s Alison Patrick announced her intent in the women’s PT5 when she beat out pre-race favourites Susana Rodriguez of Spain and Great Britain’s Melissa Reid for her inaugural world title. With women’s PT4 and PT5 sport classes both destined for Rio, Great Britain’s team is looking well primed to punch a few tickets for the sunny destination.

Men’s PT5

After relinquishing his world title last year, the USA’s Aaron Scheidies reclaimed the crown taking his World Championship medal haul to three in dominating fashion. While Brits Dave Ellis and Chris Goodwin enjoyed success in the sport class in years past, there was a changing of the guards on the medal stands last season with Vasyl Zakrevskyi and Alen Kobilica gaining ground, so look for new fresh talent to populate the podium.

SEE ATHLETES IN EACH CATEGORY TO WATCH HERE