Women’s Preview
Russia marks the first two spots on the list this year, with Olga Parfinenko making out to be one of the front runners going into the weekend. On the circuit since 2013, Parfinenko took home the silver medal in the 2014 Winter Triathlon World Championships in Cogne. But winning two consecutive winter triathlon events in 2015, which includes the Quebec S3 World Cup and the Russian National Championships, she unmistakably will be ready to take home the gold in Zeltweg. She also has one victory under her belt this season as she won the 2016 Otepää ETU Winter Triathlon European Championships just last month.
Parfinenko’s compatriot Yulia Surikova could potentially create a face off after taking the silver medal to Parfinenko’s gold in the European Championships. This race could be her chance to get the win.
Finishing off the European Championship podium is the addition of Austria’s Romana Slavinec, who captured the bronze in Otepää. While also holding the reigning Austrian Winter Triathlon National title, Slavinec could be the one to claim the gold for the host country. The second Austrian competing is Nathalie Alexander and although she has the least amount of racing experience of her counterparts, anyone is a threat, especially when it comes to racing in your home nation.
The last women stepping up to stake claims on the cold-weather multisport title is Monika Koncz (ROU). She is the reigning winter triathlon National Champion for Romania and will be looking to add the title of World Champion to her collection.
Women’s Start List
Men’s Preview
Russia edges out the first four spots on the men’s start list with reigning champion Pavel Andreev predicted to be the man to chase down as he returns to defend his world title for the fifth consecutive time. One of the more experienced veterans on the field, Andreev is also coming off a strong win at the Otepää Winter Triathlon ETU European Championships, so look out for him to gun it on a drive for five.
A strong name to look out for is Italian…