WTCS Cagliari will take place over the same course as that used in the previous iteration of the race in October. Last time out, there was enough in the course to enable breakaways in both the men’s and women’s races.
In the men’s event, Jumpei Furuya used a late attack to gain a gap. Jonathan Brownlee then bridged across and the duo defended a small lead into T2. Meanwhile in the women’s race, the Taylor Knibb train broke up the field on the bike.
Neither the swim nor the run were quite as influential in shaking up the race last year, but that could easily change this time round.
The race will get underway with a sea swim. If there is any chop in the water or if there are strong winds, the field could be broken up a little more. Generally sea swims can result in slightly more unpredictable outcomes than those in more contained bodies of water.
At the same time, conditions were not very flat in October and the field did not really break apart as a result of the swim. Maybe last year will be instructive of how this year will go. Equally it could be completely different this time round. Several athletes could suffer in the waves although the favourites should not lose much time at all.
The bike contains one prominent dead turn. Intriguingly, the turn comes between the two fastest points on the circuit. Into the turn, the athletes will have a fairly quick entry. On the way out, though, they head into a very long straight. The drop in tempo and sudden acceleration will sap a lot of legs, especially as the field will have to do it ten times.
The shortness of the laps may play into the hands of anyone that wants to ride aggressively. Conversely, any slightly slower swimmers may risk being lapped out.
With a couple of tight corners, there will also be some technical aspects to navigate later in the route. The bike course will also be along the beach front for large stints. As a result the athletes could be exposed to possible sea winds which could aid any breakaway.
Hence, while the laps do not offer any major shifts in elevation, there are several factors that could make for a tough day on the bike.
The running laps will then follow most of the bike course so athletes will be very familiar with their surroundings. Last year Alex Yee struck out early on the run and can be expected to do so again this time.
Of all the opportunities on the run, Via Rodi might offer the best moment to attack. It comes after a couple of twists through the streets which could break up the rhythm of some athletes. Furthermore Via Rodi is on a slight curve so if anyone can get a short gap quickly, they could disillusion their opponents by hugging the side of the street to stay as far out of sight as possible.
