Alex Yee had one other excellent season in 2022, ticking off his predominant objective in type when he gained particular person and blended relay golds on the Commonwealth Video games in Birmingham.
As he advised us when reflecting on the yr, these dwelling video games had been an enormous alternative: “It’s in all probability the primary time I’ve ever put an end result objective on one thing. I actually went in there desirous to win the occasion.”
He simply missed out including a world title to these golds on the WTCS season-finale in Abu Dhabi – as did his nice rival Hayden Wilde. They got here fourth and sixth respectively – one place larger would have seen one in all them and never Leo Bergere take the general crown.
Excited for the longer term
Each Yee and Wilde are on the shortlist of 5 for the Male Triathlete of the 12 months on the first-ever International Triathlon Awards in Good this week.
Their rivalry was one of many enduring tales of the season – fiercely aggressive and intently fought, but additionally with an enormous quantity of mutual respect.
And Alex advised us: “I believe that friendship does trickle throughout to the race course.
“I’d by no means have imagined rising up that I’d be able the place I’d be in a rivalry, which I assume is on the prime of our sport.
“We’ve had loads of good battles, together with a great deal of different guys, and I’m certain it is going to final for a very long time and a variety of different individuals will be a part of the ground. I’m simply excited to see what’s coming.”
No hype required
Equally related to the International Triathlon Awards, that are aiming to carry all aspects and distances of the game collectively, is the robust affect of the Norwegians.
It’s probably the most I’ve ever watched long-course racing – I believe having the quick course guys in it has actually animated it for me.
Kristian Blummenfelt, who simply beat Yee to gold within the Tokyo Olympics, gained each a 70.3 World Championship and an IRONMAN World Championship in 2022. He appears to be favorite for the GTAs, together with compatriot Gustav Iden who notched a record-breaking triumph on his debut in Kona in October.
That pair gained a bunch of different huge races too and have taken middle-distance and full-distance racing by storm, however now have their sights again on short-course forward of subsequent yr’s Paris Olympics.
Which means they’ll be locking horns with Yee, Wilde and co once more – and Yee for one is relishing the battles forward.
He advised us: “Having the Norwegians again clearly adjustments the dynamic of a race. I can’t even title their palmarès. It’s ridiculous with Kona victories, world information, all of that form of stuff.
“I believe whenever you race guys like that, you admire the extent that they’re at. I believe with their scientific, physiological method, I believe they had been at all times, in my eyes, going to realize huge issues.”
Seeing present prime ITU athletes even have main lengthy course success – and now coming again to the shorter distances – is one thing that Yee feels might be replicated by others.
He added: “I believe that is solely the beginning of what we’re going to see from them, quick course and lengthy course. So I believe that’s actually thrilling and I believe they’ll in all probability be the leaders in that means fairly just a few of our quick course guys going throughout. I’ve little question that Vince [Vincent Luis] goes to be unbelievable over the lengthy distance, and Hayden as effectively, and lots of others.
“It’s probably the most I’ve ever watched long-course racing – I believe having the quick course guys in it has actually animated it for me.
“I take heed to the Triathlon Mockery podcast [created by Joe Skipper and Tom Oosterdijk] and there’s such a giant ‘divide’ between us, although we do the identical sport. So I believe that it’s cool when worlds do collide ultimately, and I believe they appear to understand what we do, and likewise for us as effectively.”
You could find out who lifts the Male Triathlete of the 12 months award and all the opposite classes with our protection right here on Friday night.
