Pro Perspective: The Best Races In The World

Every year, triathlon magazines like to come out with lists and guides about which are the best races in the World. Some are tough, some are fast, some have the best crowds and others the best beer. But what do the people who race more than most think? What are the professionals favourite races? We asked some leading triathletes to tell us what race they never miss, and why.

Photo: Michael Rauschendorfer

Ironman legend Bella Bayliss: “I love Ironman Lanzarote. The organisers are really passionate about their race and it shows in many ways. I think it is a real fair race, there is little drafting on the bike because of the wind and mountains. Lanzarote is also beautiful and I have won it 2 times so it is really really special to me.”

ITU Long Course World Champion and 2012 Olympic hopeful Jodie Swallow: “I think it would have to be the home races…the London world series, the London Triathlon, Windsor ….they are special UK races and although they don’t always fit in for all the professional athletes we all try and get to them if we can because of the atmosphere. Its very special to compete at home.”

2010 Ironman Lanzarote Champion Catriona Morrison: “Not that I am biased but there are two: St Croix for obvious reasons!! But also because it’s so well run and the volunteers and the community are so supportive.
“Aberfeldy Half: it’s in such a wonderful part of Scotland. So stunning (on a good day!) and I can go there in the campervan with my husband and my family can come watch as a day out. It’s hard for family to support races when you are often in far away places so home events are a bonus.”

UK Triathlon star Stuart Hayes: “The London Triathlon is my favorite race as its just down the road and I get all my mates, friends and family to come and watch just like the Aussies will do for Sydney. The best triathlons I have ever done are Malibu and Mooloolaba. The reason I love these races is because it brings triathlon back to its birth place. Swim in the sea, run up the beach, ride next to the coast line and run along the beach promenade. For me that’s a real triathlon.”

Rachel Joyce, sixth at the Ironman World Championships (at her first attempt): “I haven’t really done one race year-in-year out – but one race that I really loved (and will go back and race again one day) is Ain Alar Juhanson’s race in Estonia. I did it last year for the first time. It’s a great course, the setting is stunning an the race atmosphere is brilliant- relaxed, friendly. Everyone races hard but are there to have fun too. I hope to be back there this year.”

Former Ironman UK Winner Scott Neyedli: “My main focus is Ironman, and so although I haven’t raced it yet (but I have trained from parents home nearby in Kelowna), Ironman Canada. It is definately on the to do list. A challenging course that has everything – beautiful mountains, forrests, lakes, vine yards & desert.”

One of the UK’s top triathletes, Liz Blatchford: “Well, that is a tricky one. As a pro racing is like a business so we have to weigh up all factors. Des Moines Wold Cup pays well and looks after us Pro athletes, the London Triathlon is a spectacle to see 10,000 people competing, Laguna Phuket for the best after race holiday, Alcatraz for an amazing course and backdrop…hmm the list goes on.”

And you? Tell us what your favourite race is below.

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Read more about :advice, Bella Bayliss, Best, Catriona-Morrison, favourite, Ironman, Jodie-Swallow, Liz Blatchford, Race, Rachel-Joyce, Scott-Neyedli, Stuart Hayes, Triathlon