Triathletes target two Commonwealth medals

The 2013 ITU World Championship Silver medal winning NZ team at the Mixed Relay Championships will be reunited in Glasgow. Credit: ITU

Andrea Hewitt heads the triathlon team for this year's Commonwealth Games, and she's hoping the team can win two medals in Glasgow.

The 2006 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist has been joined by Tom Davison, Tony Dodds, Kate McIlroy and Ryan Sissons, with Nicky Samuels named as a reserve for the mixed team relay.

All will compete in their respective individual events in Glasgow with Hewitt, McIlroy, Sissons and Dodds making up the likely mixed team relay as world championship silver medallists. The relay is on the programme for the first time at a Commonwealth Games.

"We have no illusions of the challenge we face in Glasgow,'' Triathlon New Zealand high performance director Graeme Maw said. ``Just over a week ago four of the six podium spots in the Auckland World Series were claimed by Commonwealth athletes.

"However, we are pleased to have been able to select a tight team constructed to target medals. Andrea and Ryan have shown they can be competitive, and along with Kate and Tony give us a proven combination in the mixed team relay.

"Tom thrilled us all with his performance in Auckland, and gives us options in the increasingly common practise of team support. The selection was no easy process and reflects the need to be smart as well as fit as the sport continues to progress.''

Hewitt is setting tough targets personally and for the team as she contemplates a second Games appearance.

"We have a great opportunity to bring home two medals in the team and individual events,'' the world's fifth-ranked triathlete said. "It will be tough with so many great triathletes coming from the Commonwealth countries but the Commonwealth Games is my focus this season.

"I remember Melbourne eight years ago very well. It was the first year of my career. I have a lasting memory sprinting for bronze in front of family and friends. My parents and aunties from England will be in Glasgow this time cheering us on.

"I'm really looking forward to being part of the TriNZ team in Glasgow, racing with Kate and supporting Ryan, Doddsy and Tom. The team racing brings an exciting dynamic which is great. Racing for each other is a great feeling; I can't wait to be a part of it.''

New Zealand triathlon team for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow

Women: Andrea Hewitt, Kate McIlroy.

Men: Tom Davison, Tony Dodds, Ryan Sissons

Reserve (mixed Team relay): Nicky Samuels