Double Podium in Taizhou
James Edgar and Jonathan Oakey were in strong form at the 2024 Asia Triathlon Cup Taizhou over the weekend, taking silver and bronze respectively, in the Olympic Distance race.
While Japan’s Mochizuki secured a small lead exiting the water, both Edgar and Oakey were close behind with several chasers to reel him back in over the fast, largely out and back, bike course. The group worked well together, putting close to 90 seconds into the chase pack in wet
conditions.
With a group of 10 athletes entering T2 so close together, Edgar produced a 32 minute 10km over the four lap run course to secure silver, despite battling stomach issues throughout, with Oakey 30 seconds behind to claim bronze.
New Flag Journey
The silver medal performance sees Edgar climb six places in the World Triathlon Rankings to 71st overall. With Duchampt in 59th position, and Pevstov in 68th, the race for the New Flag slot at the Olympic Games between all three athletes is now as close as 150 World Ranking points.
Next Focus
Edgar will line up next weekend at 2024 World Triathlon Cup Samarkand where he will be joined by Russell White and Elizabeth Carr. The bronze medal for Oakey is his first senior international podium, and no doubt a sign of things to come in his triathlon future. Oakey said it was a “Great experience stepping onto a podium for the first time in Taizhou, in a Triathlon Ireland suit.” Oakey remains in China to focus on the 2024 Asia Triathlon Cup Lianyungang on the 18th of May.
