Paris Test Event Battleground for Olympic Qualification Begins

Step into the enchanting realm of Paris, where elite triathletes and para triathletes from across the globe converge for the highly anticipated 2023 Olympic Test Event.

The stage is magnificently set, and an air of electrifying anticipation envelops the scene. Amidst the backdrop of iconic architectural wonders, over the course of four exhilarating days when the sun’s radiant embrace graces the Champs-Elysées, the world’s finest triathletes will plunge into the waters of the Seine river, embarking on a formidable journey that will challenge their mettle just one year prior to the Paris 24 Olympics. The crème de la crème of triathletes stands poised to illuminate the City of Light, contending for the coveted first direct tickets to the upcoming Olympics next summer.

A total of 65 men and 65 women athletes will take center stage for the individual races in the heart of Paris. In essence, it’s an assembly of excellence. This succinctly captures the essence of the starting lineup for the 2023 Paris Test Event, encompassing both the men’s and women’s categories. Nearly all the distinguished Olympic medalists from Tokyo, including luminaries such as Flora Duffy, Katie Zaferes, Taylor Knibb, Cassandre Beaugrand, Leonie Periault, Kristian Blummenfelt, Alex Yee, Hayden Wilde, Jonathan Brownlee, Vincent Luis, and Dorian Coninx, will step into the arena once again, fueled by the pursuit of Olympic glory.

However, the start lists are also brimming with emerging talents who are set to make their mark. Present World Triathlon Championship Series leaders and familiar faces from the premier podiums this season are prepared to dazzle on the Parisian stage next week. The likes of Vasco Vilaca, Matthew Hauser, Leo Bergere, Beth Potter, Emma Lombardi, and Jeanne Lehair are poised to captivate the audience with their performance.

In the realm of Para races, a host of familiar contenders are primed to navigate the Parisian course and vie for supremacy in an event that now offers prize money for the first time. Double Paralympic champion Jetze Plat, local sensation Alexis Hanquinquant, and the potential for another thrilling showdown between Para triathlon stars Lauren Parker and Kendall Gretsch promise to keep spectators on the edge of their seats.

The Test Event represents a golden opportunity for all participants to familiarize themselves with the courses and, perhaps, secure coveted spots on their respective national Olympic teams well in advance.