Barclay Izzard is WTCS Sunderland Ready

Barclay Izzard is raring to go ahead of the AJ Bell 2023 World Triathlon Championship Series in Sunderland as the British leg of the competition hits the north-east.

Roker Beach and Seaburn will welcome the best athletes from across the world, with Izzard set to take part in the elite men’s race having recovered from a fall on the bike leg when helping Great Britain win European Games silver.

The 25-year-old will have the advantage of a home crowd behind him, including family and friends who will be cheering Izzard all the way down the home straight.

“I’ve just recently got back into my run from a little injury but I’m feeling good for all three disciplines,” Izzard said.

“It’s pretty exciting that it’s at home and I get to have all my friends and family there who can come and watch.

“Having them there when I’m racing gives me some extra motivation when they’re cheering me on.

“When there’s a really good backing it helps my running, when it’s quiet you’ve got to be able to push yourself.

“When it’s silent, all you can hear is your breath, so having people there will be a huge support. 

“I’d like to get a top 15 or a top 10 but ultimately I’d like to get all the skills right, enjoy the bike a little bit and have fun with it.”

Izzard will be looking to make an advance on his top 50 ranking in the World Triathlon Championship Series after competing in three events so far on the tour.

Returning from collar bone surgery in March, his best finish WTCS finish this season arrived in the opener in Abu Dhabi as he came home 15th, which he wants to build on this weekend.

“The run is probably the leg I want to do well in, but I’d rather have a better swim and be in the race at the front," he said.

“Then, when I get off in the run, which is something I enjoy, hopefully I can come out well in that. 

“When you go to a World Triathlon Championships Series, it’s very different to Europeans. The quality of people goes all the way down until the last guy, there is no drop.

“In the World Series, the bike is definitely harder and everyone is just more on it. 

“The course has a bit of a hill, a sea swim and a long run on the beach into the sea and out, which should benefit me.

“With the World Series especially, it’s exciting for everyone to watch a race of that quality because normally they wouldn’t be able to see that.

“With the less experienced guys watching us, they can learn a lot and hopefully aspire to get to that sort of level.”

Alongside the elite races, Sunderland will also host an exciting festival of swim, bike, run for amateur racers over the weekend of July 29-30 – click here to find out more.