Athlete chatter before the Montreal World Cup

For the first time in 17 years, Montreal returned back to the ITU family to host its first-ever World Cup event. While the elite action does not get underway under this Sunday, a few Rio bound athletes took the time to speak with the local media. Brazil’s Diogo Sclebin, Norway’s Kristian Blummenfelt and Australia’s Ashleigh Gentle had a few words before they line up to compete this weekend.

Diogo Sclebin Talk about what the athletes can expect racing in Rio?“Rio is very well prepared to host the Games. I spoke with my brother today and he said there are a lot of people at Copacabana Beach and it is really nice and colorful. So I want to invite you to go to Rio if it is possible because I think the Olympic Games in Rio will be a very good Games.”

A lot of your family and friends will be there watching you race in Rio, does that add any extra pressure or does that benefit you?“I regularly compete around the world and never did I think that a lot of Brazilians would be able to watch me. Two million people will be watching the triathlon. Copacabana is the place where I competed in my first triathlon back in 2000, a long time ago and it will be very important for me to race in my city, in front of my family and in front of everybody with the Brazilian flag. I am very nervous, but also very happy for that.”

Kristian Blummenfelt Your country has a history of having a lot of winter sports, did you have a background in winter sports as well?“I did not grow up really doing winter sports. I live …

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