Bahrain Endurance 13: “Originals” return, new members with Olympic focus

Now in its fifth year, the Bahrain Endurance 13 team has announced its 2019 roster of athletes… ‘pursuing gold across all fronts and distances, promoting a culture of health, wellness, and endurance sporting excellence across the Gulf region and beyond.’

Dubbed ‘the originals’, for having been with the team since day one, multiple world champions Jan Frodeno, Daniela Ryf, Terenzo Bozzone, and Javier Gomez return again this year. Joining them on the roster are dual Olympic gold medallist Alistair Brownlee; IRONMAN 70.3 world champion Holly Lawrence; mixed relay world champions Ben Kanute and Ashleigh Gentle; IRONMAN champion David Plese; and team captain His Highness Shaikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

The Bahrain Endurance 13 team also welcomes new athletes this year: world #2 Vincent Luis; Rio Olympics bronze medallist Vicky Holland; and Commonwealth Games paratriathlon bronze medallist Lauren Parker.

With the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics coming up, the Bahrain Endurance 13 team has a special focus. Gomez, Kanute, Gentle, Luis, Holland, and Parker are determined to make selection.

Team Manager Chris McCormack said “There’s definitely a focus on Olympic-distance racing and winning the Tokyo Olympic Games on the men’s and women’s sides, so we’ve targeted some athletes to do that. Our 2019 roster in our fifth year of racing is absolutely remarkable.”

While he threw his hat in with his IRONMAN teammates last year to make his first attempts over the distance and in Kona, Javier Gomez will focus on shorter distances again in 2019 and 2020. He said, “It’s been great to be part of this since the beginning along with Jan, Daniela and Terenzo, the Originals of the team. We have many great achievements – my first year as an IRONMAN last year.

“In 2019 I’ll be more focused on shorter distances but also try to do well in the 70.3 Worlds in Nice. I’m excited for the year ahead to keep inspiring others and support our team ideals. And I would also like to welcome the new team members, it’s a pretty cool team to be part of.”

Three of the Originals have their eyes set on the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona. Jan Frodeno and Terenzo Bozzone will both have scores to settle on the course having missed last year’s edition due to injury. Daniela Ryf will be chasing history, as only two other female athletes have won more Kona crowns than her. She will also continue to close the gap in speed to the men’s field.

Read original article on endurancebusiness.com.