Triathlon: Last chance saloon for triathletes in Madrid

For current world No 3 Andrea Hewitt, the event is a chance to earn yet more valuable ranking points in the race for the world championship. Photo / Dean Purcell.

There are two objectives for the two New Zealand triathletes racing in Madrid this weekend at the latest round of the world triathlon series.

For current world No 3 Andrea Hewitt, the event is a chance to earn yet more valuable ranking points in the race for the world championship and another step towards London where she will be a podium favourite.

And for Nicky Samuels, the goal is to earn sufficient points to earn New Zealand and herself a start in London.

Madrid is the final chance for athletes to earn points towards securing top eight status among the best nations in the sport and, with it, three spots on the start line in London.

While the formula can be complicated, based on their top three athletes, New Zealand is currently 7th with Germany (8th) and Switzerland (9th) the big threats early Sunday morning (NZT).

The Germans have long targeted Madrid for a points surge and, with a good day, can pass New Zealand. That means the real race is with the Swiss, and it may come down to a head-to-head duel between Samuels and Daniela Ryf.

Tri NZ national coach Greg Fraine said the team has worked on the mathematics but don't want to get too caught up in anything other than focusing on a strong race.

"Nicky can control the outcome for New Zealand to have three on the start line in London with a strong performance this weekend," he said. "Essentially, she needs to maintain a gap of no more than five to 10 places between herself and Ryf, depending on how Daniela places.

"The good news, of course, is that currently we have the upper hand and it is the Swiss who have to make up ground. The goal on Saturday is to maintain that position of strength, and the best way to do that is simply for Nicky to concentrate on performance and let the result look after itself."

The situation for Andrea Hewitt is somewhat clearer, but she faces the same pressure to perform and, in the absence of current world No 1 and 2 Helen Jenkins and Erin Densham, earn points to move back up the rankings.

"I'm excited to be racing in Madrid this weekend," Hewitt said. "The course is the same as the previous five times I have raced here and it has only once been a runner's race, mostly it is a strength race with the bike separating the field.

"There will be mini battles within the race within countries and between athletes with similar points and right on the cut of the 55 athletes who will get a start at the London Olympic Games.

"I will just be a spectator to that side race instead I am racing to get up the rankings of the world championship series."

With the New Zealand men having secured their top three ranking, Madrid was never going to feature in the build up to London, so no Kiwis will be on the start line as all continue their preparation for the Games away from the spotlight.