After a successful debut at Tokyo 2020, the ‘super sprint’ mixed relay race will be held over a shorter version of the Paris course on Monday.
The Australians of Matt Hauser, Luke Willian, Natalie Van Coevorden and Sophie Linn have had success in this format and are backing themselves to perform well.
“It is going to be super-fast racing and anything can happen in the relay. We’re going to live up to all expectations and have a great race on Monday,” Natalie said.
“We’ve raced together before in the team event and we were on the podium in Hamburg in 2022.
“It’s great to be back with these three team members. We know how to work together. We’re great friends and the comradeship really brings us all together.”
Sophie relishes the relay team format.
“I truly love the team aspect of the relay and I get really hyped up by the whole team environment,” Sophie said.
“I’m well suited to the super sprint format but we’re all focused on our individual preparations for two-hour Olympic distance before we regroup for the relay.”
The coaches will decide on the competition order for the Australians after the individual races.
Matt and Luke contest the men’s race at 4pm Tuesday 30 July (AEST), with Natalie and Sophie to race 24 hours later at 4pm on Wednesday 31 July (AEST).
All athletes will compete again in the Mixed Relay at 4pm on Monday 5 August (AEST).
Andrew Reid