Launceston’s Jake Birtwhistle will join his triumphant Commonwealth Games triathletes at next month’s ITU World Triathlon mixed relay teams’ grand final on the Gold Coast.
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The 23-year-old Games silver medallist will lead a 10-member Australian against strong international rivals at the championships on September 12-16.
Birtwhistlie is third on the WTS rankings behind reigning two-time and defending world champion Mario Mola and Vincent Luis (France).
The Spaniard leads on 4850 points from Luis (3810) and Birtwhistle (3245), who is in line for his first ever podium finish.
Birtwhistle will be joined by Luke Willian in the men’s team and Gentle, Charlotte McShane and Gillian Backhouse from the women’s team.
Also, on the elite men’s team will be Rio Olympic trio Aaron Royle, Ryan Bailie and Ryan Fisher.
Matt Hauser will be absent as he recovers from a dislocated shoulder and broken finger sustained in a May bike crash.
A trademark barn-storming finish from Birtwhistle landed Australia a silver medal in Hamburg last month, following a fifth-place individual performance.
The former Riverside High School athlete then went on to secure a bronze medal in Edmonton, Canada – his fifth WTS podium finish of his blossoming career.
Earlier in the series he finished second in the Japanese city of Yokohama.
NATIONAL SQUADS
MEN - Jake Birtwhistle (TAS), Ryan Bailie (WA), Aaron Royle (NSW), Luke Willian (QLD), Ryan Fisher (QLD) Reserve: Marcel Walkington (VIC).
WOMEN - Ashleigh Gentle (QLD), Natalie Van Coevorden (NSW), Charlotte McShane (VIC), Gillian Backhouse (NSW), Emma Jeffcoat (NSW).
FAST FACTS
- WHAT: ITU World Triathlon Championships.
- WHEN: September 12-16
- WHERE: Gold Coast.