Sutton’s take on Spirig’s silver
After defending Olympic champion Nicola Spirig broke her hand in March, her coach Brett Sutton switched gears and took her 2016 Olympic preparation in a different direction. No more World Triathlon Series racing. Not, says Sutton, to avoid Jorgensen and the psychological trauma of losing while recovering. He said it was to simply avoid re-injuring her hand in the usual WTS swim scrums at the buoys. Instead, he sent Spirig to three 70.3 races (2 wins, one 2nd) and long run workouts at competitive 10k race pace. For most in the tri world, Spirig disappeared and was forgotten.
Sutton had some initial ideas about how the women's race would unfold. Many of his predictions were wrong, including the idea that Jorgensen would miss the front pack on the swim and then ride on Spirig’s wheel to catch up and have a chance at gold.
As things turned out, Spirig and Jorgensen made the first pack on the swim. And no one was able to sustain a break and dislodge Jorgensen from her comfort zone.
Sutton offered insights on Spirig’s unconventional preparation and how she responded to the unexpected nature of the Rio Olympic race.
Pre-race
Slowtwitch: How much has Nicola lost in the swim with her hand injury?
Brett Sutton: She has recovered fully on the swim. The last month been back to full training as before the accident.
ST: Do you think Nicola will be in the second pack in the swim – as she was 67 seconds back in London?
Brett: Yes. I agree she will not be in the pack with the first 2 Americans (Katie Zaferes and Sarah True). That is why we have not thought about Gwen. Nicola has to concentrate on bringing the field to the first pack by the end of the bike. Our goal is to be ready to out ride all others.
ST: Where will Gwen Jorgensen be on the bike?
Brett: Since the Brazil course was revealed, Nicola has not focused a second on Gwen. If Nicola wants a medal or a shot at the gold, she has to outride the front pack working on her own. What Gwen does is not an issue. If smart, Gwen will be doing like all smart girls – fighting for Nicola's back wheel, and hoping to heaven she has a great day.
ST: What is Nicola’s best hope to defend her title?
Brett: To have any chance of doing that, we need to run down the front pack.
ST: For Nicola what is the difference between London and Rio?
Brett: The difference from London and now is that three of the best bike riders can all swim. And all three of those can run.
ST: What if you are wrong and Gwen swims and rides with the front pack?
Brett: Should Gwen be there on the run and they are all together, then the Gwen Factor becomes a present danger. If that happens, then we will have a run race.
In the race, Jorgensen stayed with the large first pack on the swim and rode in control with the first pack on the bike. Spirig pushed the pace on the front but did not find anyone to work with her on a bike breakaway.
Post-race
ST: Why do you suppose no woman went with Nicola on a bike break?
Brett: The race evolved into a great race. Unfortunately, none of the other girls wanted to or were willing to take part in a bike breakaway. For some reason they decided to sit and hope for, well, I don’t know what they were hoping for.
ST: Even if there was no successful break, did Nicola force Jorgensen to work harder and perhaps make her vulnerable on the run?
Brett: We tried to be a test for Gwen. Unfortunately for us, nobody else did.
ST: Did Nicola have any opportunity to make a solo break?
Brett: There was an opportunity. But unfortunately for Nicola, each place she tried to break away, the course didn't allow her to break through.
ST: After Nicola did almost all the work on the bike, were you surprised she challenged Jorgensen on the run?
Brett: After Nicola led the whole way on the bike, I was astounded she took Gwen on in the run… But that is why she is a champion.
ST: What did you think of the gamesmanship – zig-zagging and coming to a halt to make Jorgensen take the lead running into the wind – between Gwen and Nicola on the third lap of the run?
Brett: I think Nicola was annoyed that after she did everything on the bike, she thought Gwen should lead on the run.
ST: What does this race prove about Nicola?
Brett: Nicola is possibly the most underrated triathlete in the sport. After winning the Olympic gold medal in 2012, to say that does make me somewhat sad. I have trained some of the greats, so I know the times, and she is the best I've ever trained.
ST: What do you think of her performance?
Brett: To come back after her crash and stick it to the best field in the world was a great defense of the title. I thought she did a fantastic job to press the pace all the way on her own. I was very pleased.
ST: And what of Gwen Jorgensen?
Brett: Gwen was tested and did a great job. Full kudos for the new Olympic – and very deserving – champion.
