As the beautiful city of Cagliari gets ready to host the sixth World Cup of the 2018 season, and with a host of exceptional athletes in the men’s and women’s field once more, we catch up with some of those eyeing a place on the podium.

Wearing the number one in the women’s race this year will be USA’s Taylor Spivey. “I’m really excited about this race. The hill really suits my style for the bike and the run, with a big climb and pretty steep descent, so I’m looking forward to it. 
My season hasn’t gone exactly how I would have wanted it to so far. The fourth in New Plymouth and ninth in Bermuda were good races, but overall I know I’ve got a lot more in me, so I’m looking forward to this middle chunk of the season where I really seem to showcase my best results.
”

Number two on Saturday, Czech Republic’s Vendula Frintova, added; “This is my third time here and I’m looking forward to the tough bike course. I think the run will be the challenge but I really like hot races so it’ll be good for me.”

Italy’s Alice Betto will be looking for a lift from her home crowd as she looks to improve on her 9th place last year. “My season began well, and I enjoyed the hills and technical side of Bermuda but in Yokohama I had a crash so I just want to race here and take advantage of the good condition I feel in right now. It will be harder than last year I think, but a good race for me and this is a beautiful location. I hope the Italian fans get behind me and the rest of the team!”

For the men’s race, Cagliari marks the World Cup return for Spain’s Uxio Abuin. After a tricky start to 2018, he will wear the number one on Saturday. “This year I’ve been injured and started to train a little later than some of the other athletes, but the last month has gone well for me so I’m feeling in good shape. I’m looking for some good World Cup results to build towards the World Series but the course here is very tough this year with the hill run.”

Following his win in Astana a fortnight ago, Russia’s Dmitry Polyanskiy is eager to build on that success. “I feel good. I’ve tried to save myself a little since Astana but we will have to see how it goes here. That was a great day for me, and has built up my confidence so I hope to repeat the performance. This is my first time in Cagliari. My last race in Italy was at U23 about 7 years ago so it’s good to be back here.”

Australia’s Declan Wilson is another athlete looking to use Cagliari as a springboard back to his best form. “I had a bit of an injury in St Kilda so i’m here to have some fun and do the best I can but I’d love to be in the top five at the end. I love Cagliari, the course looks very tough but this feels like a special city. Watching last year’s race on the website it looks tough on the bike so there could be some interesting tactics in the race using the up and downhill sections.”