Jenkins pulls out from the race due to brush burns caused by bike crash in Sydney. International athletes are united to give Japan “happiness and love.”

Summer has arrived in Ishigaki, a tiny island in southwestern Japan. Excitement toward the second ITU World Cup event of 2011 has elevated after a press conference with international athletes and Japan’s national team this afternoon.  Helen Jenkins has decided not to race due to brush burns causes by a bike crash last week in Sydney.  Athletes have expressed their support to the Japanese who suffered from the tragic earthquake last month. 

Barbara Riveros Diaz (CHI):
“It’s my first time here in Ishigaki, and I’m very excited to race tomorrow.  I think one of the main reasons I came here is to support all the Japanese and give them happiness and love.  And, you know, just to be here and do my best is a great gift for them, so I’m really looking forward to the race tomorrow.”

Helen Jenkins (GBR):
“I’m really happy to be here in Ishigaki, and I’d love to race here.  I had a bad crash in Sydney last week and I’m not going to be able to race tomorrow.  I really hope to race but my injuries are still too bad.  So I’ll give my support just by watching.”

Aileen Morrison (IRL):
“This is also my first time to Ishigaki.  I thought, it is a very beautiful place. I have cycled around the island and I thought it is very nice. Also here in Japan, I have thought, that the people are very friendly and it is nice to meet so many happy friendly people and it will be nice to race here tomorrow and help to support the Japanese.”

Ivan Rana (ESP):
“I have good memories of Ishigaki.  In 1998 I had my first race here when I was 18 years old.  In 2001, I had my first victory in a World Cup, so it’s a pleasure for me to come here to Ishigaki.  Here on the island, we have good conditions and, like the others said, the people are friendly and I am very happy to be here.  I also hope to have a good race.”

Hunter Kemper (USA):
“My last time here in 2006 with Courtney Atkinson, I think, for one, I am just glad he is not here.  He has won this race quite a few times, and it is good that we can get some other athletes in the win column. At least for me, I have a chance to do that. He is an amazing athlete. He loves it here in Ishigaki, but I’ll be excited to race on Sunday, tomorrow. I look forward to it. It’s a very challenging course. It’s a beautiful venue.”

James Seear (AUS):
“I’m very happy to be back in Ishigaki. It’s a beautiful island and the people are always helpful and welcoming. It’s an exciting course, very challenging, hilly, windy, hot; so it somewhat suits where I come from in Australia. So I’m looking forward to it, glad to be back, and hopefully it will be a good day tomorrow.”

Mariko Adachi (JPN), 2010 Asian Games champion:
“Earlier this week, I went for a bike ride on a course for the age-grouper’s race.  It was actually the same course when I first took up this sport in 2003, which reminded me of a vivid memory and some fresh feelings that I was purely enjoying the sport of triathlon.  I would like to keep the same heart in my mind during the race tomorrow and cross a finish line with a big smile.”

Akane Tsuchihashi (JPN), 2010 Asian Games silver medallist:
“My first world cup race was in 2009, and it was in Ishigaki.  It has been a bit tough to cling to the leader’s group in run portions in the past races, so was in Ishigaki last year.  This year, I am determined to lead the group in the water, to stay in the first pack on bike, and to manage the final run portion within myself.  I will do my best to get the top of the podium.”

Yuichi Hosoda (JPN), 2010 Asian Games champion:
“I have been competing Ishigaki since 2004, and the weekend’s race will mark my 9th consecutive race.  People say to me, “Welcome back to Ishigaki,” which gets me so motivated to this race.  I was second last year, so only I am expecting myself this year to win the world cup.  I will do my best.”