The PTO US Open women’s race is bursting with world-class pro triathlon talent, all eyeing a slice of the huge $1m prize purse – but who will make history in Texas?
As the inaugural year of the PTO Tour comes to a close at the PTO US Open in Dallas, there’s one last chance for the world’s best professionals to fight it out for one of the sport’s biggest prize purses of $1m. As invitation events where the top 40 PTO World Ranked athletes are offered slots – with roll-downs to the top 50 plus a handful of wildcards – even in their first year, PTO Tour events have made a huge impact on the landscape of pro triathlon.
As a selection of the world’s best descends upon Texas, here are 10 of the top-ranked athletes to look out for – as well as a certain Olympic Champion!
PTO US Open Women’s Race – Ones To Watch
In the women’s race, Kat Matthews (PTO World #4) is the highest-ranked starter. The Brit has had a spectacular year so far, coming second at the Ironman world champs in St. George and being the first woman to ever crack eight hours for the full distance at the Sub7Sub8 project. While she had an off day at the Collins Cup, 70.3 wins in Lanzarote and Swansea show she’s got the middle-distance goods too.
Lucy Charles-Barclay (PTO World #5) takes the next step in her comeback following her recent World Triathlon Long Distance Championship title. All eyes will be on the Brit in her first PTO Tour appearance and with the 2km swim, the Brit could do some real damage on the first leg. Don’t be surprised to see her hold that lead right to the finish either.
Ashleigh Gentle (PTO World #6) is coming off a big victory at the PTO Canadian Open and a strong match-winning performance at the Collins Cup. The Aussie seems to have found her niche at the 100km distance and is surely the athlete with the biggest target on her back in Dallas. If she’s anywhere near the front at the start of the run, she’ll likely bag the win here, too.
Taylor Knibb (PTO World #7) is another athlete on the comeback trail. With little racing since her win in Oceanside in April, the US athlete will have to work hard to command the field as she’s done in the past. That said, if she’s back to full fitness, Knibb could dominate here with a blistering bike and strong run.
Paula Findlay (PTO World #9) is an athlete in scintillating form this season. Happy and healthy, there are few who can match the Canadian, exemplified by her second place at the PTO Canadian Open – taking the pressure of a home-city race in her stride – and an emphatic match victory at the Collins Cup. Findlay has cemented her status as a star for the big occasions who could shine again at the US Open.
Holly Lawrence (PTO World #11) is a classy middle-distance specialist who possesses all the swim, bike and run power needed to fight for the win in Dallas. Sixth at the PTO Canadian Open and a match winner at the Collins Cup, the Brit looks fit, fast and ready for a top performance in Texas.
In a short space of time, Fenella Langridge (PTO World #13) has rocketed up the rankings by establishing herself as a fearless all-rounder, garnering great results across middle and long-distance races. Second at Challenge Roth in July but with a DNF at the PTO Canadian Open, if the Brit’s at her middle-distance best, she’s certainly a podium contender.
Jackie Hering (PTO World #15) is another middle-distance specialist lining up in Dallas. Having suffered a bout of Covid that stopped her from showing her best at the Collins Cup, the American will be looking to put in the powerful bike-run combo that has seen her take many a win.
A long-course specialist, Ruth Astle (PTO World #17) recently took her first middle-distance podium with second behind Kat Matthews at 70.3 Swansea and also clocked a top-five at 70.3 Elsinore. An uber biker if ever there were one, Astle could play a key role in pulling the race back together on two wheels.
Jocelyn McCauley (PTO World #18) is a long-distance weapon but that didn’t stop her from displaying a great performance over 100km at the Collins Cup – coming second to Holly Lawrence. A replication of her solid swim and rocketing bike split there could equate to a strong overall finish for the American on home soil.
Flora Duffy is a wildcard contender at the PTO US Open but with nine world titles and her Olympic win in Tokyo, no-one will be underestimating the Bermudian. Duffy didn’t excel over 100km at the Collins Cup but the lapped course in Dallas should be much better suited to this short-course legend’s skillset.
PTO US Open – Pro Women Full Start List
How To Watch
If you’re in Europe or the Indian Subcontinent, you can watch LIVE exclusively on Eurosport or GCN+. Pre-race coverage including countdown shows and press conference can be viewed free on PTO+. Highlights and race replays will be available 48 hours after the race in these regions via PTO+.
If you’re in the rest of the world, you can watch LIVE on PTO+ with pre-race coverage including countdown shows and press conferences also available on the same platform.
You can also watch live on a selection of regional television broadcasters. Check the full list of broadcasters here.
Live Event Timings
Pro Press Conference – Friday 16 September
- 11:00 CDT (Local)
- 09:00 PDT
- 12:00 EDT
- 16:00 UTC
- 17:00 BST
- 18:00 CET
Women’s Pro Race – Saturday 17 September
- 11:30 CDT (Local)
- 09:30 PDT
- 12:30 EDT
- 16:30 UTC
- 17:30 BST
- 18:30 CET
Men’s Pro Race – Sunday 18 September
- 14:30 CDT (Local)
- 12:30 PDT
- 15:30 EDT
- 19:30 UTC
- 20:30 BST
- 21:30 CET