Sara Svensk opened her 2021 campaign with a scintillating display in the UAE as she claimed an excellent third place at IRONMAN 70.3 Dubai last weekend.

The Scandinavian star headed into her first race of the new season as the PTO World Ranked #22, and lived up to that lofty billing with a podium performance.

After conceding a considerable chunk of time to the leaders in the swim (after recording a time of 29.18) Sara clawed her way into to contention with the third fastest bike split of the entire field (2:09:32).

The Swede made further gains on the run leg, producing the fifth fastest half-marathon split of the afternoon.

Sara’s on-land talents secured the 31-year-old a podium finish behind the Swiss duo of Daniela Ryf and Imogen Simmonds. The PTO World #1 Ryf setting a course record en route to victory.

With the rescheduled Collins Cup on the horizon in August, Svensk staked her claim for consideration at the landmark PTO-supported event.

Sara had already alerted the Team Europe Captains of her talents when finishing eighth in December’s PTO 2020 Championship in Florida.

Before those recent stellar displays, Sara had enjoyed a stunning 2019 campaign which saw her rocket up the PTO World Rankings.

The Swede won IRONMAN Barcelona, IRONMAN 70.3 St Pölten, Challenge Herning and the Swedish Championships, as well as registering top-10 finishes in the 70.3 World and European Championships.

Similar performances in 2021 would give Sara an excellent shot at making the start line in Šamorín when the Collins Cup takes place in August. These are her ‘Weapons of Choice’ for the season ahead:

Swim

Wetsuit: Sailfish
Speedsuit: Sailfish
Trisuit: Trimtex
Sports Watch: Wahoo Rival

Bike

Bike frame: Trek Speedconcept Project One
Frame size: S
Aero Bars: Bontrager Speedconcept with custom Drag2zero cups
Front wheel: Bontrager Aeolus XXX6
Rear Wheel: Zipp Super 9
Tyres: Veloflex
Tyre and Tube type: Clincher, latex tubes
Component Groupset: SRAM AXS Etap 12 speed
Power meter: Quarq
Head Unit: Wahoo Elemnt Roam
Crank Length: 165mm
Gearing: 55/43 10-28
Helmet: Rudy Project – The Wing
Eyewear: Rudy Project
Pedals: Shimano Dura Ace 9100
Cycling Shoes: Bontrager XXX Road
Saddle: Shimano Pro
Hydration System: Profile Design

Run

Shoes: Nike Vaporfly next %
Heart Rate Monitor: Wahoo Tickr
Eyewear: Rudy Project Spinshield