World Triathlon Cup: Hong Kong pair Ng and Brown still in Olympics race despite struggling in home event
- Jason Ng and Bailee Brown still trailing Kazakhstan rivals in race for spot at Paris Olympics, but can close the gap next month
- Brown says her swim start needs to improve, while Ng left ruing puncture that ended his challenge in front of family and friends
Olympic hopefuls Jason Ng Tai-long and Bailee Brown still have all to play for in two regional championships next month, despite struggling in their respective races at Sunday’s World Triathlon Cup.
Brown “lost her chance” to be in the front swim group and ultimately finished 40th in the elite women’s race, while Ng had a day to forget after suffering a flat tyre midway through the 20km bike section of the men’s event.
Even though she finished third at the Asia Triathlon Cup in Hong Kong last November, Brown said she was not used to the higher level of World Cup racing.
“Athletes at this upper field are really good and strong,” the 24-year-old said. “I just hope that in the next few races, I can nail my swim start speed and then be able to be more competitive.”
But Brown, who finished in one hour, two minutes and 41 seconds, has no doubts over her ability to keep up with the best, and knows exactly where improvement needs to be made.
“It’s just perfecting my swim and being a bit stronger in the water and not getting caught up in the fight,” said Brown, who was part of the Hong Kong team that won consecutive bronzes at the past two Asian Games.