Emma Moffatt and Brad Kahlefeldt in Budapest

20 May 2010

Two Australian triathlon icons – Emma Moffatt and Brad Kahlefeldt – briefly visited downtown Budapest, which hosts the 2010 Dextro Energy Triathlon ITU World Championship Series Grand Final. Emma Moffatt won the 2009 world championship title in her homeland, and would not like to miss the podium this year either, as she is planning to defend her title.

„We had a little tour [of the sites], but have not had much time. This is my first time in Hungary, and Budapest seems like a beautiful city.  I am looking forward to coming back here and to the race experience in September.” said Emma Moffatt. 

I have come here a couple years ago, and only spent a couple nights in the city, but I really liked it. It is a really nice city, I like to come here.
Budapest is a new race site, as it has not hosted too many big races, but Tiszaújváros is a great place, one of my favorite race sites. I won the World Cup race there in 2006, so one of my gold medals also is in connection with Hungary.  It would be great to win here too, which of course would mean winning the entire season as well.” Said Brad Kahlefeldt.   

"You have to perform well all year round to win the world champion title. It is not a one-day event any more, but I guess winning a one day event is just as difficult. The various sites make the World Championship Series very interesting, and the race is a lot more exciting as well.  It was very close last year, and I think it will be just as close this year” said Emma Moffatt, Australian tirathlete, who currently is placed second on the world rankings. As long as she continues in her current form, she has great chances to become the champion again this year.

Kahlefeldt won two bronze medals so far, and might get even closer to the gold this year. „This year it could change, as I might have more luck this year. I got injured in London last year, I had a small problem with my leg. The year is long, and I hope, that by the time we come back to Budapest, I will still have a chance to win” said Kahlefeld.   

The two atheltes travelled on to Germany after their short visit. The next stop on the Dextro Energy Triathlon ITU World Chanpionship Series is in Madrid, the Spanish capital will host the event June 5-6.

The Grand Final in Budapest will be broadcast live by Magyar Televízió (Hungarian TV) september 11-12.