After his stunning performance at the PTO 2020 Championship at CHALLENGEDAYTONA® in December, Britain’s George Goodwin is eager to represent the continent of Europe in May’s Collins Cup.
The 24-year-old produced a scintillating display across all three disciplines at the world-famous Daytona Speedway® circuit to finish third, earning a handsome $50,000 in the process.
However, his attention has swiftly switched to the 2021 season and specifically the inaugural Collins Cup, which will be held in Samorin, Slovakia.
The young Brit is currently ranked 40th in the PTO World Rankings – the 20th European – but his recent successes should launch him up the rankings and into contention for an automatic berth for the event.
Eyes on the Collins Cup
The Collins Cup is a battle of the world’s most talented triathletes competing under the banners of Team Europe, Team USA and Team International.
Eight athletes, the four men and four women who top the PTO World Rankings for each team, will earn automatic selection for the $2million extravaganza.
“I’m not quite sure how far up the rankings I would go after my 2020 results,” said Goodwin.
“Obviously, the European team is absolutely stacked, so to make it into the team on rankings would be a tough ask. I think in the men’s top 10, at least half are Europeans.”
Captain’s Picks
An alternative route into the 12-strong squad is through the four Captain’s Picks, where two women and two men are selected by the team leaders – in Europe’s case, Chrissie Wellington and Normann Stadler.
With Goodwin’s stunning performance in Daytona, it would be difficult for Wellington and Stadler to ignore his prowess over all three disciplines – especially as he is eager to represent the European flag.
“I’d like to think that I would I’d earn a Captain’s Pick,” he said. “I might be considered along the way for that if I’m not automatically in the team.
“If I get there, it would be absolutely amazing to be a part of, but I’ve done all I can, so we shall see. It would be an awesome event to be a part of, another first in triathlon history.”
Europe are heavily favoured to win what is being described as the ‘Ryder Cup’ of triathlon – and Goodwin is confident they have what it takes to justify that favouritism.
“I mean there are really strong athletes in all corners of the world, but I think it’s hard to look past Europe – the team has such strength in depth,” he said.
Goodwin’s goals for 2021
With the continuing global pandemic dominating headlines across the world, the schedule for the beginning of the 2021 season remains up in the air – and Goodwin is unsure when he will race next.
“At the moment, obviously, it’s still a bit uncertain again,” he admitted. “I mean I think a lot of us had hoped it would be back to normal this year.
“I’ve already qualified for the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships and I’d love to do some more PTO races as well. At this time of year, it’s just about getting my head down, getting the sessions done and ticked off.
“I also think triathletes will have to be more flexible with the events they race.”
One thing Goodwin has ruled out, however, is a jump to the full IRONMAN distance, after fellow triathlete Rudy Von Berg posed the question of whether the Brit was considering a 140.6 attempt in the next 12 months.
“Not for a few years,” said Goodwin. “I’m still only 24, I’ve got a lot of time in the sport still and I don’t want to lose that edge over 70.3 racing.
“I think you maybe can lose that edge when you step up too early. I just want to learn the ropes in 70.3 and shorter non-drafting races. Hopefully, I’ve got at least another 15 years in the sport.”
