The Yokohama event kicked off the seven-race WTC Series in Japan and offered a first look at some of the key contenders in this Olympic year.
 
“It felt good to be racing again,” said Blummenfelt, who put in a strong ride on the 40km bike leg riding a CADEX Road WheelSystem with a 65 rear wheel and 42 front wheel, hitting the 10km run in fourth position. “There were some nerves on the start line up against those guys, but it was a great result here in Yokohama. Starting an Olympic year with a good performance is great, but this is the soft test for what will be tougher conditions coming up in the summer. I didn’t know where I was off the bike or if the other guys were struggling, but I felt like I had control throughout the run and it was really nice to take my second series win.”
 
In the women’s race, Spivey was battling for a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team heading to the Tokyo Games. Unfortunately she had to race with borrowed gear after her bike was delayed in its arrival to Japan. The 30-year-old fought through sciatic pain during the race, saying afterward, “I gave it my all but couldn’t give anything on the bike.” Spivey still managed to put in a strong run and finish fourth, just 18 seconds off the podium.

The WTCS continues next month with Round 2 scheduled for June 5-6 in Leeds, England.