Jones, Mislawchuk narrowly miss clinching Olympic berth in triathlon

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates – Canada’s Kyle Jones and Tyler Mislawchuk posted top-10 finishes in the season-opening World Triathlon Series race Saturday, but narrowly missed booking berths for the Rio Olympics.

Needing a top-eight finish to qualify for Rio, Jones raced to ninth place with a time of one hour 47 minutes and 44 seconds over the course that included a 1.5-kilometre swim, 40-kilometre bike, and 10-kilometre run. Mislawchuk, a 21-year-old from Oak Bluff, Man., was 10th in 1:47.47.

“I had a great few months of winter training to prepare for the 2016 season so I am very happy to start it off with a top-10 result,” said Jones. “Coming into the race, I was focused on a top-eight result. I came just short of that, but it shows the form is good, and I’m excited for what lies ahead this year.”

Jones, who claimed two World Cup medals in 2015, said Saturday’s weather conditions were similar to what triathletes will face in Rio this summer.

“So to perform well in the heat is a good sign,” he said. “The course had multiple 180’s, and tight turns so it was important to be technically strong. That is something I’ve been working so I’m very happy with my progression.”

The Canadians will continue their quest for an Olympic berth over the next two World Series races, April 9 on Australia’s Gold Coast, and May 15 in Yokohama, Japan. Triathlon Canada will nominate its Olympic team following the race in Japan.

Calgary’s Russell Pennock finished 29th Saturday.

Quebec City’s Sarah-Anne Brault was 29th in the women’s race, while Amelie Kretz, of Blainville, Que., crashed on the bike and later withdrew with leg cramps.