The PTO has released the official women’s start list for its upcoming T100 London race, set for the weekend of August 9–10 – and it includes a significant number of wildcard entries. No fewer than seven women have been granted a wildcard, underscoring a trend that’s becoming increasingly common on the PTO circuit.
Three key takeaways stand out: some of the sport’s biggest names are racing, British women dominate the list, and wildcards are once again playing a major role in filling the start line.
As online chatter grows louder questioning the long-term viability of the PTO – viewership numbers have been declining despite the organization’s aggressive push to maximize broadcast appeal – it’s becoming increasingly evident how reliant the PTO is on wildcard athletes. At nearly every race, there’s a shortage of contracted athletes available or willing to compete, making wildcards a crucial part of keeping the events viable.
That said, the field in London is far from lacking in star power.
A strong British contingent will headline the race, with Kate Waugh, Jessica Learmonth, Lucy Charles-Barclay, Lucy Byram, India Lee, Holly Lawrence, Georgia Taylor-Brown, Lizzie Rayner, and Kate Curran all set to start. At least seven of these nine women are serious podium contenders, if not outright favorites.
Here’s the full start list:
- Julie Derron (SUI)
- Taylor Knibb (USA)
- Kate Waugh (GBR)
- Jessica Learmonth (GBR)
- Lucy Charles-Barclay (GBR)
- Ashleigh Gentle (AUS)
- Holly Lawrence (GBR) – Wildcard
- Lucy Byram (GBR)
- Lisa Perterer (AUT) – Wildcard
- Hannah Berry (NZL)
- Daniela Kleiser (GER) – Wildcard
- Ellie Salthouse (AUS)
- Els Visser (NED)
- Hanne De Vet (BEL) – Wildcard
- India Lee (GBR)
- Caroline Pohle (GER)
- Laura Madsen (DEN)
- Lizzie Rayner (GBR) – Wildcard
- Kate Curran (GBR) – Wildcard
- Georgia Taylor-Brown (GBR) – Wildcard
