Despite the World Championships not being too far away, the duo who have won 12 of their last 13 races, are looking to ensure they keep up their impressive form on the streets of Paris.
Ellis said: “You’re not looking too far ahead. I know the World Championships is close, but you still want to do your best performance here and learn as much as you can.
“Looking too far ahead and thinking we’ve got the worlds to prepare for so this doesn’t matter, is the wrong attitude to have. We’re definitely focusing on this, and we’ve put in a good block of work for it.”
That attitude is matched by Pollard.
He explained: “Looking too far ahead you lose focus on what is coming up and before you know it half the season is gone, and you haven’t quite got the results you want.
“So, I think our approach, taking it race by race, gives us the best opportunity to get the best results.”
The race offers the duo, who compete in the PTVI category, the opportunity to experience the same course they will go for gold on at next summer’s Paralympic Games and is providing plenty of new challenges.
Ellis said: “It’s quite a different event, with swimming in a river, which we don’t normally do and racing on the cobbles, so to have the opportunity to see how it goes and what we need to change and adapt is really positive for next year to make sure we’re prepared for that.”
The duo have been at a training camp in France ahead of the racing with of the British paratriathlon team. The pair have found the opportunity a positive one as part of the group that includes fellow PTVI athlete and guide Oscar Kelly and Charlie Harding, and bronze medallist from Tokyo Claire Cashmore.
Pollard explained: “I think with it being a newer squad, it’s nice to share what we’ve learnt and hear the experiences they’ve had. It’s nice to share different stuff.”
Ellis added: “Having a positive environment always helps. It’s been good. Just getting over to France and getting some decent training in is positive.
“The group all together is quite nice, to have different people to train with and spend a bit of time with.”
Ellis and Pollard will race on Saturday 19 July in the PTVI category. They get underway at 7:05 and you can watch their race on Triathlon Live.
You can view the full start list for the men’s PTVI race here.
Photo credit: Jessica Barratt
