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In Qatar the triple-jump competition will likely see sparks fly. One of the champions of the sport on French soil, world champion Teddy Tamgho is expected at the foot of the jumping pit. Indeed, he isn’t planning to mess around in Doha, particularly given the stiff competition in the line-up. The young Cuban, Pedro Pablo Pichardo, has had a sensational start to the season after coming excruciatingly close to 18 metres in Havana (17.94m). He will be the odds-on favourite. Another big contender is American Christian Taylor, reigning Olympic champion.
Still with the field disciplines, we’ll also be able to follow discus thrower Mélina Robert-Michon. The European number two is used to battling it out year-round with her main rivals. After a gentle return to the fray during the first Inter-Clubs tour, she’ll be able to switch things up a gear for a first real test, where she will notably be up against Croatian Sandra Perkovic, who has been head and shoulders above the others in her discipline.
Bosse up against Aman
A lone Frenchman will be at the start of one race with Pierre-Ambroise Bosse set to take part in the 800m. The native of south-west France is very familiar with Doha, having achieved a sub 1’46 there for the first time in his career. It was back in 2012 and since that time, the French record breaker has covered a fair bit of ground. He’ll be among the pretenders to victory, though Ethiopian Mohamed Aman is the bookies’ favourite. Also worth keeping an eye on are the 1,500m specialists, Asbel Kiprop and Ayanleh Souleiman.
Two days later, in Shanghai (China), solely Rouguy Diallo will be competing for the French contingent for the second leg of the Diamond League. It will be a major debut for the world triple jump champion, who has never competed at this level outdoors. It’s an opportunity to rack up some experience in a competition that notably includes Colombian Caterine Ibarguen, reigning world champion.