New Zealand triathletes Andrea Hewitt and Kate McIlroy posted superb 4th and 6th place finishes respectively at the latest Dextro Energy ITU World Champs Series triathlon in Madrid, confirming New Zealand’s standing as one of the elite countries in women’s triathlon.
The race was won by Canadian Paula Findlay, who like Jonathan Brownlee (GBR) in the men's division continues to lay down the marker for others to aspire to, the Canadian running clear of Helen Jenkins (GBR) and a fast finishing Emmie Charayron (FRA) to her fourth overall WCS title.
Cantabrian Hewitt swam strongly emerging from the water at the head of the field and along with a small group of five others set out on the 40km bike. That group of five quickly became 17 as the chasers bridged the gap, included amongst them was McIlroy.
The race then settled into a familiar pattern, mirroring that of the men the day before as the chase group struggled to close the gap, staying a consistent 30 to 40 seconds back with Hewitt and McIlroy riding strongly near the front of the race, while Emma Moffatt (AUS) and Daniela Ryf (SUI) led the chasers.
The news was not so good for Debbie Tanner though, after a steady swim Tanner struggled with her breathing on the bike, clearly affected by the heavy pollen count in the Madrid air Tanner withdrew on the second lap on the bike.
Hewitt showed her customary speed through transition, trailing only the flying Laura Bennett out on to the 10km run with McIlroy a little more circumspect in 12th place. Hewitt and Findlay (CAN) soon took control however and battled for the lead with Jenkins (GBR) and Barbara Riveros Diaz (CHI) close on their heels.
Soon it was a lead group of three with Hewitt, Findlay and Jenkins dropping Riveros Diaz, with McIlroy holding her form superbly in 6th place halfway through the 10km.
Chasing and closing though was Charayron (FRA) and with less than one kilometre to run pocket rocket Frenchwoman passed a tiring Hewitt for third with Findlay outsprinting Jenkins to earn her fourth World Champs Series title in less than a year of racing on the circuit.
McIlroy ran out her race superbly for a best ever World Champs Series finish of sixth, an amazing result given the surgery the Wellington athlete underwent on both Achilles tendons in the off season.
ITU Dextro Energy Triathlon World Champs Series, Madrid
Elite Women
1500m swim, 40km bike, 10km run
1. Paula Findlay CAN 2:03:46
2. Helen Jenkins GBR 2:03:50
3. Emmie Charayron FRA 2:03:59
4. Andrea Hewitt NZL 2:04:02
5. Barbara Riveros Diaz CHI 2:04:44
6. Kate McIlroy NZL 2:04:57
7. Sarah Groff USA 2:05:29
8. Laura Bennett USA 2:05:31
9. Svenja Bazlen GER 2:05:32
10. Rachel Klamer NED 2:05:59
