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Stimpson rockets to World Series win

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A decisive performance by Jodie Stimpson rocketed her to a ITU World Triathlon Series win in Auckland, New Zealand. Jonathan Brownlee and Helen Jenkins also achieved podium finishes to make it a successful start to the Series for British triathletes.

Stimpson was in determined mood from the start, and used a bike break away to set up her second ever Series win. Simpson started running with just New Zealand’s Nicky Samuels and Kate McIlroy for company. After 1.25km she was on her own and ran to a convincing victory.

Behind her Germany’s Anne Haug had come from the back of the pack to near the front on the bike. She ran past the chasing pack, bringing Helen Jenkins with her. The German, who was third overall in the Series last year, took second place and Jenkins a brilliant third in her first major race since the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Stimpson used the benefit of having trained with Samuels and McIlroy to help set up the win.

She said: “That is definitely one of the toughest courses, that’s what the Kiwis are known for, they are awesome riders and it was great to be in a breakaway with those girls today.”

She added: “I wish Non (Stanford) could have been here, I hope she gets back quickly and joins us on the start line, but I’m chuffed with today, I couldn’t be happier.”

Jonathan Brownlee resumed the family rivalry with Spain’s Javier Gomez. In the absence of Alistair in Auckland, Jonathan took up another head to head battle on the run section with Gomez, the reigning ITU world champion.

After closely matching each other on the swim and bike, Brownlee and Gomez ran together until the closing stages of the 10km run when Gomez broke away and had the luxury of being able to jog up to the finishing line to take the win.

Brownlee said: “It’s always going to be a similar race (with Gomez). It’s the first race of the season today and it actually really killed me, he had more than me today, he’s obviously in great shape.”

He added: “I want to do the Commonwealths and I know I can’t be fit all the way through the season.”

Alistair Brownlee is set to take part in the next round of the Series. Jonathan said: “I’m pleased he’s not here today because he would have made that bike ridiculously hard, but he’ll be back for Cape Town.”

British Triathlon Performance Director, Brendan Purcell, was pleased with the performances of young British triathletes, including Grant Sheldon’s 12th place finish in his Series debut.

He said: “It’s a promising start to the season. The seniors have picked up where the left off at the end of last season, and I’m unbelievably happy to see Helen Jenkins finish on the podium.”

He added: “What we’re really happy about is these younger athletes coming through and putting up a performance. The field was really on today, it was a tough field and they were right up there.”

The next round of the Series takes place in Cape Town, South Africa, 26-27 April. The Series returns to London’s Hyde Park on 31 May.

Results

Women

1. Jodie Stimpson, GBR, 2:08:34
2. Anne Haug, GER, 2:08:59
3. Helen Jenkins, GBR, 2:09:10
19. Lucy Hall, GBR, 2:13:05
30. Vicky Holland, GBR, 2:15:16
36. Natalie Milne, GBR, 2:18:23

Men

1. Javier Gomez, ESP, 1:54:13
2. Jonathan Brownlee, GBR, 1:54:33
3. Aaron Royle, AUS, 1:55:49
12. Grant Sheldon, GBR, 1:56:54
15. Matt Sharp, GBR, 1:57:15
28. Tom Bishop, GBR, 1:58:59

 

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