Jodie Stimpson finished 13th at the TransCanada Corp. World Triathlon Grand Final Edmonton, Canada. A disappointing race by her own high standards put her fourth overall in the ITU World Triathlon Series. Lucy Hall was happy with 16th place.
Stimpson struggled in the swim and rode the fast bike course with Series leader, Gwen Jorgensen (USA), who also missed the front pack after the swim. Meanwhile, Hall was riding extremely well in the front group and increasing her own chances of a good finishing position.
On the run Jorgensen was imperious, running through the field to pass a string of athletes and eventually the leaders, Andrea Hewitt and Nicky Samuels (both NZL).
Hall’s run was strong, showing the benefits of an increased focus on her running this season. Stimpson passed her on the third of four run laps, but she wasn’t able to continue passing enough athletes to secure a place on the overall Series podium.
Stimpson said: “I haven’t felt good in the water since Stockholm. If you’re not feeling 110% in this field you’re going to get spat out of the back. I was hoping I’d make that front pack and then I’d have a shot but I couldn’t.”
“I was hoping that I could finish off the Series a little bit better than I did but coming off the [Commonwealth Games] I’ve been struggling.”
British Triathlon Performance Director, Brendan Purcell, was disappointed for Stimpson but pleased for Hall.
He said: “Jodie’s focus was purely on the Commonwealth Games and delivering there. That was her goal and she’s not quite come back from that. She just didn’t have that spring in her step.”
Commenting on Hall’s performance he said: “She did a fair bit of work on the bike, she didn’t want to give anyone else a chance of catching her on the run. I think that was a really good step forward, finishing the season off with a boost for the off-season.”
Purcell is looking forward to the men’s race tomorrow. He added: “The boys are in a good place, they’re relaxed and confident.”
The men’s race starts at 12pm local time in Edmonton tomorrow (12pm in the UK). The race will be televised on the BBC Red Button and triathlonlive.tv.
Elite women’s results:
1. Gwen Jorgensen, USA, 2:00:05
2. Andrea Hewitt, NZL, 2:00:21
3. Nicky Samuels, NZL, 2:00:31
13. Jodie Stimpson, GBR, 2:01:49
16. Lucy Hall, GBR, 2:02:21
Elite women’s ITU World Series Results
1. Gwen Jorgensen – 2014 World Champion
2. Sarah Groff, USA
3. Andrea Hewitt, NZL
