Alex Yee was quite simply flawless in his execution of a tactically perfect race to win the World Junior Duathlon title.

In truth, Crystal Palace Triathletes's Alex Yee looked like the Gold medal winner in waiting from 100metres in to the first run. An international class runner, Yee pushed the pace over the first 5km but was careful not to over exert himself. Breaking the field up, he forced a leading group of five including two Spanish and two Belgian athletes. A perfect sized group and all strong cyclists, they worked well together and there was no way back for anyone else.

The fastest runner in the field, Yee needed to reach T2 safely and then let his feet do the talking, which he did brilliantly and with a swift transition it looked like a battle for Silver and Bronze from the very start. Both of those medals went to Spain; the British athlete was in a different class over the final 2.5km and never troubled on his way to Gold. If ever there was a textbook application of tactics, this was it.

“I’m over the moon. I looked to string it out on the first but to stay as comfortable as possible. I was really lucky, they were all prepared to work on the bike and there was no attacking which you sees a lot in duathlon. That lead me nicely in to T2 and I had the most out of everyone left! I couldn’t ask for much more, I delivered and I’m pretty stunned.”

(Image from SportsAid website)

For a more detailed interview with Alex (post ETU Eurpean Junior Championships,) visit the link HERE Alex talks with SportsAid on combining his athletics and triathlon training with competing and full-time education.