Brits were back in action over the weekend with five travelling to Portugal for the 2021 World Triathlon Cup Lisbon and many taking on 70.3 and 140.6 IRONMAN races in North America.
2021 World Triathlon Cup Lisbon
In the women’s race in Portugal, Vicky Holland continued her strong form this season, finishing in 5th place, just one second behind Jolanda Annen (SUI) and seventeen seconds off the podium places.
Holland was amongst the leaders coming out of the swim in 00:19:34, however 1st and 2nd place finishers, Nicola Spirig (SUI) and Carolyn Hayes (IRL) put down strong bike and run legs in order to secure podium finishes.
Sian Rainsley joined the Olympic bronze medallist on the start line after a recent 5th place finish at the 2021 Europe Triathlon Cup Caorle. Rainsley finished with a time of 02:01:09 and took 14th place ahead of Russia’s Anastasia Gorbunova.
Three men also travelled to the Portuguese capital to represent Great Britain with Gordon Benson achieving the highest finish, recording a faster swim than the eventual race winner, Kristian Blummenfelt (NOR). Benson maintained a quick pace throughout the race, crossing the line after 01:43:18 to take 6th place, five seconds off Tom Richard (FRA) in 5th.
Tom Bishop recorded a strong swim and cycle before leaving the race on the run and ending with a DNF. Equally, Grant Sheldon left the field early after being lapped on the cycle.
IRONMAN North American Championship Tulsa
In Oklahoma, Katrina Matthews took 2nd place after a lighting fast 02:49:49 marathon run. She joined Daniela Ryf (1st) and Skye Moench (3rd) in the podium positions.
Three more British athletes enjoyed top ten finishes, with Ruth Astle, Kimberley Morrison and Tara Grosvenor finishing in 7th, 8th and 9th place respectively.
In the men’s race, Joe Skipper was the highest finishing British athlete, crossing the line in 6th place, ahead of Florian Angert (GER). It was Angert’s compatriot, Patrick Lange who took the top spot, sharing the podium with Jan Van Berkel (SUI) and Daniel Bækkegård (DEN). Adam Bowden was the next British athlete to follow Skipper across the line after a consistent swim and run set him up for a 16th place finish.
Tulsa also witnessed two British age group wins, with Brianna Stubbs (F30-34) and Andy Edwards (M45-49) both taking 1st place in their respective categories.
IRONMAN 70.3 Acapulco
Britain’s sole representative in Mexico, Annie Frederick, took home the silver medal, sharing the F25-29 age group podium with Lorenza Guzman in 1st and Fernanda Lepe in 3rd, who both raced on home soil.
IRONMAN 70.3 Chattanooga
More British athletes raced at Chattanooga, competing for qualifying slots for the 2021 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in St. George, Utah, USA as well as offering 25 qualifying Women For Tri slots to the 2021 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in St. George, Utah USA. The results can be found below.
