It wasn't the greatest of weekends for our high flying Kiwi's on the international triathlon circuit.
The best result was in Seoul Korea where Andrew Curtayne flew the Kiwi flag with a strong 5th place finish in the ITU Continental Cup race.
Curtayne swam superbly to be 6th out of the water and rode near or at the front of a lead group of 12 riders throughout the 40km bike leg. He finished strongly in the run for his 5th place, the race was won by Simon Thompson.
Meanwhile in Madrid, Clark Ellice the only NZ representative in the men's race, was one of more than half the field that was forced out by monsoonal flooding on the bike leg.
And Andrea Hewitt, the only Kiwi women in the race could not reproduce her heroics of last year when she finished second. She was 20th.
Tuesday, 27 May 2008
Javier Gomez joins the ten club in Madrid monsoon
Press Release: ITU.
25 May 2008.
Madrid, Spain - Javier Gomez joined exclusive triathlon company by winning today's Madrid BG Triathlon World Cup, the historic 200th in ITU history. He became just the fourth man to win ten world cup titles, joining legends Brad Beven, Hamish Carter and Simon Whitfield. The win also extended his incredible world cup podium streak to 16 races.
"It's so special, this is my tenth victory. My first one was here. It was perfect with all the people," said Gomez at the finish line.
After the 1.5-kilometer swim, the men faced tough conditions during the 40-kilometer bike course as a substantial rain storm rolled in. The downpour flooded the transition zone and created cold conditions, forcing many to withdraw from the race. A few men attempted breakaways but ultimately 20 rode into T2 together.
Russia's Ivan Vasiliev was out on the 10-kilometer run course first but was quickly joined by Gomez and Great Britain's Alistair Brownlee and Will Clarke. After the first lap, the Spaniard started to crank up the pace. Brownlee looked like he was trying to match Gomez but soon backed off, not willing to risk a meltdown in such a critical British Olympic selection race.
Gomez powered on, building a 25-second lead on the bell lap and cruised to the finish line to take his third world cup title of the year. Vasiliev took the silver for his second world cup medal of 2008. Brownlee, the 2006 junior world champion, hung on for the bronze, fending off a late charge by compatriot Tim Don. With top-8 performances from both Brits, they will be the front runners for selection to the British team along with Will Clarke who finished sixth.
"I'm absolutely over the moon. I had such a bad start to the season," said Brownlee.
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the day was Christian Prochnow who finished fifth to clinch the final spot on the German Olympic team ahead of established German stars Maik Petzold and Andreas Raelert.
With the tenth place finish, Matt Reed will likely pull the U.S. ahead of Russia for the 8th spot in Olympic country rankings, which sets up a spectacular showdown next month in Vancouver for the BG Triathlon World Championships, the final opportunity for athletes to earn Olympic points.
2008 Madrid BG Triathlon World Cup, Spain. 1.5km swim, 40km bike, 10km run - 25 May 2008
Elite Men - Official Results
Gold - Javier Gomez (ESP) 1:56:25
Silver - Ivan Vasiliev (RUS) 1:56:44
Bronze - Alistair Brownlee (GBR) 1:56:53
4th - Tim Don (GBR) 1:57:04
5th - Christian Prochnow (GER) 1:57:13
6th - Will Clarke (GBR) 1:57:15
7th - Maik Petzold (GER) 1:57:23
8th - Laurent Vidal (FRA) 1:57:39
9th - Steffen Justus (GER) 1:57:41
10th - Matt Reed (USA) 1:58:09
Also
DNF - Clark Ellice (NZL)
25 May 2008.
Madrid, Spain - Javier Gomez joined exclusive triathlon company by winning today's Madrid BG Triathlon World Cup, the historic 200th in ITU history. He became just the fourth man to win ten world cup titles, joining legends Brad Beven, Hamish Carter and Simon Whitfield. The win also extended his incredible world cup podium streak to 16 races.
"It's so special, this is my tenth victory. My first one was here. It was perfect with all the people," said Gomez at the finish line.
After the 1.5-kilometer swim, the men faced tough conditions during the 40-kilometer bike course as a substantial rain storm rolled in. The downpour flooded the transition zone and created cold conditions, forcing many to withdraw from the race. A few men attempted breakaways but ultimately 20 rode into T2 together.
Russia's Ivan Vasiliev was out on the 10-kilometer run course first but was quickly joined by Gomez and Great Britain's Alistair Brownlee and Will Clarke. After the first lap, the Spaniard started to crank up the pace. Brownlee looked like he was trying to match Gomez but soon backed off, not willing to risk a meltdown in such a critical British Olympic selection race.
Gomez powered on, building a 25-second lead on the bell lap and cruised to the finish line to take his third world cup title of the year. Vasiliev took the silver for his second world cup medal of 2008. Brownlee, the 2006 junior world champion, hung on for the bronze, fending off a late charge by compatriot Tim Don. With top-8 performances from both Brits, they will be the front runners for selection to the British team along with Will Clarke who finished sixth.
"I'm absolutely over the moon. I had such a bad start to the season," said Brownlee.
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the day was Christian Prochnow who finished fifth to clinch the final spot on the German Olympic team ahead of established German stars Maik Petzold and Andreas Raelert.
With the tenth place finish, Matt Reed will likely pull the U.S. ahead of Russia for the 8th spot in Olympic country rankings, which sets up a spectacular showdown next month in Vancouver for the BG Triathlon World Championships, the final opportunity for athletes to earn Olympic points.
2008 Madrid BG Triathlon World Cup, Spain. 1.5km swim, 40km bike, 10km run - 25 May 2008
Elite Men - Official Results
Gold - Javier Gomez (ESP) 1:56:25
Silver - Ivan Vasiliev (RUS) 1:56:44
Bronze - Alistair Brownlee (GBR) 1:56:53
4th - Tim Don (GBR) 1:57:04
5th - Christian Prochnow (GER) 1:57:13
6th - Will Clarke (GBR) 1:57:15
7th - Maik Petzold (GER) 1:57:23
8th - Laurent Vidal (FRA) 1:57:39
9th - Steffen Justus (GER) 1:57:41
10th - Matt Reed (USA) 1:58:09
Also
DNF - Clark Ellice (NZL)
Vanessa Fernandes extends her incredible record
Press Release: ITU.
25 May 2008.
Madrid, Spain - Portugal's world champion Vanessa Fernandes today became the ITU's all-time world cup wins leader after winning the Madrid BG Triathlon World Cup. It was a perfect setting for Fernandes who set the record at her favourite race which also happened to be the historic 200th world cup in ITU history, meaning she has won 10 percent of all world cups. Her 20th win comes in just her 31st world cup start, an astounding 64.5 winning percentage.
Out of the first transition, a pack of six led by Fernandes attacked the course's early hill and emerged as the race leaders. That group created a 28-second lead after lap one. By the second lap the pack was whittled down to four after Great Britain's Kerry Lang wasn't able to keep up with the punishing pace while Luxembourg's Elizabeth May suffered a flat tire.
Nevertheless, the leaders Fernandes, Hollie Avil and Helen Tucker of Great Britain and Swiss Daniela Ryf continued to put time on the chase group, which was down by 1:18 after lap three. As the lead pack took the bell lap, they owned a sizeable 2:35 lead. Fernandes darted out of T2 first and immediately surged to a 16-second lead after the first kilometer, leaving Avil, Tucker and Ryf to battle for the final two podium spots.
With the lead in hand and her world class running prowess, nobody was going to catch Fernandes as she coasted to her sixth straight Madrid title and record 20th of her remarkable career. Tucker claimed the silver, almost assuring her a spot on the British Olympic team. Ryf came back for the bronze, her first appearance on the world cup podium. Avil settled for fourth, also putting her in excellent position for her first Olympic selection, which was almost unheard of last year for the 18-year old phenom.
In the battle for the final German Olympic spot, Pilz incredibly chipped away at the lead and caught up with Franzmann. With one lap to go the two were running side by side until Pilz began to pull away. She crossed the line in seventh place to steal the final Beijing slot for Germany. A dejected Franzmann finished 11th.
2008 Madrid BG Triathlon World Cup, Spain. 1.5km swim, 40km bike, 10km run - 25 May 2008
Elite Women - Results
Gold - Vanessa Fernandes (POR) 2:04:46
Silver - Helen Tucker (GBR) 2:05:49
Bronze - Daniela Ryf (SUI) 2:06:10
4th - Hollie Avil (GBR) 2:06:19
5th - Lisa Norden (SWE) 2:07:36
6th - Elizabeth May (LUX) 2:08:00
7th - Christiane Pilz (GER) 2:08:05
8th - Carole Peon (FRA) 2:08:19
9th - Eva Dollinger (AUT) 2:08:20
10th - Emma Davis (IRL) 2:08:45
Also
20th - Andrea Hewitt (NZL) 02:11:49
25 May 2008.
Madrid, Spain - Portugal's world champion Vanessa Fernandes today became the ITU's all-time world cup wins leader after winning the Madrid BG Triathlon World Cup. It was a perfect setting for Fernandes who set the record at her favourite race which also happened to be the historic 200th world cup in ITU history, meaning she has won 10 percent of all world cups. Her 20th win comes in just her 31st world cup start, an astounding 64.5 winning percentage.
Out of the first transition, a pack of six led by Fernandes attacked the course's early hill and emerged as the race leaders. That group created a 28-second lead after lap one. By the second lap the pack was whittled down to four after Great Britain's Kerry Lang wasn't able to keep up with the punishing pace while Luxembourg's Elizabeth May suffered a flat tire.
Nevertheless, the leaders Fernandes, Hollie Avil and Helen Tucker of Great Britain and Swiss Daniela Ryf continued to put time on the chase group, which was down by 1:18 after lap three. As the lead pack took the bell lap, they owned a sizeable 2:35 lead. Fernandes darted out of T2 first and immediately surged to a 16-second lead after the first kilometer, leaving Avil, Tucker and Ryf to battle for the final two podium spots.
With the lead in hand and her world class running prowess, nobody was going to catch Fernandes as she coasted to her sixth straight Madrid title and record 20th of her remarkable career. Tucker claimed the silver, almost assuring her a spot on the British Olympic team. Ryf came back for the bronze, her first appearance on the world cup podium. Avil settled for fourth, also putting her in excellent position for her first Olympic selection, which was almost unheard of last year for the 18-year old phenom.
In the battle for the final German Olympic spot, Pilz incredibly chipped away at the lead and caught up with Franzmann. With one lap to go the two were running side by side until Pilz began to pull away. She crossed the line in seventh place to steal the final Beijing slot for Germany. A dejected Franzmann finished 11th.
2008 Madrid BG Triathlon World Cup, Spain. 1.5km swim, 40km bike, 10km run - 25 May 2008
Elite Women - Results
Gold - Vanessa Fernandes (POR) 2:04:46
Silver - Helen Tucker (GBR) 2:05:49
Bronze - Daniela Ryf (SUI) 2:06:10
4th - Hollie Avil (GBR) 2:06:19
5th - Lisa Norden (SWE) 2:07:36
6th - Elizabeth May (LUX) 2:08:00
7th - Christiane Pilz (GER) 2:08:05
8th - Carole Peon (FRA) 2:08:19
9th - Eva Dollinger (AUT) 2:08:20
10th - Emma Davis (IRL) 2:08:45
Also
20th - Andrea Hewitt (NZL) 02:11:49
Sunday, 25 May 2008
Ellice and Hewitt take on Madrid milestone race
Press Release: Triathlon New Zealand.
23 May 2008.
New Zealand will be represented in Spain this weekend as the International Triathlon Union celebrates their 200th World Cup race at Madrid.
Olympic bound Andrea Hewitt is one of the favoured athletes in the elite women's race while world number 127 Clark Ellice lines up in the men's.
For Hewitt Madrid is something of a favourite stomping ground, with runner up finishes for the Christchurch athlete in the past two seasons, both behind world number one Vanessa Fernandes (Portugal).
Hewitt is racing for the first time at World Cup level since New Plymouth and since her confirmation as a member of the New Zealand team for Beijing. She warmed up for the race with a runner up finish in a European pro club league race last weekend.
For Fernandes, a victory would be a record-breaking 20th world cup title, an astounding accomplishment for the 22-year old world champion. Even more impressive considering this Sunday's race will be her 31st world cup start. Her 19 wins in 30 starts translates into a 63% winning rate. Breaking the all-time record in Madrid would be fitting as it was the site of her first world cup win in 2003. Fernandes has won ever year since then, ensuring no other woman has tasted victory on the tough Madrid course.
An intriguing race within a race will be between German teammates and friends Joelle Franzmann and Christiane Pilz. With just one Olympic spot remaining, the first one across the line will earn a ticket to Beijing. Olympic berths are also at stake for the British athletes where young upstart Hollie Avil bids to become the first women on her country's Olympic team. Brits need a top-3 finish for a guaranteed selection while a top-8 will put them in the driver's seat for an Olympic spot.
Athletes to Watch - Elite Women:
In the men's race Ellice will have his work cut out to get near the podium; a more realistic goal will be top 25 in arguably the best quality field since New Plymouth as the Brits and Germans chase Olympic qualifying spots.
Spain's own Javier Gomez has to be considered the pre-race favourite even in spite of his disappointing 7th place finish at the European Championships. In 2006 Madrid was the site of his first world cup title and since then he has racked up eight more to be 4th all-time. This Sunday he seeks to become just the fourth man to reach the 10-win plateau while putting his 15 world cup podium streak on the line. The last time he did not podium in a world cup was March 3, 2006 in Doha where he finished 10th.
Madrid features a number of fascinating subplots with enormous Olympic implications. A high-powered British squad including 2006 world champion Tim Don, Will Clarke and veteran Andrew Johns races for Beijing selections. Meanwhile, Maik Petzold battles compatriots Andreas Raelert and Christian Prochnow for the final spot on the German Olympic team. Like the women's duel, the best of the three in Madrid will earn a spot on the Beijing start line. American Matt Reed looks to pull the U.S. ahead of Russia for the 8th and final spot for countries allowed to send the maximum of three men to the Olympics.
Athletes to Watch - Elite Men:
Start Times:
Elite Women – 8.15pmm on Sunday May 25 (Madrid time)
Elite Men – 11.00pm on Sunday May 25 (Madrid time)
23 May 2008.
New Zealand will be represented in Spain this weekend as the International Triathlon Union celebrates their 200th World Cup race at Madrid.
Olympic bound Andrea Hewitt is one of the favoured athletes in the elite women's race while world number 127 Clark Ellice lines up in the men's.
For Hewitt Madrid is something of a favourite stomping ground, with runner up finishes for the Christchurch athlete in the past two seasons, both behind world number one Vanessa Fernandes (Portugal).
Hewitt is racing for the first time at World Cup level since New Plymouth and since her confirmation as a member of the New Zealand team for Beijing. She warmed up for the race with a runner up finish in a European pro club league race last weekend.
For Fernandes, a victory would be a record-breaking 20th world cup title, an astounding accomplishment for the 22-year old world champion. Even more impressive considering this Sunday's race will be her 31st world cup start. Her 19 wins in 30 starts translates into a 63% winning rate. Breaking the all-time record in Madrid would be fitting as it was the site of her first world cup win in 2003. Fernandes has won ever year since then, ensuring no other woman has tasted victory on the tough Madrid course.
An intriguing race within a race will be between German teammates and friends Joelle Franzmann and Christiane Pilz. With just one Olympic spot remaining, the first one across the line will earn a ticket to Beijing. Olympic berths are also at stake for the British athletes where young upstart Hollie Avil bids to become the first women on her country's Olympic team. Brits need a top-3 finish for a guaranteed selection while a top-8 will put them in the driver's seat for an Olympic spot.
Athletes to Watch - Elite Women:
- Vanessa Fernandes (POR) - 2007 World Champion, 2004 Olympian, 5-time European Champion, 19-time World Cup winner
- Andrea Hewitt (NZL) - 2005 Under23 World Champion, selected to New Zealand Olympic team
- Hollie Avil (GBR) - 2007 junior world champion, 2007 junior European champion, 2 World Cup medals (in first two career world cup starts)
- Julie Ertel (USA) - 2007 U.S. National Champion, nominated to 2008 U.S. Olympic team
- Joelle Franzmann (GER) - 2000 & 2004 Olympian
- Erin Densham (AUS) - 2006 Under23 World Champion, nominated to Australian Olympic team
In the men's race Ellice will have his work cut out to get near the podium; a more realistic goal will be top 25 in arguably the best quality field since New Plymouth as the Brits and Germans chase Olympic qualifying spots.
Spain's own Javier Gomez has to be considered the pre-race favourite even in spite of his disappointing 7th place finish at the European Championships. In 2006 Madrid was the site of his first world cup title and since then he has racked up eight more to be 4th all-time. This Sunday he seeks to become just the fourth man to reach the 10-win plateau while putting his 15 world cup podium streak on the line. The last time he did not podium in a world cup was March 3, 2006 in Doha where he finished 10th.
Madrid features a number of fascinating subplots with enormous Olympic implications. A high-powered British squad including 2006 world champion Tim Don, Will Clarke and veteran Andrew Johns races for Beijing selections. Meanwhile, Maik Petzold battles compatriots Andreas Raelert and Christian Prochnow for the final spot on the German Olympic team. Like the women's duel, the best of the three in Madrid will earn a spot on the Beijing start line. American Matt Reed looks to pull the U.S. ahead of Russia for the 8th and final spot for countries allowed to send the maximum of three men to the Olympics.
Athletes to Watch - Elite Men:
- Javier Gomez (ESP) - 2006 & 2007 World Cup series champion, 9-time World Cup winner
- Tim Don (GBR) - 2006 World Champion, 2004 & 2000 Olympian, 4-time World Cup winner
- Ivan Rana (ESP) - 2002 World Champion, 3-time World Cup winner, 2-time European Champion
- Will Clarke (GBR) - 2006 Under23 World Champion, 2006 Under23 European Champion
- Maik Petzold (GER) - 2004 Olympian, 3 career World Cup medals
- Matthew Reed (USA) - 7 career World Cup medals, nominated to U.S. Olympic team
Start Times:
Elite Women – 8.15pmm on Sunday May 25 (Madrid time)
Elite Men – 11.00pm on Sunday May 25 (Madrid time)
Wednesday, 7 May 2008
Challenge Wanaka hosts free workshop in Auckland
Press Release: Challenge Wanaka.
6th May 2008.
Aucklanders will get a taste of New Zealand's newest iron-distance triathlon when Challenge Wanaka presents a free training and information workshop in Cornwall Park, 18 May 2008.
The workshop, open to all, will provide north island triathletes information about Challenge Wanaka and will also incorporate training and nutritional tips from Auckland based pro-athletes Celia Kuch, originally from Germany and Jeremy Smart.
Both triathletes have become event ambassadors following their success at Challenge Wanaka 2008 (Smart placing 8th and Kuch an impressive 3rd). "Driving back from Challenge Wanaka to Auckland, Jeremy and I decided that we wanted to support Challenge Wanaka. It's a new event, the course is spectacular and the atmosphere and support from the region is electrifying," said Kuch. "It's a unique event that we want to see grow and we want to get Aucklanders buzzing about it."
Challenge Wanaka organizers recognized that in previous events only 14% of the New Zealand field was from Auckland. "This is a huge area for growth, and we look forward to showing potential North Island competitors what the South Island has to offer," said event director Kerry Quin.
The workshop will be held in association with the Auckland Triathlon Club on Sunday 18 May, 12.30-4.30pm at the Cricket Club in Cornwall Park, Epsom. Participants are encouraged to take along running shoes for a group training session following the workshop.
Widely regarded as the "world's most scenic long-distance triathlon", Challenge Wanaka is fast becoming a "must-do" on the international long-distance circuit and attracts some of the world's best triathletes. Visit www.challenge-wanaka.com for more event details or register for the free training workshop at enter@challenge-wanaka.com.
6th May 2008.
Aucklanders will get a taste of New Zealand's newest iron-distance triathlon when Challenge Wanaka presents a free training and information workshop in Cornwall Park, 18 May 2008.
The workshop, open to all, will provide north island triathletes information about Challenge Wanaka and will also incorporate training and nutritional tips from Auckland based pro-athletes Celia Kuch, originally from Germany and Jeremy Smart.
Both triathletes have become event ambassadors following their success at Challenge Wanaka 2008 (Smart placing 8th and Kuch an impressive 3rd). "Driving back from Challenge Wanaka to Auckland, Jeremy and I decided that we wanted to support Challenge Wanaka. It's a new event, the course is spectacular and the atmosphere and support from the region is electrifying," said Kuch. "It's a unique event that we want to see grow and we want to get Aucklanders buzzing about it."
Challenge Wanaka organizers recognized that in previous events only 14% of the New Zealand field was from Auckland. "This is a huge area for growth, and we look forward to showing potential North Island competitors what the South Island has to offer," said event director Kerry Quin.
The workshop will be held in association with the Auckland Triathlon Club on Sunday 18 May, 12.30-4.30pm at the Cricket Club in Cornwall Park, Epsom. Participants are encouraged to take along running shoes for a group training session following the workshop.
Widely regarded as the "world's most scenic long-distance triathlon", Challenge Wanaka is fast becoming a "must-do" on the international long-distance circuit and attracts some of the world's best triathletes. Visit www.challenge-wanaka.com for more event details or register for the free training workshop at enter@challenge-wanaka.com.
Monday, 5 May 2008
Nicky Samuels sixth in Richards Bay
Press Release: Triathlon New Zealand.
4th May 2008.
Nicky Samuels was the only New Zealander in either the women's or men's elite fields at the 2008 Richards Bay South Africa ITU BG World Cup Triathlon race overnight New Zealand time but flew the flag proudly in finishing 6th in the 199th ITU World Cup race.
The fourth BG World Cup race of 2008 featured a number of leading athletes and nations still looking to sort out their Beijing Olympic teams.
Canada's Carolyn Murray proved strongest on the day to collect her first ever World Cup podium and victory. Murray won from Australian Felicity Abram and Switzerland's Magali Di Marco Messmer.
For Samuels part, the race was effectively her first of a new campaign as she begins a busy time of racing and training in preparation for the World Championships in Vancouver in early June, making her top ten finish all the more meritorious.
Sarah Groff (USA) broke clear of the field in the 1500m swim leg, exiting the water with a 22 second lead over Kerry Lang (GBR) with Samuels a further 6 seconds back in an impressive 7th place out of the water.
Groff would maintain her lead for half of the 40km bike leg before she was eventually caught by the large chasing group, one that included Samuels. Indeed upon catching the American, it was the Kiwi who broke clear herself, if only briefly to pick up the second prime and the cash bonus before sitting up and allowing the pack to close in on her before transition.
Not surprisingly given the travel and training workload for Samuels in recent weeks, the Wanaka athlete was not expecting miracles at this stage of her season in the 10km run leg but nonetheless finished strongly inside the top ten, a great sign for the Worlds in a month's time.
The result is all the more impressive given Olympic reserve Samuels has been training hard following her peak at Mooloolaba and New Plymouth in late March / early April with a view to peaking again at Vancouver on June 7th.
Richards Bay ITU BG World Cup, South Africa, 4 May 2008
Elite Women Results
1. Carolyn MURRAY Canada 2:03:32
2. Felicity ABRAM Australia 2:03:35
3. Magali DI MARCO MESSMER Switzerland 2:03:42
4. Kathy TREMBLAY Canada 2:03:51
5. Ricarda LISK Germany 2:04:12
6. Nicky SAMUELS Wanaka / NZ 2:04:20
7. Tania HAIBOECK Austria 2:04:25
8. Marion LORBLANCHET France 2:04:28
9. Emma DAVIS Ireland 2:04:29
10. Maria CZESNIK Poland 2:04:36
4th May 2008.
Nicky Samuels was the only New Zealander in either the women's or men's elite fields at the 2008 Richards Bay South Africa ITU BG World Cup Triathlon race overnight New Zealand time but flew the flag proudly in finishing 6th in the 199th ITU World Cup race.
The fourth BG World Cup race of 2008 featured a number of leading athletes and nations still looking to sort out their Beijing Olympic teams.
Canada's Carolyn Murray proved strongest on the day to collect her first ever World Cup podium and victory. Murray won from Australian Felicity Abram and Switzerland's Magali Di Marco Messmer.
For Samuels part, the race was effectively her first of a new campaign as she begins a busy time of racing and training in preparation for the World Championships in Vancouver in early June, making her top ten finish all the more meritorious.
Sarah Groff (USA) broke clear of the field in the 1500m swim leg, exiting the water with a 22 second lead over Kerry Lang (GBR) with Samuels a further 6 seconds back in an impressive 7th place out of the water.
Groff would maintain her lead for half of the 40km bike leg before she was eventually caught by the large chasing group, one that included Samuels. Indeed upon catching the American, it was the Kiwi who broke clear herself, if only briefly to pick up the second prime and the cash bonus before sitting up and allowing the pack to close in on her before transition.
Not surprisingly given the travel and training workload for Samuels in recent weeks, the Wanaka athlete was not expecting miracles at this stage of her season in the 10km run leg but nonetheless finished strongly inside the top ten, a great sign for the Worlds in a month's time.
The result is all the more impressive given Olympic reserve Samuels has been training hard following her peak at Mooloolaba and New Plymouth in late March / early April with a view to peaking again at Vancouver on June 7th.
Richards Bay ITU BG World Cup, South Africa, 4 May 2008
Elite Women Results
1. Carolyn MURRAY Canada 2:03:32
2. Felicity ABRAM Australia 2:03:35
3. Magali DI MARCO MESSMER Switzerland 2:03:42
4. Kathy TREMBLAY Canada 2:03:51
5. Ricarda LISK Germany 2:04:12
6. Nicky SAMUELS Wanaka / NZ 2:04:20
7. Tania HAIBOECK Austria 2:04:25
8. Marion LORBLANCHET France 2:04:28
9. Emma DAVIS Ireland 2:04:29
10. Maria CZESNIK Poland 2:04:36
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