Cape Town – Vicky Holland of Great Britain beat favourite Katie Zaferes to be crowned the women’s elite champion in the fourth leg of the ITU World Triathlon Series at Green Point Park yesterday.
The cold Cape Town weather could not dampen the athletes’ spirits and Holland was elated to achieve her first podium win of the series in a time of 1:49:51.
“It was a really good race and I’m over the moon to win in South Africa. I’ve finished fourth to 10 but never won so am so happy and going to enjoy it.”
Zaferes of the US finished second in 1:49:52 to overtake compatriot Gwen Jorgensen to first position in the overall rankings.
“The race was great and I was happy to have the lead in the swim although the water was cold. We had a good group of four going and we worked well together. The run was super fast and we got caught up by the chase pack.
“But I’m happy to have another podium finish again and enjoyed running this route because the support was amazing and I never got bored. To lead the rankings, I never would have dreamed about it, so I’m hoping I can continue to stay on top.”
2012 Olympic champion Nicola Spirig of Switzerland came third in 1:49:56.
South Africa’s best athlete was Mari Rabie who finished 25th in 1:52:57 and despite her result, she was happy with her performance. “I had a good swim but had problems with my goggles as it was leaking. The bike race was tough and it was hard when girls went past but I did good to catch up.”
Rabie, who is back competing since January after a eight- month forced health break, feels she is heading in the right direction in terms of fitness.
“I am making so much improvement and my overall race was solid. I finished more or less the same position I finished last year so I’m happy that I was consistent.”
SA’s other hopeful Gillian Sanders’ race did not going according to plan.
“The swim was very cold and it took a while for my legs to get going on the bike. I had a front wheel puncture and tried racing a lap but struggled and was forced to take a 30-second penalty and change it.”
Despite the setback, Sanders relished racing in SA. “I was despondent at first when I had the problems with my bike but I finished and feel good.”
Anel Radford, Vicky van der Merwe and Carlyn Fischer remained most of the race in the third chasing pack but the leaders were too strong and the duo could not catch up.
All the runners enjoyed Cape Town’s second stint as hosts, with Holland adding: “I wish the route could have been a bit different so we could see more of this beautiful city but logistically I understand.”
The swim for the two earlier Olympic Distance Start Waves races were cancelled due to the cold water temperatures. – Weekend Argus