CAPE TOWN – South Africa’s Richard Murray produced a top performance to defend his Cape Town Triathlon World Cup title in the men’s race in 52 minutes and 15 seconds on Sunday.
Countryman Henri Schoeman was not far behind, taking second place in 52:39. Austrian Lukas Pertl was third in 52:49.
After the swimming leg, Murray was well-placed tied for the lead, with Dutch competitor Marco van der Stel as just one second separated the top five.
It was only on the final leg – the running segment – which Murray began to pull away and ensure his triumph on home soil.
Earlier in the women’s race, Vicky Holland claimed first place in a time of 58 minutes 18 seconds.
Holland finished 34 seconds ahead of compatriot Non Stanford, who crossed the line in 58:52.
Completing the podium was Hungary’s Zsanett Bragmayer in 59:07.
Some time behind a place in the top three was South Africa’s Simone Ackermann, who dipped just under the hour mark as she completed her race in 59:28.