Multisports: Elite triathletes fail to make podium

Sam Warriner

New Zealand triathletes failed to make the podium in the elite women's race of the world championships in Lausanne, Switzerland, last night.

But earlier, in the women's under-23 grade, Whangarei's Nicky Samuels won a bronze medal.

Samuels finished the 1.5km swim, 40km bike, and 10km run in 2h 8m 33s.

She was 15s behind the winner, Erin Densham, and 12s behind Emma Moffat, both of Australia.

Samuels was leading with 2.5km to go, but the Australians responded strongly to overtake her on the last lap.

In the elite section, Andrea Hewitt was the best of the New Zealand contingent, finishing 10th in 2h 6m 34s.

Australia's Emma Snowsill won the race in 2h 4m 3s, beating Portugal's world No 1 Vanessa Fernandes by 45s.

Third was Australian Felicity Abram in 2h 5m 14s.

New Zealand No 1 Samantha Warriner finished 17th in 2h 7m 17s. Teammate Evelyn Williamson was 18th and Debbie Tanner was 23rd.

Warriner and Hewitt emerged from the swim leg in 15th and 16th positions respectively while Williamson made the transition in 31st place.

The three showed their strength in the bike ride, settling into the big leading bunch of 26 who were separated by just 3s at the end of the 40km leg.

Fernandes was first off the blocks into the run, but Snowsill was in close attendance.

At the 5km mark, Hewitt was 10th, 1m 18s behind the leader, Snowsill, Warriner was 15th, Williamson 18th and Debbie Tanner 27th.

The New Zealand challenge faded over the remaining laps of the 10km run and the challenge from Warriner, who has been in good form leading into the world championships, never materialised. In age group races yesterday, New Zealand won three golds, two silvers and one bronze medal.

Tony Dodds won the 18-19 age group, and in the 20-24 category Sam Mallard won silver and Tom Moyes collected a bronze.

John Hellemans of Canterbury won the 50-54 years category for his eighth world title, Fiona Mackay finished second in the women's 30-34 age group and in the 70-74 age group Judith Barfoot won the gold. NZPA