Triathlon: Hewitt and McIlroy on winners' podium in Japan

Andrea Hewitt. Photo / AP

New Zealanders Andrea Hewitt and Kate McIlroy finished first and third today in the ITU Dextro Energy World Champs Series triathlon event in Yokohama, Japan.

In very hot conditions, Hewitt made her move on the run and won ahead of Emma Moffett of Australia, with former steeplechaser McIlroy enjoying her first placing at an ITU event.

Hewitt won in 1.59.17s, 13 seconds ahead of Moffett, with McIlroy 47 seconds back in third.

"It was just an amazing race,'' Hewitt said. "It was so hot I don't think I'm going to stop sweating for another two hours.''

McIlroy said she was thrilled to make it on to the podium after switching her focus from running to triathlon.

"I was determined not to be outsprinted and get on the podium today,'' she said.

McIlroy chased down several competitors in the final stages of the run, including Helen Jenkins of Great Britain.

The men's race featuring New Zealanders Bevan Docherty, Ryan Sissons and James Elvery was due to start at 2pm today.

Points in today's races count towards the 2012 World Champs Series.