Triathlon: Hewitt claims bronze in Austria

New Zealand triathlete Andrea Hewitt continued her fantastic run of results in the ITU World Championship Series with a bronze medal in the latest race in Kitzbuhel, Austria, overnight.

And in a career breakthrough performance Kate McIlroy finished inside the 10 for the first time in her career, coming home in eighth place while Nicky Samuels was 18th and Debbie Tanner 24th.

Australian Emma Moffatt scored an emotional victory to extend her lead in the series.

Moffatt's grandmother passed away just days before the race, but she steeled herself in cool but calm conditions to unleash her signature burst on the 10km run.

The Beijing Olympics bronze medallist eventually secured yet another resounding victory in a time of one hour 54 minutes 38 seconds, a comfortable 34sec ahead of Switzerland's Nicola Spirig.

Christchurch-based Hewitt was delighted at yet another podium and a strengthening of her overall ranking.

"It's really good, I was in third coming in to the series today on overall points so to get third again today it is really good."

Hewitt's top finish was no surprise but McIlroy found herself at the sharp end of a World Championship race for the first time in a triathlon career that is not yet a year in the making.

"I'm very, very happy. I never expected this that is for sure. The race certainly went my way, the bike was really slow to be honest - I've never been in such a slow ride.

"Usually I am spending the whole time chasing so this was unusual for me. It was a little frustrating as I was constantly on my toes ready to cover any breaks but it never happened.

"My legs were fresh for run and I felt good although I took a little while to get going, I stayed relaxed and felt good.

"Eighth is just incredible and totally ahead of schedule.

"I didn't think I would get in a World Championship race this year to be honest and when I did I thought it would be a good experience. I was hoping for a good swim, I had that today but to finish top 10 is a massive added bonus."

The World Championship Series now moves to Hamburg in two weeks time.

- NZPA