Triathlon: Podium placing boosts Hewitt's ranking

Andrea Hewitt (centre) finished third in Austria which gave her second placing overall in the World Championship Series.

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

And in a breakthrough performance, Kate McIlroy finished inside the top 10 for the first time in her career, coming home in eighth place.

Fellow Kiwi 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 34 seconds 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 into the series on overall points so to get third again 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. 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 the 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 and I had that today but to finish top 10 is a bonus."

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

- NZPA