Warriner wins in Huatulco
28 October 2008
In commanding fashion, New Zealand’s Samantha Warriner was victorious at the Huatulco BG Triathlon World Cup today in a time of 2 hours 14 minutes and 2 seconds. With the win Warriner moved ahead of Australia’s Felicity Abram and is the 2008 BG Triathlon World Cup series champion. Fourty-three seconds behind her in second was Sarah Groff of the United States and in third a further 17 seconds down was Andrea Whitcombe of Great Britain. This is Groff’s first world cup podium.
“This is what I wanted,” said Warriner, who came within five points of second overall last year. “This is a fairytale ending to the year. I’ve worked so hard for this.”
A non-wetsuit swim and calm conditions greeted the athletes in the enclosed Huatulco Bay. Quickly to the front was the U.S. duo of Groff and Sarah Haskins along with Hewitt and Jodie Swallow of Great Britain. Almost 30 seconds back emerged Warriner. This deficit, however, would be erased within the fist few kilometres of the bike course by a charging Warriner. With a top seven result needed to secure the series title, Warriner continued to push the pace on the bike leading most of the 40-kilometres and taking both bike primes. In a small chase group 90 seconds back was Whitcombe with Lisa Norden of Sweden.
“That was the hardest race I have ever done in my life,” said Whitcombe about the course and conditions that claimed half of the women’s field. “That hill is killer and it was so hot out there. [Warriner and my] experience helped. Just because you are in your thirties doesn’t mean you are done yet.”
With temperatures rising to the high twenties, the lead group of four, having lost Haskins to a mechanical problem, entered second transition. Hewitt led out on the 10-kilometre run followed closely by Warriner. It was not long though before Warriner moved to the front, pulling away from the field. A 36:21 ten-kilometre run split was enough to assure Warriner the win. The Kiwi even had time to interact with the crowd before crossing the finish line.
The move of the race would be Whitcombe running her way onto the podium after the 90 second deficit with the days fastest run. Hewitt, having faltered in the heat finished back in sixth.
Huatulco BG Triathlon World Cup
Elite Women - Unofficial Results
1.5km swim, 40km bike, 10km run
Gold – Samantha Warriner (NZL) 2:14:02
Silver – Sarah Groff (USA) 2:14:45
Bronze – Andrea Whitcombe (GBR) 2:15:02
4 – Jodie Swallow (GBR) 2:15:17
5 – Lisa Norden (SWE) 2:17:23
6 – Andrea Hewitt (NZL) 2:17:58
7 – Vendula Frintova (CZE) 2:18:54
8 – Jillian Petersen (USA) 2:22:21
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