On the start line there were 70 athletes from around the globe including fellow Avanti sponsored rider and dual Olympic medallist Bevan Docherty. We began with a 2 lap 1500m wetsuit swim where I managed to get away with a good start with some clear water. I exited the water in 6th place which put me and a small group of 3 chasing down the lead 4 athletes.
The bike leg which consisted of 8 laps to make the 40km was hands down the most challenging course I have even ridden on with each lap containing three climbs. After the first lap of the bike we had joined the 4 riders in front and rode as a group of 8 securing a 2 minute lead on the chase group leading into the second transition. During the final stages of the ride Kiwi athletes Chris Gemmel and Tom Davison broke away from our small group and built a 60 second lead before beginning the run.
Going out on the run I felt much better than which I was expecting and managed to get away from our group with Docherty. We ran side by side for the first 5km until I could no longer hold onto him and dropped back 15 seconds. I was still able to keep up a strong enough pace to hold off 4th place Laurent Vidal and crossed the line in 3rd behind Kris Gemmel and Bevan Docherty for me first World Cup podium.
It was definitely a race I won't forget and hopefully I will get another opportunity to race on the same course again next year in the U23 World Championships in October.