Riveros Diaz and Docherty Take Wins In Sydney
- By Paul Moore
- Published April 12, 2010
- Updated April 12, 2010 at 10:45 am
Barbara Riveros Diaz caused the upset of the day at the first round of the Dextro Energy Triathlon ITU World Championships, sprinting to victory against Kiwi Andrea Hewitt and reigning World Champion, Emma Moffatt. In the men’s race, Bevan Docherty celebrated in style with a stunning performance in Sydney.
Photo: Delly Carr
To see video highlights of the both races click here and to see a gallery from the race click here.
Riveros Diaz, fresh on the heels of a win at the South American games, ran herself into contention during a tight race.
As expected, American Laura Bennett strung the women out in the two-lap swim, and was the first to emerge in 21:05. Fellow countrywomen Sarah Haskins (21:07) and Sarah Groff (21:13) were close behind. Meanwhile, reigning World Champion Emma Moffatt put in an outstanding performance given her shoulder injury, emerging in the lead pack in 21:27.
Coming out of T1, a lead pack of 30 women quickly formed, and stuck together throughout much of the 40km route. There were a few breakaway attempts – most notably by one of the pre-race favourites Daniela Ryf – but the pack was quick to close those down.
And so it came down to a run race.
Leading into T2, Lisa Norden put in an early attack on the run which split the group of 30 women. But despite her efforts, the Swede couldn’t drop any of the ‘big’ names.
Norden continued to string the pack out during the first of the four laps, before a small group attacked at the midway point. Moffatt, Riveros Diaz, Hewitt and Adachi eased away from the chase group, and had a 35-second cushion with 2.5km to go.
With less than 800 meters to go, Riveros Diaz made her move. Coming down a hill towards the Opera House, Hewitt and Moffatt were quick to close her down. But the Chilean pushed again, and this time neither the Australian or the Kiwi had an answer.
Crossing the line in 2:04:19, Riveros Diaz had secured herself a famous – but narrow – victory. Hewitt was just 0.5 seconds behind (registering an identical 2:04:19), with Moffatt third in 2:04:20.
“I was a bit nervous heading into the final lap,” Riveros Diaz said following her win. “I’m usually not very good at a sprint finish, but today it all worked out very well.”
Photo: Delly Carr
Meanwhile, in the men’s race Bevan Docherty won the season opener for the second year in a row.
As expected, the Russian men took charge of the swim with Dmitry Polyansky leading out of the water (18:25).
But on the bike, it was a case of catch me if you can, with first James Seear and Docherty, then Hunter Kemper and Anton Chuchko launching attacks. But while Seear and Docherty were eventually caught by the peloton, Chuchko and Kemper were more successful.
Stretching their lead to nearly a minute over the main chase group coming into T2, Kemper put in a lightning transition to give himself a seven-second advantage over the Russian.
Kemper was soon joined at the front of the field by fellow American Matt Chrabot, but all eyes were on Docherty.
Just 15 seconds down with 2.5km to go, Dochery pulled alongside Kemper and Chrabot. With one kilometre to go, the Kiwi made the decisive move. Despite late charges from Brukhankov and France’s David Hauss, Docherty celebrated all the way to the line after recording a relatively comfortable victory (1:51:27).
“I always enjoy the sprint finishes, but it was nice to have a little room to be able to celebrate the win a bit,” Docherty said at the finish.
Dextro Energy Triathlon ITU World Championship Sydney
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
1.5km swim, 40km bike, 10km run
Top 5 Women
1. Barbara Riveros Diaz (CHI) 2:04:19.2
2. Andrea Hewitt (NZL) 2:04:19.7
3. Emma Moffatt (AUS) 2:04:20
4. Mariko Adachi (JPN) 2:04:30
5. Lisa Norden (SWE) 2:04:48
Top 5 Men
1. Bevan Docherty (NZL) 1:51:27
2. Alexander Brukhankov (RUS) 1:51:33
3. David Hauss (FRA) 1:51:34
4. Dmitry Polyansky (RUS) 1:51:40
5. Simon Whitfield (CAN) 1:51:42
FILED UNDER: News / Race Results TAGS: Alexander-Brukhankov / Andrea-Hewitt / Barbara-Riveros-Diaz / Bevan-Docherty / David-Hauss / Dextro-Energy-Triathlon-ITU-World-Championship-Series / Dmitry Polyansky / Emma Moffatt / Lisa-Norden / Mariko-Adachi / Simon-Whitfield / Sydney
Paul Moore
Paul Moore is the Online Editor for Triathlete Europe. When not glued to a computer he can be found writing books - most recently Ultimate Triathlon: A complete training guide for long-distance triathletes which you can buy on Amazon
