The Weekend That Was In Triathlon (26/27 May)
- By Paul Moore
- Published May 28, 2012
From Florianopolis to Madrid, the best in world triathlon was scattered around the globe this weekend. But all eyes were fixed firmly on one event: The ITU World Triathlon Series race in Madrid. It was the last audition for Olympic hopefuls around the world, and while some flunked their lines, others performed brilliantly.
ITU WTS Madrid: Men’s Race – Read the race report here
With Ali Brownlee still waylaid by injury, Jonathan Brownlee did what he does best and destroyed the field in Madrid. In so doing, he ensured that he continued to keep the Spanish trophy in the burgeoning Brownlee cabinet (it’s the fourth time a Brownlee has won the event in four years – Ali taking it in the previous three). Jonny was simply magnificent, executing a perfect race on a hot day and finishing 41 seconds (by ITU standards another time zone) ahead of the rest of the field. In the race for the third Olympic spot Tim Don and Will Clarke both struggled, with David McNamee the highest placed Brit (that isn’t a Brownlee) in seventeenth.
READ THE FULL RACE REPORT HERE
ITU WTS Madrid: Women’s Race – Read the race report here
Where Brownlee was imperious, Nicola Spirig was gutsy and determined, sprinting to the win with 400m to go after a tight battle with Aileen Morrison and Barbara Riveros Diaz. It was impressive stuff from the Swiss star and bodes well for her Olympic race in London. Team GB will have a better idea of who will be racing in their colours this week, with both Vicky Holland (seventh) and Liz Blatchford (tenth) impressing yet again. Jodie Stimpson (thirteenth) has also thrown her hat into the ring for one of the coveted spots.
READ THE FULL RACE REPORT HERE
Half Challenge Barcelona – Read the race report here
It was a tale of two races in Barcelona, as Per Bittner took his first major International title with a stunning run after coming into T2 two minutes down on the leader. In the women’s race Camilla Peterson led the race from start to fnish. Lucy Gossage had a strong cycle and run to finish second, with Yvette Grice fifth.
READ THE FULL RACE REPORT HERE
Ironman Brazil – Read the race report here
It may have taken a few years, but Belgian Sofie Goos secured her second Ironman title in Florianopolis this weekend. Goos emerged from the water behind Hillary Biscay, but had taken the lead of the race around 30km. From that point onwards she was in control, winning by more than three minutes. In the men’s race Ezequiel Morales stormed to victory against a solid South American field.
READ THE FULL RACE REPORT HERE
FILED UNDER: Features TAGS: About / Barcelona / Brazil / Challenge / Information / Ironman / ITU / Madrid / Race / report / Review / Triathlon / WTS
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 The World's Toughest Endurance Challenges which you can buy on Amazon. Paul has also written Ultimate Triathlon: A complete training guide for long-distance triathletes which is also available on Amazon.
