Non Stanford and Vicky Holland achieved the first part of the British Olympic selection policy by finishing on the podium in second and third place respectively at the Rio Olympic Test Event on Copacabana Beach.
Following the 1500m sea swim, Jodie Stimpson was the leading British athlete with Stanford and Holland close behind. Helen Jenkins unfortunately was kicked several times during the swim, forcing her to withdraw.
The hilly multi-lap bike course saw a group including Stimpson, Stanford and Holland break away and stay away. The group also included ITU World Champion, Jorgensen, and Sarah True (USA).
After the first few kilometres of the run, Holland, Stanford, True and Jorgensen forged ahead, their form was only broken by Holland tripping over a barrier on the third lap and falling heavily.
She recovered but Jorgensen and Stanford had gone and she was left to fight for bronze, which she achieved brilliantly. Jorgensen won gold. Stanford and Holland need another podium finish at the Grand Final in Chicago next month to secure pre selection. Jodie Stimpson finished tenth, a solid result after injury.
In the men’s race, Olympic Champion, Alistair Brownlee swam and biked brilliantly, relishing the hills. However, he struggled with an ankle injury on the run. He held on to third place for three of four laps, before easing off and finishing tenth.
The race was won convincingly by Javier Gomez (ESP). Britain’s Adam Bowden had a strong run to finish 12th.
British Triathlon Performance Director, Brendan Purcell, summed up the performances: “Non and Vicky have really performed on this course and achieved a key part of the preselection policy for the Olympics next year.
“Alistair wanted to hang on to third place but his injury let him down today. His swim and bike showed again that can get into a winning position and he almost held on, so although it wasn’t the result he wanted, there were a lot of positives.
“It’s been a good event overall, but obviously disappointing for some. Everyone has taken full advantage of the opportunity to experience what next year might be like.”
See event video report here via YouTube
Athlete quotes:
Non Stanford – Silver, Women's Elite race
“It was paramount I did well today for selection really and it’s boosted my confidence after a tough couple of years.
“The hill was pretty tough, there’s no two ways about it. We have smaller gearing on our bikes to help us get up. Great fast technical descent, I really enjoyed it. I think that tested a few people.
“All in all, it was a fantastic day and now I need to keep my head down and work towards Chicago."
Vicky Holland - Bronze, Women's Elite race
"We had a two-stage process to qualify for next year, so today I had to finish on the podium, fourth place wasn't really an option. I'm really really pleased with how it went."
Adam Bowden - 12th, Men's Elite race
"I’m happy with the race, I like the course a lot. I dug deep and felt strong. When you come down that main descent, you can get quite wide. It's undulating too, a true triathlon course. I made a move and knew I had it in me from how training has gone."
Rio de Janeiro ITU World Olympic Qualification Event: 1500m swim, 40km bike, 10km run
Elite women
1. Gwen Jorgensen, USA, 1:58:46
2. Non Stanford, GBR , 1:59:05
3. Vicky Holland, GBR, 1:59:27
10. Jodie Stimpson, GBR, 2:01:04
49. India Lee, GBR, 2:07:59
Elite men
1. Javier Gomez, ESP, 1:48:26
2. Vincent Luis, FRA, 1:48:40
3. Richard Murray, RSA, 1:49:01
10. Alistair Brownlee, GBR, 1:49:54
12. Adam Bowden, GBR, 1:50:09
33. Thomas Bishop, GBR, 1:51:50
49. Mark Buckingham, GBR, 1:53:13
53. Aaron Harris, GBR, 1:53:42
