Gemmell ends season with victory in famous Kiwi double
Monday 27 October 2008, 8:28AM
By Triathlon NZ
440 views
New Zealand triathlete Kris Gemmell has shown tremendous character and a fair dose of talent in winning the final ITU BG World Cup of the season in Mexico this morning (NZT).
Gemmell’s victory followed quickly on the heels of Sam Warriner’s win and Andrea Hewitt’s 6th place in the women’s race, ensuring the Kiwis ended the World Cup season with a reminder as to which country is number one for triathlon talent and depth in 2008.
The win will be bittersweet for Gemmell after the disappointment of the Olympic Games but shows the tremendous heart that powers this Palmerston North athlete and signals his intentions for 2009 and beyond.
Temperatures reached the early 30’s in Huatulco, making for a high attrition rate lower down the field. The field exited the non wetsuit swim in almost one large group before a number of attacks came on the bike.
Gemmell was amongst those attacking and late in the bike had made a move, clearing out from the chasing pack by 10 seconds at one stage. But this proved unsuccessful, as the group once again came together heading into transition two.
Gemmell bided his time on the run, staying on the shoulder of Jarrod Shoemaker (USA) and Laurent Vidal (FRA) before comfortably running clear to win by 9 seconds.
Kris Gemmell audio and free to use images will be posted at www.triathlon.org this morning, login to the media centre for access or contact ITU staff for further information.
Huatulco BG Triathlon World Cup
Elite Men - Unofficial Results
1.5km swim, 40km bike, 10km run
Gold – Kris Gemmell (NZL) 2:03:23
Silver – Jarrod Shoemaker (USA) 2:03:32
Bronze – Laurent Vidal (FRA) 2:04:22
4 – Thomas Springer (GER) 2:04:40
5 – Leonardo Chacon (CRC) 2:04:47
6 – Francisco Serrano (MEX) 2:05:15
7 – Michael Raelert (GER) 2:05:20
8 – Crisanto Graijales (MEX) 2:05:32
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