Atkinson vs. Gomez at the 2009 Dextro Energy Triathlon ITU World Championship.
Australian veteran Courtney Atkinson held off reigning world champion Javier Gomez to win silver in the second race of the Dextro Energy Triathlon ITU World Championship Series in Madrid, but the day belonged to Great Britain youngster Alistair Brownlee.
A blistering opening to his 10km run set up a maiden World Cup victory for Brownlee, following a top five finish in the swim and a number of attacking raids on the bike. His stunning performance left Atkinson with the task of outsprinting Gomez in front of his home crowd and the Queenslander pulled away over the final 500 metres to take second place.
“I’m ecstatic with that – it was an awesome race,” said Atkinson. “When I’m fresh, I know I’ve got a good kick, so I thought I would just try and sit on Javier and see how I could go at the finish. I didn’t want to get into a dual with him over a long period because he’s such a solid runner and been one of the best in the world for such a long time. I’m not sure where he’s at in terms of his fitness at the moment, but I’m pretty happy with a silver medal.”
Atkinson exited the water aggressively to ensure he was among the leaders as they began the climb at the start of the 40km bike ride. The challenging course and solid pace meant some contenders dropped off over the opening laps, leaving 11 athletes, including Atkinson and up-and-coming Queenslander James Seear, together with four Russians, Gomez and Brownlee with a break on the field.
Cycling takes place at the 2009 Dextro Energy Triathlon ITU World Championship
A large chase pack which included fellow Aussie Brad Kahlefeldt and Olympic gold medallist Jan Frodeno failed to make any significant inroads, consigning that group to a deficit of a minute and a half as they began the run.
The medal ceremony at the 2009 Dextro Energy Triathlon ITU World Championship.
Kahlefeldt, who claimed silver in a photo finish in the series opener in Tongyeong, South Korea, was just unable to tag onto the back of the lead pack at the start of the bike leg, in what proved a crucial blow to his chances. He made up significant ground over the final stages to finish ninth, while Seear was passed by Frodeno with 50 metres to go to finish just outside the top 10.
Triple world champion Peter Robertson had a poor swim, emerging a minute behind the leaders and pulled out of the race towards the halfway stage of the bike leg. Victoria’s Gareth Halverson finished 22nd.
BLK1 Article: TRIATHLON AUSTRALIA Photographer: DELLY CARR
Images: © AFP 2008 /2009/ 2010 Article: © BLK1 2009. All Rights Reserved.