Britain’s Helen Jenkins battled to third place with a strong performance at the Dextro Energy Triathlon ITU World Championship in London on Saturday, having set a blistering pace that before eventually being caught by Canada’s Paula Findlay and last year’s winner, Switzerland’s Nicole Spirig.

2008 World Champion Jenkins threw down the gauntlet in the 5k run in Hyde Park, but Findlay pulled out a stunning performance to take gold, staying with Jenkins throughout and taking the lead in the final 2k. Findlay took her first ITU World Championships Series race in 1:51.48.

“I’m really happy to be out there on the podium in front of the home crowd,” said a pleased Jenkins afterwards. “The home support was amazing and I couldn’t believe how many people were shouting for me.”

“I’m disappointed not to win, but to be on the podium was brilliant,” she continued. “Considering the field, this is probably the best field assembled for a couple of years, to get on the podium is fantastic. I’ve met my goal today and I really tried to commit to it. I didn’t have the best swim but I pushed hard on the bike and on the run.”

Looking ahead, Jenkins is positive about her preparation for the next race in the series. “I’ve got a few weeks now until [Kitzbuhel], and then the final in Budapest, so hopefully I can keep getting on the podium.”

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Going into the run, Spirig led the field with Britain’s Hollie Avil leading the chasing pack. But gutsy Jenkins put out a searing pace that cut the leading group from 24 to 10. With only 2km to go, her pace had reduced the leading group again to seven – including two other Brits keeping Jenkins company.

Cheered on by a home crowd, Jenkins kept up the blistering speed to cut the lead group to just four, but Findlay made a decisive break to take the best win of her career to date.

Meanwhile, there was further celebration for the British team as Vicky Holland and Jodie Swallow finished sixth and seventh respectively.

The race was completed over the London 2012 Olympic Games triathlon venue, and both triathletes were pleased with their finishes.

“I’m very happy – I was nice and relaxed and managed to pull out another good result,” said Holland. “It’s a great atmosphere, every time the level of support is the same. Whether they know who you are or not, they see GBR on your vest and then they cheer and get right behind you.”

Swallow commented, “The run went off fast from the start and I never really got in control of it. After a lap I had to let the first girls go and find my rhythm. I’m pleased I held on and got seventh.”

“I love this race, everybody was screaming my name. I’m not sure if they were screaming for me or the other Jodie (Stimpson) but I don’t mind.”

“I think I will get to Budapest now, which was my aim. I wanted to finish in the top ten here.  I’ve been so down in the last couple of years, I just underestimate myself. I’m glad I had a positive attitude and today I did have.”

Emma Moffatt, Australia’s Beijing 2008 Olympic bronze medallist, finished ninth today but goes to the next round in Kitzbuhel in Austria at the head of the overall ITU World Championships Series leaderboard.

Anna Young, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine