Fernandes on fire in Beijing

Beijing, China, September 15: New world champion Vanessa Fernandes (POR) had a convincing win at the Beijing BG Triathlon World Cup in a time of 2:00:36, and appears to be the clear favorite for the Olympic Games on that course next year. In a repeat of the podium at the recent Word Championships in Hamburg, Emma Snowsill (AUS) finished in second place and Laura Bennett (USA) grabbed the final podium spot. As the first American Bennett garnered an automatic spot on the US Olympic team.

Americans Sara McLarty, Sarah Haskins and Laura Bennett were first out of the water and into T1 with Snowsill and Fernandes right on their heels. The front group of about 9 women established an early gap of almost a minute over the next group and it appeared that they would hold it all the way to the second transition. But late in the bike the two groups merged and now about 30 women were riding within seconds of each other. No breakaway attempts were made late in the bike and soon it was clear that the race was going to be decided on the 10k run.

As they left T2 Fernandes quickly surged into the lead and continued to increase her lead. A day after her 22nd birthday, Fernandes crossed the finish line more than a minute ahead of Snowsill. Bennett on the other hand had to battle Tanner all the way to the line for that final podium spot. For Fernandes this was her third consecutive Beijing world cup title and so far she has won every major title this season including world championships and European championships.

2007 Beijing BG Triathlon World Cup

Results:

1. Vanessa Fernandes (POR) 2:00:36
2. Emma Snowsill (AUS) 2:01:51
3. Laura Bennett (USA) 2:02:06*
4. Debbie Tanner (NZL) 2:02:10
5. Anja Dittmer (GER) 2:02:43
6. Samantha Warriner (NZL) 2:02:44
7. Nicole Spirig (SUI) 2:02:45
8. Emma Moffatt (AUS) 2:02:54
9. Elizabeth May (LUX) 2:03:09
10. Felicity Abram (AUS) 2:03:16
11. Sarah Haskins (USA) 2:03:25
13. Julie Ertel (USA) 2:03:42
15. Carolyn Murray (Can) 2:04:02
19. Lauren Groves (Can) 2:04:50
28. Becky Lavelle (USA) 2:06:06
55. Sarah Groff (USA) 2:09:31

* earned US Olympic spot