Jorgensen superb in Yohohama
American Gwen Jorgensen has come a long way since we first talked to her in 2011 and now she captured her second ITU World Triathlon Series title of 2013 with a superb effort in Yokohama, Japan. Aussie Emma Moffatt finished second and Brit Jodie Stimpson a close third.
On a cool rainy day in Yokohama the relatively small field of 23 athletes jumped into the 17-degree water clad in wetsuits. After the 2 lap 1.5k swim Mariko Adachi, Emma Moffatt, Yuka Sato and Jodie Stimpson were first out of the water, but most other contenders were all within striking distance.
On the bike a lead group of 13 established and pulled away from the two smaller chase groups. Maaike Caelers who was in that lead group unfortunately crashed early on and was caught by the second chase pack that hovered at just about 50 seconds. The lead of the front group slowly and steadily came down with hard effort by Caelers and Katie Hewison. Halfway through the bike segment Caelers was involved in another crash and had to chase again, and the Dutch Pro should very inspiring grit and determination. In the lead pack there were a few attempts to get away, but as the rain started to come down harder the chasers managed to come even closer. With one bike lap to go Caelers and her 4 fellow chasers managed to connect with the front group and that meant that a group of 17 reached the bike-run transition together.
Stimpson and Moffatt pushed hard out of T2 and pulled away from the others. San Diego WTS champion Gwen Jorgensen had a slow transition and started the run in 15th position about 6 seconds later. Jorgensen though steadily moved up and caught and passed the two leaders with 2.5k to go. From there she quickly pulled away and took her second ITU World Triathlon Series win of 2013 in a stunning display of control and athleticism with a closing 32:44 run. Moffatt outsprinted Stimpson by a hair to take second place.
"I wouldn't say it was a repeat of San Diego, there were different conditions out there today, a choppy swim and the rain on the bike, but it was an exciting race for sure," said Jorgensen. "I just started the run and to be honest I was a little worried those girls really took it out fast and I just tried to focus on my race. I just tried to maintain pace the whole way."
With the win Jorgensen is now in the lead of the 2013 ITU World Triathlon Series. German Anne Haug is second and Emma Moffatt third.
Yokohama WTS Elite Women
Yokohama, Japan / May 11, 2013
1.5k swim / 40k bike / 10k run
1. Gwen Jorgensen (USA) 1:57:05
2. Emma Moffatt (AUS) +0:14
3. Jodie Stimpson (GBR) +0:15
4. Ashleigh Gentle (AUS) +0:47
5. Maaike Caelers (NED) +1:24
6. Vendula Frintova (CZE) +1:40
7. Kate Roberts (RSA) +1:46
8. Aileen Reid (IRE) +1:54
9. Kate McIlroy (NZL) +2:02
10. Charlotte McShane (AUS) +2:18
2013 ITU World Triathlon Series – Elite Women
1. Gwen Jorgensen (USA) 1600
2. Anne Haug (GER) 1433
3. Emma Moffatt (AUS) 1425
4. Maaike Caelers (NED) 1326
5. Jodie Stimpson (GBR) 1271
