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2001 Aquathlon Worlds

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2001 ITU Aquathlon World Championships
World Titles for Lindley and Rana

Both favourites for the race, Lindley and Rana did not disappoint the crowd of triathlon fans, some of whom contested a citizen's race earlier in the day. In the women's and men's races the pace was fast for the two kilometre run, 750 metre swim, two kilometre run.

From the gun, Lindley charged down the opening straight and gapped the field within 100 metres. Rina Hill (NZL), Stephanie Forrester (GBR) and a 14 year old girl from Brisbane and international debutante, Felicity Abram (AUS), worked hard to retain contact with the flying Lindley. Lindley relinquished her tight lead with a fumble in transition and Forrester led into the water, though this was the last opportunity she was to get at the front end of the race.

Former Olympic swimming gold medallist (4x200m, Atlanta) Sheila Taormina powered through the swim to pass the early leaders and gain a handy break into the final run. Lindley wasted no time in re-establishing her desire to win the race and was followed back through to the lead by Hill. Both Lindley and Hill regained first and second places and held through to the finish. Despite a gallant effort from Abram, Taormina was able to hold on for third place.

"That was so hard," said a puffing Lindley as she walked across the line. "Diving into that water when your body is already lactic acid is one of the hardest things I have ever done!"

The British supporters were wild with excitement as Richard Stannard (GBR) clocked the fastest transition from a large bunch after the first run, including Luke Harrop (AUS), Filip Osplay (CZE), former World Aquathlon Champion Matt Reed (NZL) and fellow young compatriot, Nathan Richmond .(NZL).

Stannard establishd a minor lead during the swim leg. Rana closed this gap quickly after exiting the water. Stannard was less than 20 metres behind for second, holding on from a fast finishing Osplay.

"I felt very good during the running legs," said a satisfied Rana, before disappearing for an additional training session for the day. "I knew that I could win the race, even though Harrop and Osplay were going well too. I had a good feeling."

The focus now turns squarely to the 2001 ITU Triathlon World Championships to also be held in Edmonton this weekend, 22 July. The women's elite race will begin at 11.00am and the men's elite at 2.00pm (local Edmonton time).

A news feed will be provided from Edmonton and further information will be provided by Thrursday evening.:

0600 - 0615 GMT
Broadcasters can request access at BT Tower
Call Telecine MCR on +44 (0) 207 208 2231

For further information, picture opportunities, picture requests, interview opportunities, further results, accreditation, news feed or special requests, please contact:

Nici Andronicus
Sportsworld Media Group
nici.andronicus@sportsworld.net
+44 20 8780 4613 (office direct)
+44 7 8877 87402 (mobile)
www.triathlon.org

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