The first 10k run set up the scenario for the race, when the front running group of four moved ahead at the five kilometre point of the race. By the first transition to the 40 kilometre bike leg, the lead group had established a lead of 40 seconds.

Forrester and 2000 ITU Powerman Long Distance champion Edwige Pitel FRA settled into rhythm in the chase group throughout the last lap of the run and onto the bike.

The lead group of four worked closely on the fast and smooth seaside looped course of 6.6 kilometre. A chase group of seven including Pitel, Forrester, Nadia Corstassa (ITA), Lucy Smith (CAN), Ana Burgos (ESP), Cheryl Murphy (CAN), and Olga Zausailova (RUS) worked together to attempt to bridge the gap to the leaders.

Angela Milne (AUS) charged through the field to join the chase group on the bike, however a heartbreaking tyre puncture ended the brave Australian's race.

Whilst the chasing group did peg back almost 20 secs on lap four the lost this by the end of the cycle to start the final run almost 2 minutes in arrears.

The bike was a flat and fast, though tricky in the wet conditions and the tight lead bunch worked together efficiently. Chase groups failed to organise an attack to close the gap and by the end of the multi lap course the leaders had a lead of over one and a half minutes into the final five kilometre run.

On the first of the two final laps the experience of Emmersen, Dillon, and Csomor proved too much for Pincombe as these three settled into a battle for the medals. The sun came out for the finishing stages, and Emerson ran with aggression, attempting to take charge of the race. Former Commonwealth Games 10,000 metre representative Dillon looked confident of taking her first world crown.

Csomor and Dillon dropped Emerson and ran shoulder to shoulder coming into the finishing straight. Csomor dug deep to dramatically outsprint Dillon and Emerson crossed soon after for the bronze medal.

"I thought that I had the title," said a disappointed Dillon following the race. "I was running comfortably and took the pace up a level a few times. I can't sprint, though, and Erika was so strong in the final 50 metres. It is hard to be so close to being a world champion and miss out."

Emerson on the other hand, was ecstatic to finish with a medal. "I was a little bit tired from last week in Venray, but I worked hard on the run to try and break up the field and that seemed to work. I went out on the final run leg just hoping to sit with the leaders and I am happy that I managed that. Maybe I just need a little more experience at winning!"

Two in a row for Unbeatable Benny
In contrast to the tight formation of the lead women's race, defending World Duathlon Champion, Benny Vansteelant ( BEL) lead the race from start to finish in a solo exhibition of speed and power.

Lino Barruncho (POR) was the only athlete capable of running for the first 10 kilometres with Vansteelant, while hometown favourite Alessandro Alessandri (ITA) and Jurgen Dereere (BEL) were 20 seconds adrift and a large group of 12 around 40 seconds back.

"I surprised myself that I recovered so fast from [winning the World Championship last weekend in] Venray," said Vansteelant before the race. "It is a good sign that I am in shape and I like the course and the atmosphere here. I prepared for two World Championships races and I hope to be as good as last year."

Onto the bike and Vansteelant and Barruncho talked of working together to hold their lead, however 300 metres later Vansteelant's pace was too much for Barruncho and he found himself alone. While the chasing groups attempted to find some organisation to their attack on the Belgian's lead, Vansteelant took his margin out to fifty seconds.

Once they were finally organised, the chasing groups began to make up some time, finding an average of five seconds per 6.6km lap. Suddenly it seemed that Vansteelant's courageous race off the front may cost him the race.

Off the bike and Marcel Laros (NED) could see Vansteelant in front. He charged to the fastest final 5 kilometre split and was certainly within striking distance. The finish line was a welcome sight to Vansteelant who finally won the race from Laros and a fast finishing and popular Luca Barzaghi (ITA).

"It's incredible," said an excited Vansteelant. "This is what I have been working for, for the entire season and it was so tough out there alone. I thought that the chasing group would come charging over me in the last run, because that is where I usually lose a lot of time. But I held on and I am really happy!"

Laros was also thrilled with his race. The former steeplechase runner made the switch to duathlon after suffering many injuries while concentrating on track running. "My first duathlon was only 51 weeks ago and within one year I am number two in the world!"

A news feed is available:

Date: Saturday 15th September 2001
Time: 1930-1945 GMT
From: Palermo, Italy
To: BT Tower
Lines out to BT Tower are: YLOG V1, VXUK 14405 A & B.

If you have any questions regarding the feed, please contact Sue Felstead by e-mail (susannafelstead@hotmail.com <mailto:susannafelstead@hotmail.com>) or by calling +44 (0) 1666 840108.

Allsport pictures are available, free of charge for editorial use, at the Allsport archives - www.allsport.co.uk <http://www.allsport.co.uk> or by request from nici.andronicus@sportsworld.net <mailto:nici.andronicus@sportsworld.net> .

Full results are available at www.triathlon.org <http://www.triathlon.org> .

Sportsworld Media Group are pleased to offer comprehensive media services from this race, including facilitation of interview or picture requests. For any further information or media opportunities, please contact:

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+44 20 8780 4600 (office), nici.andronicus@sportsworld.net

Complete Results