March 25, 2007 -- Press Release: Laura Bennett of North Palm Beach, FL was the highest American at the first BG Triathlon World Cup of the 2007 season. In the Australian coastal town of Mooloolaba, Bennett finished in 9th place with a time of 2:01:56 under sweltering conditions. It was the 24th time in her legendary career that she finished in the top ten of a World Cup race. Julie Swail of Irvine, CA crossed the line in 19th spot in with a time of 2:03:21.
The Americans were not able to contend with the strong Australian contingent who dominated the race. Three-time World Champion Emma Snowsill powered to her sixth World Cup win while compatriot and current Under23 World Champion Erin Densham crossed the line in second. But the big story was the end of Vanessa Fernandes’ winning streak. The Portuguese sensation had won 12 straight World Cup races and was seeking a record-breaking 13th consecutive win. Fernandes came up short in the run and fell back to third place.
Final Women’s Results:
1st – Emma Snowsill (AUS) 1:59:20
2nd – Erin Densham (AUS) 1:59:51
3rd – Vanessa Fernandes (POR) 2:00:01
9th – Laura Bennett (North Palm Beach, FL) 2:01:56
19th – Julie Swail (Irvine, CA) 2:03:21
25th – Sarah Haskins (St. Louis, MO) 2:04:40
36th – Becky Lavelle (Minnetonka, MN) 2:06:14
50th – Rebecah Wassner (New York, NY) 2:10:47
DNF – Margaret Shapiro (Annandale, VA)
In the men’s race, world number three Andy Potts of Colorado Springs, CO was in first place after the swim but wilted in the intense Australian heat. Potts faded in the run and struggled to a disappointing 66th place. Matthew Reed of Boulder, CO was the top American male, finishing in 27th place.
In a dramatic and highly entertaining sprint finish, local favorite Brad Kahlefeldt edged out world number one Javier Gomez for the gold. Kahlefeldt, the reigning Commonwealth Games champion, exited the water well back of the leaders and spent most of the 40-kilometer bike ride in the chase group. But he posted the fastest run of the men’s field and surged ahead of Gomez en route to his fifth World Cup win.
Final Men’s Results:
1st – Brad Kahlefeldt (AUS) 1:49:23
2nd – Javier Gomez (ESP) 1:49:26
3rd – Kris Gemmell (NZL) 1:49:36
27th – Matthew Reed (Boulder, CO) 1:53:26
29th – Brian Fleischmann (Jacksonville, Florida) 1:53:34
48th – Doug Friman (Tucson, AZ) 1:55:14
51st – Jarrod Shoemaker (Sudbury, MA) 1:55:46
66th – Andy Potts (Colorado Springs, CO) 2:03:40
DNF – Joe Umphenour (Bellevue, WA)
An estimated 25,000 spectators enjoyed the 32 degree temperature to watch 73 of the world’s top women and 81 of the top men compete for valuable Olympic qualifying points and their share of the US$100,000 prize purse. The 2007 BG Triathlon World Cup series will next visit the fishing island of Ishigaki, Japan in three weeks with more Olympic qualifying points on the line.