British athletes Mark Buckingham and Emma Pallant took gold in the elite races at the London Triathlon earlier today (Sunday 3 August), cheered on by around 30,000 spectators through the capital.
With the wind beginning to pick up in the bike leg, over 60 elite men competed over the Olympic distance. Mark Buckingham showed strong pace throughout to complete the course in 1:42:11, followed by David Bishop 36 seconds later, and Sam Wade taking bronze.
In the women's race, Pallant eventually made her way to the front after a closely-fought bike leg to take victory in 1:57:17, followed by Kate Roberts (RSA) who took part in the Commonwealth Games mixed relay just over a week ago, with India Lee taking bronze.
“It was such a good race, with an incredible atmosphere," said Pallant afterwards. "It was a little strange for all of us as at first as there’s not normally such a separation between us, especially in the swim. The bike was a bit cat and mouse but me and India drafted hard and managed to catch the pack in the end, I’m so pleased to come away with the win”.
In the celebrity relay event yesterday (Saturday 2 August), British cyclist Rob Hayles led his team to victory against rival efforts led by Olympian swimmer Mark Foster and TV presenter Jenni Falconer. Other famous faces racing on Saturday included pop star Michelle Heaton and rugby player Josh Lewsey.