Jodie Stimpson achieved her first ever Series victory after having achieved two third places finishes already this season. She was always at the front of the race and as the gradient kicked up on the bike, she broke away and ground out a significant lead to take into the run.
Throughout the tough run Stimpson retained her focus and overcame the altitude and gradients to cross the line first, clearly delighted.
She said: “I couldn't believe it. I got to half way and said ‘ok my legs aren't feeling too bad’. People were breathing heavily and I was actually feeling ok. I got to 2k and my legs felt ok, and Darren [Smith, coach] said if you feel ok at 2k let it rip, give it a go. On this course you have to give it a go and it worked out.”
Stimpson now moves up to second place in the world rankings behind Anne Haug of Germany. Non Stanford is ranked fourth.
It was a strong day for the British women. Natalie Milne led the field out of the water and up the early part of the bike ride. At the finish Katie Hewison was finished in an excellent seventh place and Vanessa Raw was 15th. Non Stanford was 16th despite a slight chest infection and Milne finished 22nd.
Women’s result:
1. Jodie Stimpson, GBR, 1:03:22
2. Emma Jackson, AUS, 1:04:21
3. Anne Haug, GER, 1:04:34
7. Katie Hewison, GBR, 1:05:05
15. Vanessa Raw, GBR, 1:06:51
16. Non Stanford, GBR, 1:07:17
22. Natalie Milne, GBR, 1:08:56
