After a wonderful race, Henry Graf, Julia Bröcker, Eric Diener and Tanja Neubert just won the World Championship Mixed Team Relay for U23/juniors. Germany was racing at the front of the race almost from start to finish and decided the battle in the closing heat. All athletes swam 300 meters, cycled 7 kilometers and ran 1.6 kilometers.
Heat 1 – Italy, Canada and New Zealand dominating
During the first heat, a leading group immediately formed with Italy, Canada and New Zealand; Germany was still missing, but was fighting from the chasing group to close the gap of about 20 seconds. This was not so easy, as the three leading countries worked well together and managed to maintain their lead.
Heat 2 – Canada struggles, Germany closing in
During the second heat, Canada proved to be no match for the level of Italy and New Zealand and lost connection with the leading group. Meanwhile, Germany got closer and closer and eventually found the connection with the leaders.
Heat 3 – New Zealand is going for it
In heat 3, however, it looked like New Zealand, which grabbed a decent lead, would win the race. New Zealand had almost half a minute lead over chasers Italy and Germany, but during the run that lead disappeared again and so three countries started the final heat at the same time after all.
Heat 4 – Germany to world title
Little actually happened during the swim and bike in the fourth heat; the three frontrunners went high pace, but stayed together. During the run, however, Germany immediately made its ambitions clear and took the lead. They never relinquished that lead and eventually won the race in 1:25:02. Italy finished second in 1:25:10 and New Zealand third in 1:25:45.
