Few really big names at the first World Triathlon Cup of the season, but in New Zealand’s Napier, both the men’s and women’s races came to a wonderfully exciting battle that was only decided by final sprints in the last meters. In the men’s race the win went to Spaniard David Castro Fajardo and in the women’s event to Canadian Desirae Ridenour.
Under fine conditions, both races were completed ‘Down Under’ and for Ridenour, the race ultimately proved to be her first victory on this stage. She had to fight hard for that, because with a finishing time of 56:24 she remained only two seconds ahead of Australian Emma Jeffcoat. There again seven seconds behind, New Zealand’s Ainsley Thorpe finished third, thus completing the podium after 750 meters of swimming, 20 kilometers of biking and 5 kilometers of running. “It feels amazing”, Ridenour said. “I have come so far in the last year and a half. I am just so happy to be here and competing and at the pointy end of the race this time. I am very happy.”
In the men’s race, the differences were even smaller and the entire podium was decided by only four seconds. The win went to Spaniard David Castro Fajardo, who broke the blue finish ribbon after 50:29 minutes. That left him narrowly ahead of two Australians: Brayden Mercer was second in 50:31 and Callum McClusky finished third in 50:32. “I am very emotional, the last year was very hard for me”, Castro Fajardo spoke afterwards. I was injured and didn’t compete for nine months. Now, start of the season, new coach, I need a refresh on my mind and I can’t believe that I started the year with a win here. I love New Zealand, I am very very happy.”
