Spence fades to 13th in Gold Coast heat

Auckland’s Rebecca Spence swam and rode superbly but faded on the run leg to finish 13th in the U23 Women’s race at the ITU World Triathlon Championships on the Gold Coast of Australia today.

In the hottest conditions of the week, Spence swam superbly to emerge from the water in a lead group of six. She had three Great Britain athletes for company so it was no surprise that this group not only stayed clear but extended their lead throughout the 40km bike, with Spence doing her share on the front.

Once on the run however Spence struggled to stay with the pace set by Hollie Avil, Jodie Stimpson, Vicky Holland (all GBR) and Canadian Paula Findlay. Conditions also played a part as the sole New Zealander fell back into the chasing group in the final 300m, losing 6 places in sight of the finish line as the effects of the 28 degree heat took a toll.

It was a day of celebration for the Brits with Avil winning from Stimpson, Findlay in third and Fiona Holland in fourth.