Although the rain and the cold could not stop Nicola Spirig from winning her fourth European gold in Kitzbühel, the weather definitely had an impact on the race. While yesterday the water temperature of the Schwarzsee was still okay, it dropped on race day, making these European championships a wetsuit race.
Five girls managed to break away in the second swim lap with Vilic (AUT), Betto (ITA), Vanek (HUN), Bonin (ITA) and defending champion Rachel Klamer (NED), but Klamer had a challenging transition and lost too much time when mounting the bike and had to let the others go. Vilic also dropped off, leaving three girls in the lead on the bike.
In the chase pack of nine, Nicola Spirig (SUI) and Lisa Perterer (AUT) were working hard to close the gap. Halfway through the bike they managed to catch the three leaders despite pouring rain.
A chase pack of seven was reduced to five due to the cold weather but they managed to almost close the gap at the end of the last bike lap. With Lois Rosindale (GBR) and Sophia Saller (GER) together, two more strong runners were making their way to the front of the race.
The run would decide the winner, and Spirig immediately tried to break away. The Swiss Olympic champion was racing her first elite international race of the season but she proved to be in good shape, although she suffered from cramps and a stitch going into the last run lap. She could not slow down, since the young German Sophia Saller held Nicola in her sight throughout the run. Meanwhile, Annamaria Mazzetti was running strong in third.
In the last lap, Spirig ran towards her first big win of the season, claiming a 4th European crown after being away from triathlon to become a mom in 2013. Behind her Sophia Saller took silver in her first ever olympic distance elite race and Mazzetti was happy to win her 2nd bronze medal since 2011, after coming 4th last time.
Olympic champion Spirig was thrilled to be back on the highest level.
“It was a great race for me. I had a good swim and was happy to catch the lead girls in the second lap on the bike. I worked hard on the bike today. It was a bit ironic. I was happy to catch up, but then it got so cold that I couldn’t sit back. I was so cold and still had to work to try to keep warm. That made it hard and gave me cramps at the end. Therefore I decided to run as fast as I can. It’s amazing to finish here as the European champion.”
Elite Women
1. Nicola Spirig SUI CH 02:10:24
2. Sophia Saller GER DE 02:10:40
3. Annamaria Mazzetti ITA IT 02:10:58
4. Hanna Philippin GER DE 02:11:16
5. Lois Rosindale GBR GB 02:11:35
6. Rachel Klamer NED NL 02:11:47
7. Charlotte Bonin ITA IT 02:11:53
8. Elena Danilova RUS RU 02:11:54
9. Sara Vilic AUT AT 02:11:57
10. Mateja Simic SLO SI 02:12:00