TRIATHLON 2012 ยท WORLD CUP SERIES
198
HOT, HUMID AND HILLY IN
HUATULCO
DUFFY AND DE CUYPER WIN GOLD
Despite an early start time, the elite women competing in Huatulco were confronted with debilitating heat. The high air and water temperatures,
combined with a steep climb on the bike and a hilly
run, provided the scene for a challenging day.
While some athletes fell victim to the brutal conditions, others prevailed, making it a day of "firsts".
With a powerful run, Bermuda's Flora Duffy
claimed the top spot, earning her first World Cup
victory. Similarly, Pamela Oliveira from Brazil and
home favourite Claudia Rivas took their first-ever
World Cup medals with second and third respectively.
While the high temperatures for the women were
punishing, the men battled through even more
intense conditions. With a start time close to high
noon, the men dove into 28.6 degree Celsius water
and ran under the sun at its strongest.
Like the ebbing water at the swim start, the full
moon also seemed to have a tidal affect on the
men's race, as each leg brought in a new wave of
leaders. In the end, Belgium's Simon De Cuyper,
Ryan Sissons of New Zealand and Danylo Sapunov
from Ukraine stood atop the podium.
