TriaThlon 2013 · aucKLand 20 TriaThlon 2013 · aucKLand 20
MilESTonE aChiEvED
GomeZ aLL cLass aGain, moLa BreaKs throuGh
Just like Anne Haug in the women's race, Spain's
Javier Gomez started in Auckland as the heavy race
favourite as the reigning Auckland winner and victor
of the season-opening Mooloolaba World Cup. He
didn't disappoint, leading from start to finish in what
was his 18th major ITU win.
That milestone meant that Gomez overtook Brad
Beven's incredible 17 World Cup titles, and went
ahead as the most successful man in ITU history. It
also meant that his impressive undefeated record in
New Zealand was left intact, having claimed wins in
Auckland, New Plymouth and Queenstown.
Gomez was never troubled in Auckland, sitting com-
fortably in a small leading pack on the swim, helping
the lead group on the bike stay away from a dange-
rous chase and then pulling away from countryman
Mario Mola to claim the gold in the final lap of the run.
It was Mola's first WTS podium, and an early sign of
a breakthrough year for the 23-year-old. Behind him
Portugal's Joao Silva proved he is a master of more
than just Yokohama, where he is a two-time winner,
claiming bronze.
