Stimpson wins in Australia
Jodie Stimpson beats good field down under
This just in from the BTF. Great start to 2013 for Jodie, now being coached by Darren Smith…
Jodie Stimpson recorded an early season win in Australia at the Devonport OTU Sprint Triathlon Oceania Championships.
Taking on the international field in Tasmania as part of her winter training, Stimpson overcame choppy surf conditions in the 750m swim to get herself into a strong position on the bike. She got into a small group alongside Ireland’s Aileen Reid and the early leader after the swim, Maddison Allen of Australia.
The trio started the run with a significant advantage over the chase pack, which included USA’s Gwen Jorgensen. Stimpson made an excellent start, opening up a big lead during the 5km run.
Despite Jorgensen running through the field into second place, Stimpson was the faster runner on the day, not only holding on to her led, but extending it to claim the victory and the fastest run split of the day.
Stimpson won by almost a minute and commented: “The race went really well from start to finish.
“There were very hard hitting waves in the swim, which made it challenging. Coming into the beach to run to T1 I saw my team mate, Alieen Reid, in front followed close behind by Gwen Jorgenson, so I knew I needed to have a good transition.
“I really had to push hard to catch Alieen, and managed to drop Gwen, so we both made the most of it.
“On the run Darren [Smith] told me I had 45sec to Gwen so I didn’t ease off too much as you can’t with Gwen on your tail! I was really happy to take the win and stoked for team mate Alieen to take third after our efforts on the bike.”
Jorgenson finished second and Ireland’s Aileen Reid was third. Britain’s Katie Hewison didn’t race.
Results
1. Jodie Stimpson, GBR, 1:03.34
2. Gwen Jorgensen, GBR, 1:04.27
3. Aileen Reid, IRL, 1:05.10
James Witts
Freelance sports writer and author 
