Wanaka's Nicky Samuels has stunned the triathlon world with her maiden ITU World Cup victory, taking the title in spectacular fashion in Mooloolaba over a world-class field including world number one Emma Moffat of Australia.
Samuels won Sunday's race in typical style. She swam strongly before riding away with Daniela Ryf
of Switzerland on the tough 40km bike leg to establish a lead of more than a minute on a chasing pack that included Moffatt and last year's rising star and world number 11 Barbara Riveros Diaz (Chile) and defending champion Vendula Frintova (Czech Republic).
Samuels was the strongest of a strong bunch on a day of torrential rain, wind and a choppy sea.
"It hasn't really sunk in yet but it was great to be on that podium, to hear the anthem and to see the New Zealand flag," Samuels said.
"The course is great as it allows you to see the others regularly and monitor the gaps so I was able to run within myself today knowing we have Sydney [World Champs Series] in two weeks.
"For two years my coach and I have been working towards this year being a big year to qualify for the London Olympics.
"That is the goal later in the year and we will continue to build towards that."
The win was worth US$6250 ($8298) to Samuels but, more importantly, it will earn vital ranking points for 28-year-old Samuels and also Triathlon New Zealand towards qualifying three athletes for the London Olympic Games.
Results
Elite Women: Nicky Samuels 2:03:13 1, Emma Moffatt AUS 2:03:33 2, Barbara Riveros Diaz CHILE 2:03:56 3, Paula Findlay CAN 2:04:06 4, Vendula Frintova CZE 2:04:06 5. Plus NZers: Simone Ackerman 2:17:49 43. Elite Men: Brad Kahlefeldt AUS 01:51:52 1, Brendan Sexton AUS 01:51:55 2, David Hauss FRA 01:51:55 3, Ruedi Wild SUI 01:52:07 4, Javier Gomez ESP 01:52:16 5. Plus NZers: James Elvery NZL 01:53:41 30, Tony Dodds NZL 01:54:00 33, Clark Ellice NZL 01:54:03 34, Martin Van Barneveld NZL 1:56:15 61, Dylan McNeice NZL 01:58:38 68.
