Multisports: NZ's Hewitt third in Sydney triathlon

Andrea Hewitt of New Zealand finished third to enhance her selection claims for next year's London Olympics. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealand's leading female triathlete Andrea Hewitt made an encouraging start to the ITU world championship series in Sydney today, finishing third to enhance her selection claims for next year's London Olympics.

Current world No 6 Hewitt, who was second in the Sydney leg last year, maintained a front-running position after a strong performance in the 1500-metre swim on Sydney Harbour and 40km bike leg through the central city.

Among an initial lead pack of six for the 10km run, Hewitt lost ground over the final kilometre during the climb as defending Sydney champion Barbara Riveros-Diaz (Chile) and Canadian Paula Findlay embarked on a sprint finish.

Canadian outlasted Riveros-Diaz on the downhill run to the line.

- NZPA