BTSS NEWS

In the Men’s Elite race, a strong run from Ritchie Nicholls saw the Scotsman over the line first in a time of 01.45.09, ahead of Adam Bowden (01.46.09) and Matthew Sharp (01.46.18).

Jodie Stimpson took top spot in the Women’s Elite race – finishing in 01.56.48 – with Liz Blatchford (01.58.13) and Lois Rosindale (02.00.01) joining her on the podium.

In warm sunshine, Nicholls, 24, completed the 1,500m swim in 00.19.22, then followed with a solid ride of 00.53.24 – but still faced a 25 second deficit on leaders Richard Stannard and Connor Murphy exiting T2.

But Nicholls chased down the leaders before opening up a comfortable gap to finish 32 seconds ahead of Bowden.

Nicholls said: “It feels like a breakthrough performance. I had some really good races a few years ago, but since then I’ve struggled to get back. Hopefully this is a new start.

“Things have been a bit on and off with illnesses. I was actually sick on Friday so I wasn’t going to come down here. I’m glad I did now.”

In the Women’s Elite race, Stimpson, Blatchford and Abbie Thorrington exerted pressure on the field from the outset, and maintained a healthy gap with a lead of almost two minutes entering T2.

But Stimpson pulled away during the run – completing the final stage in 00.35.12 – and crossing the line with a comfortable lead of more than 90 seconds.

After the race, she said: “I’ve been a lot more consistent this season, working really hard on several things with [coach] Michelle [Dillon]. I’m delighted to take my first victory of the season. Hopefully I’ll get some more before the year is out.”

More than 60 athletes took part in the Elite races – in addition to the 14,000 amateur competitors who travelled to London’s Docklands over the weekend.

The Wire star Dominic West and TV chef John-Christophe Novelli were part of the field on Sunday – following in the footsteps of Sir Richard Branson, Melanie C, Stacey Solomon and Ortise Williams, who all took part on Saturday.

Sir Richard said: “It’s an absolutely fantastic Virgin Active London Triathlon, and we expect to see everyone take part again next year.”

Highlights of the Virgin Active London Triathlon will be broadcast on Channel 4 at 7am on Sunday August 14^th. A YouTube featurette of the races will be live online at www.YouTube.com/LondonTri  from 9am on Monday August 1^st.

Entries for the 2012 Virgin Active London Triathlon open at 9am on Monday August 1^st. For more information, visit www.thelondontriathlon.co.uk

The Virgin Active London Triathlon is proudly supported by Virgin Active, Asics, Crowne Plaza, Gatorade, Maxifuel, Speedo and Timex.

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