Ainhoa ​​Murua wins the Guatapé World Cup

Ainhoa ​​Murua has fulfilled the predictions that placed her as one of the favorites to take the win in the Guatapé Triathlon World Cup

This has been a great season finale for the triathlete of Zarautz, who is thus reaping her first victory in an ITU World Cup. For its part, the other Spanish in the field, Marina Damlaimcourt has obtained a remarkable fourth place, after remaining in the leading group for a good part of the competition.

After a slight delay due to the heavy rains and lightning that became the protagonists in the first hours of the day, the competition started with 16 ºC in the water, and with the 27 contenders making use of neoprene to face this first segment. The two Spaniards led the test along with the Japanese Yuka Sato after the first of the two laps that formed the initial segment of swimming.

After the swim 1500 m, Murua, Sato and Celine Schaerer were heading towards the first transition; Murua was the first to leave the T1, followed by the Japanese and the Swiss Schaerer. Next Simic, Charlotte Morel and Damlaincourt marched to 10 seconds of the front trio.

The cycling route around the municipality of San Rafael, was presented with strong ups and downs, which together with the ravages of heavy rains and the dispute of competition at 1925 m altitude, increased the degree of difficulty. After the first of the four laps of the cycling segment, a group of five formed by Murua, Damlaimcourt, Sato, Mateja Simic and Margie Santimaria led the competition, followed by 15 seconds by Schraerer and the Polish Maria Czesnik. Throughout the 40 km cyclists, a chasing platoon consisting of Lindsey Jerdonek, Luisa Baptista, Lisa Berger and Romina Palacio have tried to hunt down the head group.

At the exit of the T2, Murua has been in the lead, distancing itself from the rest of the head group. Ainhoa ​​has been progressing solo throughout the four laps of the sector, with Simic and Morel trying to cut distances. With a lap to go, Murua has extended his lead over Simic to 18 seconds and 50 seconds over Morel. Behind, Marina Damlaimcourt and Morel disputed the third place on the podium.

Finally Murua was the first to cross the finish line, proclaiming herself the champion of the last round of the 2013 World Cup circuit. A brilliant season finale for Guipuzcoa, who finishes the year at the top of the podium. While Mateja Simic has won the silver medal and Charlotte Morel has signed the bronze medal.

After them, a great Marina Damlaimcourt has achieved a meritorious fourth place in its return to the ITU tests after a complicated year for Madrid due to injuries. In short, a great clash for both Spanish that have been classified among the first five, after a splendid exhibition.

FETRI