New Zealand triathlete Andrea Hewitt today made it back to back victories in the Dextro Energy ITU World Championship Series, following up her win last week at the 2011 grand final in Beijing with an even more dominating performance in Yokohama, with fellow Kiwi Kate McIlroy racing superbly for third place.
"That is incredible, today it was just an amazing race,'' said Hewitt. "It was so hot I don't think I am going to stop sweating for another couple of hours.''
It was an unusual atmosphere in Yokohama today following the postponement of the event earlier this year due to the earthquake, tsunami and subsequent radiation concerns, the rescheduled race saw points earned carried into the 2012 season, providing an opportunity for competitors to 'bank' some hard earned points for next year.
Hewitt, McIlroy, Nicky Samuels and Debbie Tanner started for New Zealand and emerged from the water in a large chase pack, some 38 seconds behind British pair Lucy Hall and Helen Jenkins. Hall and Jenkins then went about their work on the technical bike course knowing that the large group of 24 would work behind them to close the gap.
As was the case in Beijing, the Kiwis worked well as a team on the bike, taking their turns on the front to keep the pace high and slowly close the gap.
The Kiwis were prominent on the run, with Samuels, McIlroy and Hewitt well positioned. It was Hewitt though who quickly stamped her class on the field, immediately moving to the front and controlling the race to win ahead of Australia's Emma Moffatt and McIlroy.
Hewitt said the race played out a little differently to Beijing last week on a flatter course but in hot conditions.
"I had sore riding legs from last week but the running legs were good. Today I didn't work so hard on the bike, saved some for the run and then went really hard at the start, running the first kilometre with Emma [Moffatt] and then by myself. I just kept running as hard as I could to stay away, then in the middle stages I looked to maintain the lead. I felt good all day, even with the conditions getting hotter and hotter.
"To have this form at this time of the year is great, two wins is amazing, I really peaked for these weeks and it is a really good way to end the season and a good boost for next year and the Olympics.''
McIlroy has had an incredible finish to the season despite tearing a calf muscle seven weeks ago, finishing strongly in Beijing last week and now on the podium for a first time ever in the World Championship Series.
"It is my first podium and I had a really good race last weekend when I was holding third the whole way only to get out sprinted at the finish, I was determined not to be out sprinted today and get on the podium. I managed to do it today so I am really happy.''
"I have had a funny season, I tore my calf seven weeks ago and had to pull out of London and Hamburg so to have a finish to the season like I have is amazing, I can't quite believe it but I am really happy. I haven't done any speed work since injuring the leg, hardly any running, they were sharper, went early and held on and they didn't come past.
"I am really pleased with my progress this year. I have been in the sport for three years now and have always finished around 12th to 14th in races. Finally though I have cracked the top 10 now have stepped up to another level with a podium. I am getting stronger on the bike and the swim too, so I feel like I am slowly but surely getting stronger each year and to race so well at the end of the season is good timing.''
Samuels finished 33rd and and Tanner failed to finish.
In the men's race, Portugal's Joao Silva won from Russians Alexander Bryukhankov and Dmitry Polyanksy.
Ryan Sissons was the best-placed New Zealander in 13th, with James Elvery 44th and Bevan Docherty failing to finish.
