Hewitt Takes Yokohama ITU WCS Yokohama Win

Andrea Hewitt soared to her second consecutive victory in the Dextro Energy Triathlon ITU World Championship Series today in Yokohama.

After a virtuoso performance at last weekend’s Grand Final in Beijing, Hewitt followed that up with another to stunning display for her third career series win and second in as many weeks.

“To back up Beijing here in Japan is really cool,” said Hewitt. “Each lap got hotter and hotter and harder and harder and I probably slowed down as well but I managed to hold on so I’m so happy.”

Emma Moffatt came across for silver while Hewitt’s teammate Kate McIlroy made it two on the podium for New Zealand after breaking through for her first podium finish at the Dextro Energy Triathlon ITU World Championship Series.

This was the first major sports event in Japan since the devastating earthquake and tsunami hit in March. Originally this event was slated for May 14-15 but was re-scheduled for September 19.

Hewitt was among the leaders for the entire race and by early in the 4-lap 10km run, she and Moffatt pushed to the front while others began to fade amidst the intense heat and humidity.

Setting a torrid pace, Hewitt soon dropped Moffatt and emerged as the woman to beat in this race while a battle ensued for silver and bronze. At one point newly crowned World Champion Helen Jenkins had pulled ahead of Moffatt but it was short-lived as the Jenkins couldn’t keep up.

Clutching a comfortable lead, Hewitt had enough time to high-five the Japanese fans as she approached the finish line, stopping the clock at 1 hour, 59 minutes and 17 seconds.

“Today was about a run race,” said Hewitt, who blazed to the day’s fastest split of 34:30. “A big group came off the bike together so I went out as hard as I could on the run and ran the first part with Emma Moffatt. After that when I was alone, I was just looking forward. I didn’t want to look back; I was just going for the finish line and going as hard as I could.”

Triathlon legend Vanessa Fernandes finished up in 26th place in the first event of her comeback.

Before the race, a moment of silence was observed for the victims of the devastating earthquake and tsunami in March. This event was the first major international sporting event in Japan since then.

Dextro Energy Triathlon ITU World Championship Yokohama
1.5km swim, 40km bike, 10km run

Final Results – Elite Women
1. Andrea Hewitt NZL 1:59:17
2. Emma Moffatt AUS 1:59:30
3. Kate McIlroy NZL 1:59:44
4. Aileen Morrison IRL 1:59:48
5. Emma Jackson AUS 1:59:57

Click here for complete results.

Race recap provided by ITU.