Javier Gomez Wins Again In Auckland

It was the 2012 Grand Final in Auckland where Spain’s Javier Gomez outsprinted Great Britain’s Jonathan Brownlee to earn the win. Gomez didn’t face either Brownlee Saturday at the ITU World Triathlon Series opener in Auckland and maintained his perfect 2013 season despite a challenge from fellow countryman Mario Mola on the run.

Richard Varga (SVK) led a steady group out of the swim, with Gomez exiting the water in fourth position three seconds back. Gomez helped to push the pace on the bike in the lead group and turned in a smart bike ride, staying up front and avoiding the trouble of the crashes in the back.

Ryan Bailie (AUS), Matt Chrabot (USA) and Stuart Hayes (GBR) took advantage of the tough course and led the men into T2. Gomez exited the bike with the front pack, but didn’t have a great transition and found himself fairly far back to start the 10K run. Mola instantly made a statement and surged to the front. Gomez joined him, and the Spanish duo set the pace for the rest of the run. Eventually Gomez broke away and grabbed the lead for himself. He crossed the finish line in 1:55:50 to take another Auckland win. Gomez maintains his unbeaten record in Auckland with four wins over the past decade from 2008 in New Plymouth, 2003 in Queenstown, the series Grand Final last year and the win today.

“It’s pretty amazing to win here again, fourth race in New Zealand,” Gomez said.

“It was a pretty good day, I had a good swim and was solid on the bike then my team mate Mario, made me run really fast and so happy for him making his first podium.”

Mola cruised in for second, with Joao Silva (POR) rounding out the ITU WTS podium in third.

2013 ITU World Triathlon Series Auckland
Auckland, New Zealand – April 6, 2013
1.5K swim, 40K bike, 10K run

Men
1. Javier Gomez (ESP) 1:55:50
2. Mario Mola (ESP) 1:56:03
3. Joao Silva (POR) 1:56:22
4. Laurent Vidal (FRA) 1:56:33
5. Matthew Sharp (GBR) 1:56:51
6. Aaron Royle (AUS) 1:56:55
7. Tony Dodds (NZL) 1:57:11
8. Ryan Bailie (AUS) 1:57:13
9. Jan Frodeno (GER) 1:57:17
10. Cameron Good (AUS) 1:57:23

Complete results