Katie Zaferes Claims First World Title With Lausanne Victory

Katie Zaferes became ITU world champion on Saturday evening in the Olympic Capital Lausanne, sealing the greatest season of her career with a fifth WTS gold of the year. It all boiled down to another incredible battle with British duo Jessica Learmonth and Georgia Taylor Brown, but it was Zaferes delivering yet another big finish, pulling away from Learmonth down the final 200 meters to drink in the magic of the moment that a hard season had built up to.

“I don’t even know if it has hit me yet, I had a lot of emotions and doubts coming into this race but I’m just really happy right now,” said a thrilled Zaferes. “I worked really hard to get in the mental frame, I knew physically I was in the right frame, so I didn’t let it get to me too much. I’m just out there enjoying it and enjoying the process, and to do it on this course is amazing.”

Second for Learmonth ensured she finished with the overall Series silver, third for Taylor Brown maintaining her place on the all important end-of-campaign podium for the second year. Read the complete recap at Triathlon.org.

2019 ITU World Triathlon Grand Final Lausanne

1. Katie Zaferes (USA) 2:02:45
2. Jessica Learmonth (GBR) 2:02:49
3. Georgia Taylor-Brown (GBR) 2:03:03
4. Rachel Klamer (NED) 2:03:44
5. Flora Duffy (BER) 2:04:26
Complete results

2019 Final ITU World Triathlon Series Standings

1. Katie Zaferes (USA)
2. Jessica Learmonth (GBR)
3. Georgia Taylor-Brown (GBR)
4. Taylor Spivey (USA)
5. Summer Rappaport (USA)
Complete rankings