Published September 14, 2018 01:50PM
Knibb, Reid Win U23 World Titles in Gold Coast
The United States' Taylor Knibb and New Zealand's Tayler Reid claimed the coveted ITU U23 world titles in Gold Coast, Australia.
American Taylor Knibb claimed the victory on Friday. Photo: Delly Carr/Triathlon.org
The United States’ Taylor Knibb and New Zealand’s Tayler Reid claimed the coveted ITU U23 world titles in Gold Coast, Australia.
Women’s Race
An incredible bike segment from Taylor Knibb under the blazing Gold Coast sunshine saw the rising American star well on her way to a comprehensive win in Gold Coast on Friday morning, where she was crowned world champion with a powerful performance that had echoes of the mighty Flora Duffy. After winning the Junior title at the Rotterdam Grand Final 12 months previously, it was another case of rising to the occasion for the Washington D.C. native.
“I still can’t really believe it,” Knibb said. “I rode well, I think, I just tried to be smart. My coach had a very detailed plan going into the wind but then to maintain speed coming back. This is very much a lot of people’s work. It has been a long season but I am happy to end it on a high.” Read the complete recap at Triathlon.org
2018 ITU WTS Gold Coast Grand Final – U23 Women
1. Taylor Knibb (USA) 1:53:47
2. Cassandre Beaugrand (FRA) 1:55:22
3. Angelica Olmo (ITA) 1:56:39
4. Nicole Van Der Kaay (NZL) 1:57:02
5. Erika Ackerlund (USA) 1:57:18
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Men’s Race
New Zealand’s Tayler Reid became the world champion on Saturday afternoon in the sunshine, conjuring up a brave finale having been side-by-side with Britain’s Samuel Dickinson and France’s Leo Bergere for the majority of the 10km run. Reid had been among the leaders from the first strokes of the swim but had to work hard with the attentions of a strong field ever present, only to pull away with 2km to go and never looked back.
With Dickinson holding on for silver, an astounding final push from Hungary’s Bence Bicsak saw him over the line in third ahead of Bergere.
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“I can’t even believe it. I’ve never felt something so good, this is what I have wanted,” said a delighted Reid. “I have wanted to be world champion for 10 years but never been close. Today it all came together, it was great. I saw my family all come around on every lap and I just felt good and I thought I am going to go for it now, full gas, full gas to the finish.” Read the complete recap at Triathlon.org.
2018 ITU WTS Gold Coast Grand Final – U23 Men
1. Tayler Reid (NZL) 1:44:08
2. Samuel Dickinson (GBR) 1:44:20
3. Bence Bicsák (HUN) 1:44:31
4. Léo Bergere (FRA) 1:44:39
5. Jørgen Gundersen (NOR) 1:44:44