Mario Mola Wins Close Race at WTS Edmonton
Mario Mola (ESP) surged ahead of Kristian Blummenfelt (NOR) in the final lap of the run.
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In an exciting early evening showdown in Edmonton, Mario Mola (ESP) surged ahead of Kristian Blummenfelt (NOR) in the final lap of the run to capture his fourth consecutive WTS podium. Blummenfelt showcased his tremendous power twice surging ahead of Mola in the bell lap before dropping back for a second place finish.
“Kristian gave me one of the toughest runs. Every time I go out I try to race my best, and he made me work. Maybe it was harder than it looked,” Mola remarked. “This race is another step forward. But until I cross the finish line in the Gold Coast in next couple weeks, the race towards the World Championships is not over.”
Vincent Luis (FRA) and Jonathan Brownlee (GBR) lead out of the water with Marten Van Riel (BEL), Marco van der Stel (NED) and Tayler Reid (NZL) forming a lead pack on the six-lap bike course. Halfway through the bike, the chase pack caught the lead, with Kristian Blummenfelt and Ryan Fisher working hard to bridge the gap and a massive group converged together moving into transition.
“I thought I had a chance on the run. I couldn’t stay behind him (Mola) I had to try and kick up the pace,” said Blummenfelt. On some of his recent issues with racing he says, “it felt good to be standing on the start line for a race without problems.”
2018 ITU World Triathlon Edmonton
July 27, 2018 – Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
750m swim, 20K bike, 10K run
Men
1. Mario Mola (ESP) 51:15
2. Kristian Blummenfelt (NOR) 51:18
3. Jacob Birtwhistle (AUS) 51:22
4. Fernando Alarza (ESP) 51:24
5. Jonathan Brownlee (GBR) 51:25