Samuels heads Kiwi triathletes
Nicky Samuels was the best Kiwi triathlete on a hot and humid Chicago day, finishing 13th in the world triathlon series elite women's race as she builds up towards the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
The race was won in imperious fashion by series leader Gwen Jorgensen, the tall American erasing a 66 second deficit on the run to pull away and win comfortably from Helen Jenkins (Britain) and Juri Ide (Japan).
Samuels swam superbly to emerge from the water in second place and took her customary place near the front of the field throughout the bike leg, as a group of 12 put over a minute on the chase pack.
But the testing conditions took their toll on the run, as Samuels began strongly but lost time over the second 5km to finish 43 seconds outside the top 10.
Kate McIlroy's hopes of a strong showing leading into Glasgow were stymied by a puncture on the final lap of bike leg, and she had to be content with 31st.
Tri NZ national coach Greg Fraine said Samuels had done well in tough conditions.
"Nicky had a good solid race - her swim was exceptional and she rode well. The heat got to her a little on the run, but she enjoyed a solid day in very testing conditions."
Ryan Sissons, Tony Dodds and Tom Davison will begin to sharpen up for the Glasgow Games in the men's race on Monday (NZT).
