Dan Wilson wins ITU Tongyeong

Australian Dan Wilson came from behind to claim his first career World Cup victory.  A pair of former Junior World Champions from France won silver and bronze.  Aurelien Raphael was second and Vincent Luis won a 4-way sprint to take the bronze.

“It feels really good. I’m happy with the race,” said Wilson at the finish area.  “It was a tough race out there and didn’t go smoothly from the start.”

A large group of men exited the water from the 1.5-kilometre swim and headed onto to the moderately hilly 40-kilmetre bike course within 30 seconds of each other.  A group of about 18 men, which included a few Russians and the Frenchmen Luis and Raphael, broke away and built a lead of 40 seconds.  They continued to put time on the rest of the field as the lead swelled.  Wilson rode in the main chase pack and would have his work out for him on the run.

Early on the flat 10-kilometre run course, the leaders were Luis, Raphael, Korean Min Ho Heo, Premsyl Svarc and Jan Celustka.  Wilson trailed by about 40 seconds as he hit the run course but with a torrid pace, he bridged up to the leaders midway through the run.  It wasn’t long until Wilson accelerated past to become the new leader. He broke the tape at 1:49:36 to secure take the Tongyeong ITU Triathlon World Cup title.

Aurelien Raphael was 16 seconds behind second while the battle was on for bronze behind him.  Luis out-sprinted a pair of Czechs and local favourite Min Ho Heo of South Korea to take the final podium position.

Tongyeong ITU Triathlon World Cup
Final Results – Elite Women
1.5km swim, 40km bike, 10km run
1. Dan Wilson (AUS) Click here for audio interview

2. Aurelien Raphael (FRA)

3. Vincent Luis (FRA)

Full field results will be available here