Gomez finds extra gear to take the win in Chicago

Triathlon Magazine June 30, 2014

Credit: Delly Carr/ITU / Gomez at the 2014 ITU World Triathlon Auckland

Spain’s Javier Gomez remains the top-ranked male triathlete in the ITU World Triathlon Series standings after winning the inaugural ITU World Triathlon Chicago on Sunday. In a riveting race, Gomez broke away from the field on the third lap of the run to finish in 1 hour, 47 minutes, 21 seconds. His performance earned an eruption of praise from fellow athletes on social media including from Simon Whitfield.

I would have to agree rt@MaccaNow: @Jgomeznoya is my idol! Absolutely the classiest Endurance athlete on the planet. #4Wins #completeathlete

— Simon Whitfield (@simonwhitfield) June 30, 2014

Ben Kanute had the fastest swim leading the pack out of the water with Gomez exiting with the top five. Two packs formed early on the bike, but Tom Davison of New Zealand and Cameron Good of Australia broke away with two of eight laps to go and established a gap of about 40 seconds starting the run.

Gomez and Mario Mola ran hard to close that gap, with Joao Pereira of Portugal close at their heels. Gomez found another gear despite the extremely hot and humid conditions and surged ahead of both. Pereira caught up to and passed Mola for second in 1:47:29 and Mola would finish in third just 11 seconds behind.

Canada’s Andrew Yorke was 25th in 1:49:59. Kyle Jones was forced to DNF on the run.