French domination in Pontevedra Finals rolls on with Junior-U23 Mixed Team Relay win - World Triathlon

Any team that can unleash Alex Yee (GBR) on the anchor leg can feel confident about its chances of success, yet it was a game-breaking effort from Kate Waugh (GBR) that made the difference in today’s Mixed Team Relay at the Rome World Cup and saw Team GB take gold. A monster bike split on the third leg from the two-time WTCS medallist handed Yee such a considerable advantage that he could have finished the race in his slippers and still won. With Rome and this very course set to host next year’s World Mixed Team Relay Championship, the Brits could not have enjoyed a better trial run. In balmy conditions, the benefit of fresh legs was quickly apparent. Belgium’s Jolien Vermeylen, who did not race in the individual event yesterday, rocketed out to a fast start and carried her lead into T1. Olivia Mathias (GBR) and Manon Laporte (FRA) followed. Unusually for the relay, though, practically the entire field remained together. A swift T2 from Franka Rust (GER) saw her out first into the run from Mathias, securing a lead she would not relinquish. Close behind, Paola Sacchi (ITA) moved up to 2nd at the head of a pack of eight athletes.