Rachel Joyce claimed gold for the GE Great Britain team at the Henderson ITU Long Distance Triathlon World Championships in Las Vegas, claiming her first and Great Britain's sixth ITU long distance world title on a cold day in the Nevada desert.
Conditions unfortunately forced organisers to modify the race due to cold air and water temperatures. The swim leg was cancelled and instead athletes started the bike in staggered five-second interval starts.
British women had won the previous four ITU long distance world titles thanks to Chrissie Wellington, Bella Comerford, Jodie Swallow and Leanda Cave. Joyce recorded the fastest bike split of the day to set up her victory over team mate, Cave, who finished three minutes behind her in second.
Just four weeks since Joyce finished fourth at the Ironman World Championships and Cave third, Joyce's overall time was 5 hours 34 minutes and 15 seconds to Cave's 5:37:35. The USA's Meredith Kessler claimed the bronze with a time of 5:40:45.
Top British finisher in men's race was Scott Neyedli with a time of 5:17:22. A team of over one hundred GE Great Britain Age Group Team triathletes also compete in Nevada. More results to follow.
Elite women's results:
1. Rachel Joyce, GBR, 5:34:15
2. Leanda Cave, GBR, 5:37:35
3. Meredith Kessler, USA, 5:40:45
