The New Zealand triathlete Nicky Samuels has scored her maiden ITU World Cup victory, taking the Mooloolaba title in spectacular fashion in Australia.
Samuels hit the front in the bike leg and held on in torrential rain to win by 20 seconds from world number one Emma Moffat of Australia.
Samuels says the conditions certainly helped her and it's great to be on the podium, to hear the anthem and to see the New Zealand flag.
The win was worth just over 8 thousand dollars to Samuels but more importantly it will earn the popular 28 year old huge kudos and respect from the international triathlon community and vital ranking points for both Samuels personally but also Triathlon New Zealand towards qualifying three athletes for a start at the London Olympic Games.
Young Kiwi Simone Ackerman found the going tough but nonetheless will have gained vital experience in her first ITU World Cup race, coming home in 43rd place.
Meanwhile in the men's race, it was an Australian double with Brad Kahlefeldt leading home countryman Brendan Sexton and Frenchman David Hauss with both place getters on a World Cup podium for the first time in their careers. Kahlefeldt picked up his 7th World Cup title by contrast, moving him to joint sixth on the all time list of World Cup winners.
Of the Kiwis James Elvery fared best in 30th place on what was a tough day in a world class field.
