Women's Heats: Sian Rainsely Stuns Field With Fastest Time As Four Brits Qualify

Women’s Heats: Sian Rainsely Stuns Field With Fastest Time As Four Brits Qualify

Sian Rainsley produced a stunning display to be the fastest qualifier for the finals of Arena Games Triathlon Singapore powered by Zwift.

The Brit was in total control in Heat 2 with her time of 28:33 the quickest in the women’s field on the day. Beth Potter also made it through from Heat 2. She finished almost a minute behind Rainsley, but was still comfortable with a 42 second advantage over third place Anabel Knoll.

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The first heat went with form and was dominated by Jess Learmonth and Georgia Taylor-Brown. The gold medal winning duo had the chance to ease up in Stage 2 and conserve energy. Learmonth’s time of 28:36 was easily enough to win with Taylor-Brown 17 seconds back.

All the remaining athletes go into tomorrow morning’s repechage with six qualifying for the final later in the day.

For the athletes it was a first taste of racing Arena Games Triathlon outdoors and in searing heat and they learned valuable lessons ahead of the final, which has the World Championship titles on the line.

Learmonth said: “It was really hard but I was able to ease up towards the end which was nice because it was so hot. It was job done and get ready for tomorrow.”

Taylor-Brown added: “The aim was to do the bare minimum to get through. I didn’t feel like I was trying hard but it was so hot. I went a bit harder for the first race and then it was more comfortable with your own space for the second one. We did what we needed to do and now we can chill out until 4pm tomorrow.”

Rainsley was understandably delighted with her performance and to be part of the four-strong British contingent to qualify automatically for the finals.

She said: “I think it’s quite obvious who the three main contenders are: Georgia Taylor-Brown, Beth Potter and Jess Learmonth. I train with those girls so I know what shape they are in as well. It’s amazing to be part of such a strong British team.”