Top Ten Women at Duathlon Worlds

Fernandes defends Duathlon title (September 27, 2008 )
Olympic silver medallist Vanessa Fernandes of Portugal successfully defended her ITU Duathlon World Championship today in Italy. It was a commanding victory for Fernandes who finished ahead of 2-time Long Distance Duathlon World Champion Catriona Morrison of Great Britain and double Olympian Ana Burgos of Spain.

Fernandes opened the race with the fastest 10-kilometer run among the women, taking a 44-second lead heading out onto the 40-kilometer bike course. One of the most powerful cyclists in the sport, the defending champion extended her lead with the fastest bike split. Glasgow's Catriona Morrison cut the deficit to put herself in medal contention but no one challenged Fernandes who coasted to victory and won by more than 90 seconds.

"Today I could do a good run and a good bike, it was a surprise for me but I think it was a good way to finish the season so I'm happy," said Fernandes. Since taking silver at the Beijing Olympic Games, Fernandes won her 9th European title with the under23 championship and now her second Duathlon world title.

Morrison, who only started her season last month due to knee surgery in April, has come back strong and adds the silver medal to her long distance world championship in August. Beijing Olympian Burgos out-ran Alexandra Louison of France and home favourite Laura Giordano of Italy in the final run leg to take the bronze.

Fernandes Vanessa POR 02:00:51
Morrison Catriona GBR 02:02:29
Burgos Ana ESP 02:04:27
Louison Alexandra FRA 02:04:51
Giordano Laura ITA 02:05:09
Vodickova Radka CZE 02:05:16
Dederko Ewa POL 02:05:35
Janssen Eva NED 02:05:42
Van der Meijden Ruth NED 02:05:52
Jimenez Tome Beatriz ESP 02:05:59

How close is this for Fernandas versus Morrison:
Fernandes Vanessa POR 02:00:51 00:33:13 00:01:21 01:06:56 00:01:09 00:18:08
Morrison Catriona GBR 02:02:29 00:34:10 00:01:25 01:07:25 00:01:13 00:18:12

Awesome result for Catriona!