Ole! Ole! Ole!

Michael Shum

Spanish athletes dominated the men's elite group in the World Triathlon Cup Hong Kong yesterday, with world No 39 Alberto Gonzalez Garcia taking gold and Antonio Serrat Seoane finishing second.

The race started at the Wan Chai Harbourfront, with athletes required to first swim for 750 meters before cycling for 20 kilometers and running for five kilometers to the finish line at the Golden Bauhinia Square.

Garcia, who won with a time of 53 minutes and 17 seconds, said the hot and humid weather was similar to Spain's.

"The racetrack was also very safe, and the race itself was full of fun. I am very happy for the win," Garcia said.

Seoane added that the most challenging part of the race was the quality of the competitors. "There were a lot of quality athletes, and I had to fight for the win with my teammate whom I trained with. I hope I can do better next time," he added.

Hong Kong's Jason Ng Tai-long, a bronze medalist at the Hangzhou Asian Games, could only finish in 55th place after a punctured rear tire slowed him in the cycling segment.

Robin Elg (23rd), Mark Yu Shing-him (29th) and Nicholas Tsang Cheung-sing (38th) all finished ahead of Ng, who clocked one hour and eight seconds.

"But this would not affect my emotions, I will adjust my mentality to prepare myself for the next competition," Ng said.

In the women's elite race, Briton Sian Rainsley reigned supreme in a time of 59:44 minutes.

Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Katie Zaferes, of the US, was second.

Rainsley said it was an important win as she did not participate in many competitions last year due to injury. "The waves are very strong [in Victoria Harbour], which made the race challenging, but overall it was a good race," she said.

Hong Kong's Bailee Briana Brown finished 40th in 1:02:40.

"It was the most difficult competition I have ever joined," Brown said.

"I am hoping to improve my speed and strength, and hopefully do better next time. I also heard people screaming my name and 'Hong Kong' along the race, which is really touching," she added.

michael.shum@singtaonewscorp.com