Mathias, Bentley, Waugh and Yee combine to stunning effect in Rome win
Any team that can unleash Alex Yee (GBR) on the anchor leg can feel confident about its chances of success, yet it was a game-breaking effort from Kate Waugh (GBR) that made the difference in today’s Mixed Team Relay at the Rome World Cup and saw Team GB take gold. A monster bike split on the third leg from the two-time WTCS medallist handed Yee such a considerable advantage that he could have finished the race in his slippers and still won. With Rome and this very course set to host next year’s World Mixed Team Relay Championship, the Brits could not have enjoyed a better trial run.
In balmy conditions, the benefit of fresh legs was quickly apparent. Belgium’s Jolien Vermeylen, who did not race in the individual event yesterday, rocketed out to a fast start and carried her lead into T1. Olivia Mathias (GBR) and Manon Laporte (FRA) followed. Unusually for the relay, though, practically the entire field remained together.
A swift T2 from Franka Rust (GER) saw her out first into the run from Mathias, securing a lead she would not relinquish. Close behind, Paola Sacchi (ITA) moved up to 2nd at the head of a pack of eight athletes. Yesterday’s winner Diana Isakova (AIN) could not keep touch, however.
Connor Bentley (GBR) took over for the Brits and swam his way into the lead. Nicola Azzano (ITA) maintained the home team’s position, while Lasse Lührs (GER) lost time. He nonetheless remained part of the pack of five alongside Zalan Hóbor (HUN) and Simon Westermann (SUI) that rode at the front. They would defend a slim margin over a chase group of six, with the pursuers arriving in T2 as the leaders left.
Joao Nuno Batista ran through from the chase pack to give Portugal a fighting chance but did not trouble the leaders. His job done, Bentley handed over to Waugh. And here the decisive move was made.
Bianca Seregni (ITA) was as rapid as ever in the water and snatched the lead. Waugh, it seemed, took that personally. The T100 world champion hammered out of T1 and put half a minute into the Italian with a devastating solo move. One she handed over to Yee, it was game over.
As Yee cruised to victory, sure in the knowledge that if any chaser was to close the gap (which they did not) he could outrun them, Euan De Nigro (ITA) and Miguel Tiago Silva (POR) took on the fight for 2nd. Over a tense final leg, De Nigro had his opponent’s measure on the run and brought home the silver for Italy, extending the team’s medal-winning run. Silva then crossed in 3rd place where he was swamped by ecstatic teammates. Grigoriy Antipov (AIN) then held off his fellow chasers to take 4th place.