UQ student second in triathlon’s richest race

UQ SPORT scholarship holder Annabel Luxford battled sweltering conditions to finish a close second in the International Triathlon Union World Cup race at Des Moines in Iowa last weekend.

With the richest-ever World Cup prize of $240,000 at stake, Ms Luxford was pipped by just 14 seconds as American Laura Bennett claimed first place in a time of 2:42:32.

Ms Luxford, a part-time Master of Laws student, collected $47,600 as runner-up.

Humidity and high temperatures during the race forced the withdrawal of almost half of the women’s field, including three-time Australian world champion Emma Snowsill and compatriot Erin Densham.

Earlier this month Ms Luxford finished fourth in the World Cup in Madrid, signalling a return to the form that saw her win the World Cup series and finish second in the World Championships in 2005.

Ms Luxford’s coach Bill Davoren said he was delighted with the result as she continued her comeback from a foot injury which sidelined her for seven months last year.

“Annabel is very happy with her race results, she is in recovery now but is extremely satisfied with her consistency right throughout the tough race,” Mr Davoren said.

“Unfortunately it was only in the last 600 metres of the run that Bennett broke away to take the podium.”

The men’s elite race was won by Denmark’s Rasmus Henning, with New Zealander Bevan Docherty finishing second.

Media: Rachel Hawksford at UQ SPORT (07 3365 6031, rachelh@uqsport.uq.edu.au)