Giant Triathlete claims 3rd place in the heat

7th June, 2010 - Giant’s Helen Jenkins finished in 3rd place in this weekend’s 2010 Dextro Energy Triathlon ITU World Championship Series in Madrid, her best result so far this season. The 2008 Champion battled a tough bike course and 34 degree heat to finish on the podium alongside winner Nicola Spirig (Switzerland) and 2nd placed Emmie Charayron (France) in round 3 of the series.

"It was a target to finish on the podium but I wasn't sure whether I would achieve it in the hard conditions with it being so hot," Jenkins said following the race.

Riding her Giant TCR Advanced SL, Jenkins kept with the lead pack through the bike; before forming part of the podium trio during the run in which they built up a lead and left the chasing pack trailing.

"It was tough but I got my nutrition right and hydrated well beforehand. The run was in the shade, which helps. It was quite scary seeing girls go down on the bike”

"I'm usually good at getting off the bike in the first few but I was lucky to swerve out of the way. The plan was to see if I could run with the leaders.”

With 400 metres to go Spirig pulled clear finishing 4 seconds ahead of Charayron and eight seconds ahead of Jenkins.

"I picked up the pace on the third lap, and then again on the fourth but Nicola was very strong and Emmie was strong in the end too. The result was a big improvement for me."

Fourth placed Mariko Adachi finished over half-a-minute behind Spirig. The next round takes place in Hamburg in July where Jenkins will hope to capitalise on her improving form.