American Sarah Haskins took charge on the bike and held on during the run to take the win at the ITU World Cup in Monterrey, Mexico.

Early on in the bike segment Haskins broke away from the pack with Flora Duffy from Bermuda and the two athletes managed to gain a nice advantage. Haskins though must have felt that she either contributed more to the effort or just felt better. Eventually she dropped her breakaway companion and entered T2 with more than a minute advantage over all chasers.

During the run the pack led by Anne Haug from Germany and Ai Ueda from Japan started to take time back from Haskins, but with 2.5k to go the lead of the American was still 39 seconds.

In the end the margin was 6 seconds, but that really did not matter as Haskins still finished on top. For Haskins this was the second win in as many recent starts as she had won the St. Anthony's Triathlon in St. Petersburg, Florida the weekend prior. But the win here must have meant quite a bit more as it was her first World Cup title and Haskins seemed quite emotional crossing the line.

"This was my first World Cup win, so it was a special moment for me. I have had breaks before on the bike, but have never been able to pull off the win. Crossing the line, I was physically and emotionally spent," said Haskins to slowtwitch. "I gave it my all, which is what racing is all about."

Ueda grabbed second place and Haug rounded out the podium.


Monterrey ITU World Cup
Monterrey, Mexico / May 8, 2011
1.5k swim / 40k bike / 10k run

Top women

1. Sarah Haskins (USA) 1:57:15
2. Ai Ueda (JAP) 1:57:21
3. Anne Haug (GER) 1:57:27
4. Helle Frederiksen (DEN) 1:57:29
5. Gwen Jorgensen (USA) 1:57:32
6. Rachel Klamer (NED) 1:57:45
7. Kathy Tremblay (CAN) 1:57:51
8. Katrien Verstuyft (BEL) 1:57:56
9. Rebecca Robisch (GER) 1:57:58
10. Emmie Charayron (FRA) 1:58:00