Marta Menditto Triumphs in the Italian Cross Triathlon Double at Townsville

On a morning that might have been somber due to the overcast skies, the World Cross Triathlon Championships in Townsville, Australia, sparkled with excitement, particularly during the women's race. Following Michele Bonacina's victory in the men's category, Marta Menditto of Italy mirrored her compatriot's success, clinching the title with a remarkable performance.

The race began with a challenging 1km sea swim, where Samantha Kingsford (NZL) and Maeve Kennedy (AUS) emerged first, mastering the turbulent waters with the finesse of seasoned mariners. Menditto found herself trailing by 50 seconds post-swim, setting the stage for a dramatic comeback.

Describing the swim segment, Menditto likened it to "being in a washing machine," but it was her prowess on the bike that turned the tide in her favor. Clocking the fastest split of 56:16, she outpaced her nearest competitor by 44 seconds, catapulting herself into the lead. The bike course was not just a physical challenge but a strategic battlefield, where Menditto's technical skills shone brightly.

Close on her heels were Romy Spoelder (NED) and Kennedy, who were part of a dynamic chase pack that thinned as the race progressed. Kennedy, reflecting on the race, noted the intensity of the competition, saying, "It was full on from start to finish, with each of us visible to one another, pushing hard to the very end."

The drama didn't end at the bike segment. An unexpected encounter with a snake falling from the trees onto the course added a wild twist to the race narrative, though it fortunately did not disrupt the athletes' momentum.

Transitioning into the 6km run, Menditto maintained her lead, but Spoelder was hot on her trail, closing the gap to a mere 3 seconds faster in the run segment. Despite this, Menditto held on to win the world title, with Spoelder securing a commendable second place and also claiming the World U23 title. Kennedy rounded out the podium, earning a bronze in her third international outing, marking a significant milestone in her career.

Spoelder shared her thoughts on the race, expressing her enjoyment of the course and the competitive spirit of the event. "It was a battle right to the end, and on the second lap, I just focused on staying ahead on the beach to see how it would unfold," she said.

The day also saw Ash Watts (AUS) winning the World Junior Cross Triathlon title, adding to the host country's celebrations.

As the cross duathlon events approach, the excitement continues in Townsville. Stay updated with all the action and more through World Triathlon's various channels.

For more details on the event and to view full results, visit the 2024 World Triathlon Cross Triathlon Championships Townsville event page.

What is the World Triathlon?

World Triathlon is the international governing body for the sport of triathlon, overseeing events, rankings, and the development of multisport competitions globally.