Action got underway at the 2015 Tiszaujvaros ITU World Cup on Saturday with some blistering heats of semifinals action.
The day began with two waves of semifinals for the women, the first of which was won by Sara Dossena (ITA) in a packed race. The Italian raced smart, completing a comfortable race in the middle of the group to take advantage of the fast pace by the Americans, who were much stronger on the swimming segment.
“It was really tough, really hard race,” said Dossena.
The second of the women´s semifinals saw Arina Shulgina (RUS) claim the victory ahead of Emmie Charayron (FRA) by some 15 seconds.
“I come from a cold country and this is really hot weather for me, so it was really difficult,” said Shulgina of Saturday’s race. “I will try do the same as I did today and finish well (tomorrow).”
Click here for tomorrow start list for the women’s final.
In the men’s first semifinal, Igor Polyanskiy (RUS) led comfortably for the victory, only to be bothered by a late effort of Raoul Shaw (FRA) on the 5km run.
“I felt well, and feel strong for the final,” said Polyanskiy.
Felix Duchampt (FRA) took the first spot in the second semifinal in showing the French squad is here to contest the top podium positions, as the Federation saw all of its athletes through to finals in both the women’s and men’s races.
“We have a very strong group with a lot good swimmers, I am a stronger runner, so will see what will happen tomorrow,” said Duchampt. “I felt strong today, and will do my best tomorrow.”
Anthony Pujades (FRA) and Gordon Benson (GBR) shared the same time on the finish line, proving how close the third semifinal was for the qualification to the final.
Benson (GBR), the Baku European Games winner, said, “I had fun out there today and I’m happy with my performance”.
When questioned about the strategy for the final, the British remained confident saying, “You will have to wait until tomorrow and see.”
Gabor Faldum (HUN) claimed victory on the last semifinal of the day on a very tight group finish, giving the home crowd a strong reason to come back tomorrow.
“I really enjoy this format of racing two times in two days and I look forward for tomorrow,” Faldum said. “I think it will be hard because of the hot weather, but I will do my best to do as well as last year.”
Click here for the start list of the men’s final.
The women will get the racing started on Sunday at 3:45pm, while the men will compete at 5:10pm. The athletes will contest another sprint distance race on a slightly different course.
All files by Miguel Gomes