Matt Sharp and Yuka Sato earned their first ITU World Cup wins ©Twitter

Britain’s Matt Sharp and Japan’s Yuka Sato earned their first International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Cup victories after running away from the field in the men’s and women’s events respectively in Tongyeong, South Korea.

Sato had previous experience of finishing on the podium in the city having claimed bronze at the 2012 edition of the race, and she showed good form to remain in contention with her rivals during the swim and bike legs.

She formed part of a leading group of 12 during the 40 kilometre bike leg, which included London 2012 Olympic silver medallist Lisa Norden of Sweden and Yuko Takahashi, also of Japan.

However, Sato would prove to be the freshest athlete during the 10 kilometre run and she made her move on the third of four laps of the circuit to go clear to the finish, with the Japanese athlete crossing the line in 2 hours, 52 seconds.

“I’m very happy for this win, I got a lot of confidence from this victory and did my best today,” she said afterwards.

“I knew Takahashi is a good runner but I just felt good today and felt confident on the last two laps.

“It’s a very special feeling, my first World Cup win.”

A 12-woman lead group stayed away during the bike leg, helping to set up Sato's victory
A 12-woman lead group broke away during the bike leg, helping to set up Sato's victory ©ITU

Switzerland’s Jolanda Annen finished 14 seconds adrift of the winner to secure the silver medal, while Takahashi completed the podium after finishing in 2:01:15.

Meanwhile in the men’s event a large leading group of 60 stayed together until the running section of the event, leaving the best runners to fight for the title.

Australia’s Courtney Atkinson, Mexico’s Sergio Sarmiento and Russia’s Dmitry Polyanskiy were the first to make their move for victory, but the trio were quickly joined by Sharp and Spain’s David Castro Fajardo at the head of the race.

Eventually it was left for Sharp and Fajardo to go head-to-head for victory in a sprint finish, with the Briton proving the stronger athlete on the day as he pulled away to finish 11 seconds clear in 1:48:39.

Atkinson claimed the bronze after finishing in a time of 1:48:56.



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