Kretz and Pennock, both 20, gained a quick advantage in the 750-metre swim, but were followed closely by Olympian Claudia Rivas of Mexico and Australian Erin Densham, winner of the bronze medal at London 2012.

Two-time Olympian Flora Duffy of Bermuda, who won the 2012 Huatulco World Cup, created a small breakaway group of 10 - which included Rivas, Densham, Sweetland, Kretz, Pennock and Canadian Joanna Brown - on the bike leg.

By the time they hit the 5km sprint they had gained a lead of more than a minute.

Sweetland, Kretz and Pennock did major work on the first run lap, dropping a talented field for a 14-second advantage.

America's Kaitlin Donner and Rivas attempted to keep pace behind them, while a struggling Densham fell to the back of the pack.

Kretz managed a breakaway on the final lap to take her first World Cup title in 1 hour 03min 18sec, with teammates Pennock and Sweetland following in 1:03:29 and 1:03:35, respectively.

Brown survived a crash in the transition from bike to run to take fourth place, giving Canada a clean sweep of the top four positions, in 1:03:49.


Meanwhile in the men's race, France's Greg Rouault secured his first World Cup gold and was followed to the podium by home national champion Kyle Jones, who took silver, and Ukrainian Ivan Ivanov, who won bronze.

Despite this, it was Canada's Andrew McCartney who flew out of the water for his bike with a 19-second lead ahead of a 39-strong field.

The 20km bike leg was led by McCartney as favourites Kerr and Jones road safely in the middle of the pack to conserve energy for the run.

Ivanov's speedy transition ensured he was first off his bike to head for the run course followed by 22 men and it was the first lap that separated the eventual medallists from the field.

Rouault jetted away for a winning 57:39 finish.

Behind him was Jones in 57:46 and Ivanov in 58:01.

Edmonton is due to host next year's ITU World Triathlon Grand Final.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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