In wet and windy conditions, Donner finished in a time of  hour 00.18sec to edge United States team-mate Renee Tomlin by a second. 

The 25-year-old found herself in the leading pack for the majority of the cycling and running sections and made her move on the final lap to ensure she would take the title ahead of hTomlin, while Ventula Fintova of the Czech Republic secured the bronze medal.

"It was a great race," Donner said.

"We had tough conditions this morning when we came out here and the swim was rough, but you can't complain with the US going one and two on the podium.

"In the last lap I really had no idea where Tomlin was, really I was just building into the run like I did in Abu Dhabi so I was just trying to run my race and it worked out for me today."

Spain's Tamara Garrido Gomez could not build on her win in the opening World Cup event of the season Mooloolaba, Australia as she was forced to retire late on.

South Africa's Richard Murray also claimed his maiden World Cup gold with victory in New Zealand ©Getty Images



In what proved to be a dramatic men's competition, Murray recovered from incurring a 10 second penalty for dropping his helmet during the cycling to oust Russia's Alexander Bryukhankov, eventually finishing in an impressive time of 52min 38sec.

Bryukhankov was made to work hard for his silver medal as he was involved in a sprint finish with Norwegian youngster Kristian Blummenfelt, who had to settle for bronze.

"I was a bit under pressure running out of transition - I forgot my helmet then I realised they said I had 10 second penalty," the South African said.

"I am very happy, this is my first podium after two years.

"This race was very hard for me to fly 30 hours and maybe the next race in Auckland will be good for me."

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