Relive a thrilling women’s season finale in Tongyeong as Tilly Anema (GBR) powers to her first World Cup victory. Diana Isakova (AIN) and Charlotte Derbyshire (AUS) stormed onto the podium after a fierce battle across a technical bike course and a brutal hill on the run.
Pre-race favourite Tilly Anema wasted no time asserting herself, leading the women’s field through the swim and into transition. The British athlete, fresh off bronze in Miyazaki, was quickly joined on the bike by Australia’s Kira Hedgeland and Charlotte Derbyshire, Spain’s Cecilia Santamaria, Belgium’s Katrien Maes, USA’s Britany Brown, Ireland’s Hollie Elliot and Slovenia’s Tjasa Vrtatic (Team World Triathlon athlete), who were all committed to driving the pace at the front.
Behind them, Australia’s Richelle Hill and France’s Léa Coninx led the charge from a 20-second chase pack of nearly 18 athletes after the first of three laps on the demanding 20km Miyazaki bike course. Last weekend’s winner in Miyazaki, Valentina Riasova, recovered from a difficult start and rode her way up to the chase group to stay in contention.
A further chase pack, including Australia’s Ellie Hoitink, Canada’s Isla Britton and U23 World Championship silver medallist Angelica Prestia of Italy, worked to minimise losses on the challenging terrain characterised by biting climbs, fast flats and technical turns.
As the final lap unfolded, the chase groups merged into a large, dangerous pack, setting up a complex sprint-distance showdown in Tongyeong. The leaders, however, remained organised and efficient, extending their advantage as they prepared for the brutally honest 5km run course.
Anema powered into transition for the final time with authority, heading onto the run in control. Derbyshire was right on her heels, with the pair becoming the clear athletes to chase. Slovenia’s Vrtatic thrilled spectators with a bold early run in third, eventually holding on for a career best top 10 finish.
Spain’s Santamaria looked strong once again, hunting down the podium positions, but the late race fireworks came from Diana Isakova (AIN), who surged through the field to claim second place. Derbyshire dug deep to hold bronze, delivering the best performance of her career.
France's Lea Coninx continued her excellent form to move into fourth, with Riasova rallying behind her to secure fifth.
In the final World Cup women’s race of the season, Great Britain’s Tilly Anema broke the tape to earn her first-ever World Cup victory, closing her season in exceptional style and with a winning time of 00:58:25.
'I didn't really expect that, I am quite surprised at how the year has gone. I am really happy that the hard work has paid off. Hopefully I can race some me World Series next year and keep improving,' said Anema.
Diana Isakova (AIN) claimed a brilliant silver and Charlotte Derbyshire (AUS) delivered an emotional and well-deserved bronze to round out the podium.
'I am just so happy,' said silver medallist Isakova.
'I still can't believe it, I am really emotional,' said bronze medallist Derbyshire.
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