Sore one for Potter as Learmonth takes silver
THERE was a silver sparkle for Jess Learmonth in the triathlon yesterday, but a harsh reality for glasgow’s Beth Potter. Leeds-born Learmonth, 30, was delighted to finish second behind former olympic champion Nicola spirig of switzerland, with France’s Cassandre Beaugrand taking bronze.
But Potter had to settle for a 27th-place finish as she competed in her first olympic distance triathlon after making the switch from track running.
‘It was always going to be a bit of a shock to the system,’ said the 26-year-old. ‘I’m disappointed I didn’t do a bit better but it’s just one of those things.
‘When you get to half way on the bike and you’ve still got all that to do again and then the run...
‘It’s a tough course to come and do my first one, but I got through it. I’m glad I got it done and I know what to expect for next time, but it was just really tough today. That’s an hour longer than any race I’ve ever done.
‘I learn more from the bad races, the ones that are sub-par. I know what my weaknesses are going into this winter. I’m glad to have got one under my belt and hopefully I can build on that and work on it for next year.’
Learmonth and Beaugrand dominated after the swimming section, leaving the competition in their wake through the early laps on the bike.
But the pair were caught in the latter half of the 40km cycle by spirig, who was shaving off huge chunks of time after each lap. The swiss and the Briton made good time in the final two laps as Beaugrand fell behind.
spirig started the 10km run stronger after the transition and Learmonth was unable to make up the ground as her rival took gold.
‘I didn’t really back myself,’ admitted Learmonth after winning her second consecutive European Championships silver medal.
‘For me, with my abilities, it can always go one way or the other. I definitely didn’t think I’d be up front with spirig in the break so, yeah, I’m quite surprised.
‘If I’d have known this from the start I’d have taken that any day, especially with the likes of spirig, Laura Lindemann and Beaugrand. There’s loads of good athletes here today so I’m super happy.
‘It was absolutely no surprise for spirig to be coming from behind and, to be honest, I was ready for it. I knew when she caught up she wouldn’t be messing about and she jumped pretty much straight away.
‘Thankfully, I was able to stay with her and for the last two laps we worked together quite well. Then she just abandoned me on the run.
‘The fans were unbelievable, and it definitely helps. Loads of people cheering, especially on the run when it’s certainly needed so thank you, glasgow.
‘They adopted me for the day until Beth Potter passed and then they all shouted for her.’
It was a sixth European Championship title for spirig to add to an impressive haul which includes gold and silver medals from two different olympic games.
The 36-year-old said: ‘It doesn’t get any easier, but I probably enjoy it even more, every medal is special. Everything went perfect for me. I wasn’t worried as I knew I would be stronger in the second part compared to the other athletes. ‘I just kept calm and kept working on it. Normally when you can see the athletes in front of you it goes really quick. When I only had 15 seconds to make up I knew I would catch them.’