ITU: Gomez ends Mola’s winning streak with victory at Montreal ITU 2017

Javier Gomez Noya triumphed in Montreal in a fierce race and very windy conditions. Blummenfelt and Murray chased close behind to round out the podium.

The swim was anyone’s race, and by the start of the bike leg it was destined to be a battle between the top seven riders, including Gomez, Blummenfelt and Brownlee and more. South African Richard Murray chased hard and reached the leaders in the bike, setting himself up for the run.

“I know that about halfway through the second lap that it was possible to catch Johnny,” said Murray. “I saw the pace difference.

ITU run sets Gomez up for victory

Most exciting though was the run. As Gomez flew through the second transition, he took the lead and didn’t look back, finishing the race in 01:47:50.

“It was a really good course,” said Gomez. “A lot of spectators, and it’s always nice to see people cheering.

“A few Spaniards are on holiday here as well, supporting us. I hope they keep doing this race because it’s one of the best ones.”

Mola retains top spot on the ITU leaderboard

This victory ended fellow Spaniard Mario Mola’s impressive winning streak this year, where Mola has run to victory in four huge events.

“That’s racing,” said Mola. “Of course I wanted to keep the momentum I had, but the guys in front did well.

“I emptied the tank on the bike. I tried to start hard on the run. Halfway through the run my legs said ‘that’s enough, that’s all you have today.’ So I made it to the end with what I had left.”Mola finished in 14th place, perhaps out of steam after his win in Edmonton last week.

While Mola may maintain his first place on the leaderboard, Gomez is now in second place, so it remains to be seen who will take out the final victory after Stockholm later his month and the final in Rotterdam in September.

1. Javier Gomez Noya 01:47:50
2. Kristian Blummenfelt 01:48:05
3. Richard Murray 01:48:42