Two-time paratriathlon world champion and Tokyo Paralympic silver medalist Lauren Parker claimed victory at the World Triathlon Para Series Montreal on the weekend. This kicks off a massive block of racing in North America and her campaign to win the UCI paracycling world championships in mid-August.
Parker emerged second out of the swim a minute behind Tokyo gold medalist Kendall Gretsch, but overtook for the lead on the cycle leg. In Tokyo, Gretsch had overtaken her in the final stretch to win, but Parker made sure there was no chance of that happening this time. Parker won with an overall time of 1:05.08 and a margin of six minutes and 42 seconds, marking her 12th career victory.
“So happy to take the win at World Triathlon Para Series Montreal yesterday!” Parker said. “Great to be back racing the series. The hard work has definitely paid off despite such emotional challenges.”
Daniela Ryf returned to the starting line at Ironman Switzerland to defend the title she won last year as well as in 2014 and 2016. In her first race since winning the Ironman World Championship in St. George back in May, Ryf not only led wire-to-wire but also outclassed the field and broke the tape with a nearly 30-minute gap to the next competitor. With another training block ahead of her leading into the Ironman World Championship in October, Ryf is in unbeatable form.
In Hamburg, Vincent Luis lined up for his fourth straight World Triathlon Championship Series race. He led out of the swim and rode hard with the lead group, ultimately finishing just one spot off the top 10. This result bumps him up one spot in the WTCS ranking to number 5 in the world.
