Britain's Jodie Stimpson wins World Triathlon Series opener in Abu Dhabi
By PA Sport
Last Updated: 05/03/16 5:01pm
Jodie Stimpson put herself in pole position to book the third and final spot in Britain's team for the Rio Olympics by winning the opening World Triathlon Series race of the season in Abu Dhabi.
Stimpson was Britain's top-ranked woman in 2014 and won Commonwealth Games gold but struggled with injury last year and had to watch as Non Stanford and Vicky Holland clinched their Olympic places.
The final spot looks likely to be decided by a battle between Stimpson and former world champion Helen Jenkins, who also performed impressively in Abu Dhabi to finish third.
The key battle will take place at the race in the Gold Coast next month, and Stimpson said: "This winter couldn't have gone any better.
"There are a group of us that haven't made our Olympic slots yet so we're extremely motivated. Me and Helen are great rivals. She's a fantastic athlete and I have so much respect for her.
"We're both in the same boat. Whoever has the best race in the Gold Coast goes, and if Helen beats me then she deserves to go and I can't say more than that."
The British pair were part of a quartet of athletes along with Flora Duffy and Ashleigh Gentle that broke away at the start of the 10-kilometre run.
Stimpson made her move in the final 2km, with Australian Gentle beating Jenkins to silver.
Spain's Mario Mola won the men's race in the absence of world champion compatriot Javier Gomez and Britain's Alistair and Jonny Brownlee, with Adam Bowden the highest placed of the British competitors in 11th.
