Japan Triathlon: World Series

Hello and welcome to our home for highlights of round three of the

2014 World Triathlon series. As the athletes get ready to race out in

Yokohama, we are continuing our tour of the Home Nations, ahead of the

Commonwealth Games this summer. After visits to Wales and Scotland,

we have come to Londonderry to find out more about triathlon in Northern

Ireland, and to get to know local star Aileen Reid. We also have an

interview with Alistair Brownlee for you. But let's begin with a recap of

the series so far. A win for Jodie Stimpson and podium finishes for

Helen Jenkins and Jonathan Brownlee in Auckland made it a great start to

the year for Britain's triathletes. And they managed to step things up a

notch in Cape Town. COMMENTATOR: Jenkins is on the hunt!

It will be two out of two for magnificent Jodie Stimpson! Second

place to Helen Jenkins! And no surprise that the race out in front

involves these two men. Javier Gomez of Spain wins the World Triathlon

series race in Cape Town! Brownlee on the podium once again. Now, it is

a return to familiar territory, as the series moves on to Yokohama for

the fifth time in its history. It is a relatively flat course, and it is

also where Jonathan Brownlee made a winning start to his season last

year. Looking at the rankings this year, Jonathan could do with another

win in Japan if he is to keep the pressure on Spain's world champion,

Javier Gomez, who has not been beaten so far in 2014. On the

women's side, things are looking very bright for Jodie Stimpson, who

sits on top after back-to-back wins, with Helen Jenkins not far

behind. She got bronze and silver in Auckland and Cape Town respectively.

We will come back to the women later on. But we want to start with the

mens rea is this weekend, because as well as Javier Gomez, Jonathan

Brownlee will have to face another familiar foe in Yokohama, older

brother Alister. That's right, the Olympic champion is back, not quite

as soon as he had hoped, though. A calf injury had scuppered his

planned start to the season in Cape Town. Before heading out to Japan,

Alistair Brownlee met up with Tom Fordyce in the Yorkshire pub which

is beginning to feel like home. So, the Prince of Wales, the Duke of

York, Lord Nelson - they have all had pubs named after them. And now

you, how does that feel? I know, quite prestigious company, isn't

it?! It feels a bit mad walking into a pub named after yourself. This is

where it all started for you, the town you grew up in, and where you

started out writing and running? Yes, absolutely, we moved in when I

was only two years old, and Jonathan was born. I have lived here all my

life, really. This was very much where I started out. And the

landscape around here was right for you, wasn't it? Absolutely, it is a

great up and down landscape, and also, the people around here, we

have got a great culture of people going out doing sport, great clubs,

and lots of things to in with. You said to me in the past that you

would rather have two or three years at the absolute top of the triathlon

world, and then spend ten years unable to run, and have eight years

of being sort of top six. At the ripe old age of 25, do you still

feel like that?! Let's hope not. This is the year, then, isn't it? If

I can still have a good year this year, then I have done all right.

But yes, I still stand by that. I am in the very, very fortunate position

that I have achieved more than I ever would have drained I could have

done. That is a fantastic position to be in at 25. It does not mean I

do not want to achieve anything else, it is just a nice position to

be in. If I gave you a choice between Commonwealth gold or getting

your world title back this year, which one would you take?

Commonwealth gold would be the one this year. The world title is very

important as the biggest thing in triathlon, probably outside of the

Olympics and the Commonwealths. But I have won two of them already. I

have never won the Commonwealth Games. That is definitely a priority

this year. If you do not win the world title this year, that will be

three years since your last one, and you are a massively competitive

individual, would that not hurt a little bit, particularly if somebody

close to home wins it? Yes, it would great little bit. But I got an

Olympic title in one of those years. If I could do a Commonwealth this

year, that would be good. You cannot do everything. But of course I would

love to win the world title as well, and I will give it a good shot. It

is a tough year for you this year in terms of balancing the demands on

you, isn't it? You need to get your placings in, how do you feel about

those rule changes, does it make sense? Yes, I am not a big fan of

the rule changes for the World Series. For a few years, I think it

should be a few races of all the best dies racing each other. The

more races you have, and the greater range, you're not going to get the

best guys racing each other all the time. It is obviously difficult for

an athlete racing in different continents all the time, and in more

races, I do not think that is good. You think it dilutes it a bit? Yes,

it dilutes performances, it dilutes competitiveness, and it seems unfair

to introduce it four, 12 athletes this year, with the Commonwealth 's

being a big priority for any, love athlete. To stick those extra races

this year seems to be a blatant snub for anybody who wants to race in the

Commonwealth Games! I like to think that if I turn up at a rate as fit

as I can be, and he turns up as fit as he can be, I should win, which is

a good position to be in. But I hope he does not seek it like that. Where

do you think you can improve? Everywhere. I think you can always

improve. The interesting question is, where do you need to improve

their no I could swim faster but it does not necessarily do me any good.

I could definitely make my bike faster and stronger, but by being a

fitter rider would not have any impact on the race at all, I do not

think. I have to make myself more of a punchy rider, be able to break

races up and attack races and make more of a difference in the race. I

have tried to focus on that. And you can run faster, that is the Holy

Grail for everyone! Alistair Brownlee or recently revealed that

he has given up his attempts to qualify for the 10,000m at the

Commonwealth Games, to focus all his energies on triathlon gold. So,

let's see how he sets off down that road. Time to hand over to our

commentators in Yokohama. First of all, Max Chilton.

And it is a beautiful afternoon here.

Lots of British interest in the field today, including Harris. There

is number one, Javier Gomez, striding down onto the pontoon. And

there is Alistair Brownlee, ready to dive into the water, wet suits today

for this swim in Yokohama Port. Two laps of 750 metres, to give 1500

metres total in the water. Then they do nine laps on two wheels, on a

flat course around the Yokohama Port area. Mostly close to the water. No

climbs to speak of. So it could be that we get a very large group

performing at the start of the bike course of. And then four 2.5

kilometre laps on foot to complete the triathlon. The drum roll and the

final fanfare. Tense moments on the deck. And now they are ready to go.

A total of 67 elite triathletes into the water in Japan. Round three of

the 2014 World Triathlon Series is under way. Two laps in the water.

They will get out, run along the pontoon and dive back in for the

second lap. Who do you expect to see forcing the pace in the early

stages, Aneke? I think the South African Henri Schoeman has really

been pushing the pace in the last two races, so I expect to see him up

there. And let's not forget the Canadian Andrew McCartney, also a

very strong swimmer. So, someone has got a clear patch of water between

the groups. The Brownlee brothers will almost certainly be up near the

pace as well. They swim close to that ship, which was launched in

1929. It ran a route for many years between Yokohama and Vancouver and

Seattle. Nicknamed the Queen of the Pacific, in fact. Charlie Chaplin

travelled on his world tour in that ship in 1932. It was used as a

hospital ship during the Second World War. Good crowds out port side

to watch the start of the triathlon. We will expect the Yokohama locals

to come out, they like their sport in this part of the world. The

international stadium here hosted the 2002 FIFA World Cup final, when

Brazil beat Germany 2-0. They do like their sport in Japan, and right

here in Yokohama. Javier Gomez will be near the front in the early

stages of this swim. We will look out for some of the numbers on the

orange caps as they head for this first turning point. We have seen

some very Messi turns in the World Triathlon Series races so far this

season. Being first at the turn is an obvious advantage. Sometimes

people can get into trouble. Already they are bunching, and one or two

are getting pushed underneath. Oh, goodness me, what a mess. It is a

crazy whirlpool in there! And no one takes any prisoners. It is very easy

to reach out and find someone's head and push them under and keep them

under. It is very dangerous at times. Still out in front is Henri

Schoeman. An interesting scenario for the South Africans - does he

push the pace and risk dropping Richard Murray, who we know is not

such a strong swimmer, or does he push ahead and not worry about

Murray behind? Yes, the two South African triathletes definitely

hungry for success. Murray has had a win in the past but it has been a

while. It has been a case of, when they have been there, the Brownlee

example has made the podium in his example has made the podium in his

last 42 triathlons. Alistair returning today puts an extra spicy

element into the race, and we do hope that we see the three of them

out in front by the time they parked up their bikes and head for the ten

K run. There is the Harbour Bridge in the background, a fantastic

suspension bridge which joins up to parts of the harbour, some of it is

natural land, some of it is reclaim to land. So, after 8.5 minutes in

the water, they are approaching the exit poll at the end of the first

lap. And we will get a check on who is where. Henri Schoeman is first

out of the water, followed by the Frenchman Aurelien Raphael. Also up

there is Andrew McCartney and Tony Dodds. Jonathan is the first of the

brothers. Meanwhile, Henri Schoeman is already deep into the second

lap, quickly back into the water and hoping to stretches lead.

In the bike course it is hard to get away and make a difference and that

is why it is important to push-macro this swim. At the moment they are

well over half way through the swim. They are well spread this time so we

shouldn't see too many dangerous moments. I do get nervous sometimes,

but now they are pretty well spread. We had a total of 67 starters and

there is quite a difference between the first man and the last month as

they approach the end of the first swim. They will start preparing for

the arrival in transition where they will pick up their bikes. A little

glance behind for Schoeman. Not much change, the first four exactly the

same. Jonathan and Alistair together in seventh and eighth place.

Tayama, the Japanese, is going well at this stage. Some of them choose

to jog with the carpet underfoot. We have seen so many triathletes

penalised in the last couple of years for missing the basics,

failing to find the boxes years for missing the basics,

failing to with their wet suits and picking up penalties. There is

Maloy, leading them through. Let's watch Gomez go through his

manoeuvres here. Jonathan, with his helmet on, stepping out of his wet

suit at the same time, and this is key to the way the race will

unfold. Gomez, the Brownlee brothers and some of the other main

contenders are in that leading group. We have got a group of about

15 in the early stages, but breakaway group here. Some of them

slow down whilst they force their feet into the shoes, which are

attached to the pedals, and then they get cracking. This could be a

really nice little group to work with but they have got to be very

committed on the front, Javier Gomez taking his turn. Surprised not to

see Alistair Brownlee up there, and that suggests to me that perhaps he

is not feeling as sharp as he would like to be. This is the 15th time

that Gomez, Alistair and Jonathan have started a World Series

triathlon race. Every time they have started in the past, one of them has

won the race, none of them have been close to them. There is some

chitchat in the front, and this group of about 12 or 15 will be

eager to close the gap, to bridge the gap to the league -- leaders.

Yes, Mario Mola will be in contention. It is good to see

Alistair beginning to find his rhythm. This is how it looks at the

back of the leading group. One of the Russian brothers as -- is there

as well. There is a real effort in the second group to try to close

them down. I don't think it will be long before we have one massive

group forming at the front of the race. It is a really difficult

group forming at the front of the course to ride on and make a

significant difference, because of the turns. There are so many of

them, there is no point on the course where you can get up some

pace and create a gap. Here are the men in the leading group. A total of

16 in the front group and we will get a check, if you look at the

bottom right of your screen, we can see the time ticking on and that

will tell us what the gap is between the leaders and the chasers and we

will be able to gauge whether they are making any inroads or going

backwards. Back to the front of the field now and it is Jonathan

Brownlee, calling the shots, barking out the instructions, bullying and

bossing his contenders. Gomez is wearing that gold number one on his

arms, saying here is the man leading the way, unbeaten so far this

season. In Auckland he beat Jonathan Brownlee to second, and the winner

again in Cape Town, and the Chase Park are about 45 seconds adrift at

this stage. Richard Murray, the training partner of Mario Mola

there. This is a big chasing pack. When those packs go together there

will be about 40 or 50 guys and it will come down to a massive running

race. Kyle Jones, the Canadian, seems to

be easing off a little bit at the back of that group. Javier Gomez,

the world champion, world triathlon series leader for this year, leading

the lead group into transition for the end of lap two. There is the

tallest tower in Japan, 73 floors high, in the background. It's quite

a science fictional landscape in Yokohama. The last time we got a

check on the time difference between leaders and chasers it was about 46

seconds. Let's see if the group of chasers have done any damage to that

lead. I think they have probably taken ten or 15 seconds out of the

lead, they have worked hard. This is number 63, Tom Davison leading

them. He has done so much work in the last couple of races and really

made a difference in bridging the gap to the front Park. A lot of the

guys talking about how strong he is and what impact he can have on the

race by bringing the stronger runners up to the front with the

likes of Gomez and the Brownlee brothers. There are another four or

five here looking to join in the fun. They begin the 10,000m after

the bike stage and that could be interesting. Heading out to the port

area of Yokohama, and Javier Gomez is forcing the pace. One or two very

tight technical terms, where you have to watch your wheels and avoid

any contact with other riders. Thankfully it is dry so no one will

be slipping around, and the guys know now that the gap to the leaders

is reducing all the time and they are trying to stretch their lead.

Richard Murray taking his turn at the front, very, very strong on the

bike and as we know he has been running outstandingly well so far

this year. Richard Murray looking around as he got out of the saddle

and kicked clear of the chasing group but nobody was totally willing

to go with him. It is a massive group featuring some strong

runners, Richard Murray being one of them, Mario Mola being another. He

might fancy his chances today, if he gets to run with his compatriot,

Javier Gomez, then he might think he has got a chance. One of the

Russians has taken his turn at the front of the field, Polyanskiy, and

now they are closing the gap all the time. The conditions today are

absolutely perfect for this bike ride. Last year it was so wet, there

were a lot of crashes but this year the conditions are so good and it is

certainly helping the second pack make huge inroads. As we come across

the blue carpet, we can see it is just a matter of seconds between the

front and the second pack. 15 in the leading group, then a gap of just 14

seconds to Tom Davison who leads the leading group, then a gap of just 14

chasers through. I can tell you that leading group, then a gap of just 14

Mario Mola is also in that group, as is Richard Murray and we know about

his 10,000m capability. Last year in this race the two South African boys

went well. Richard Murray and Schoeman like this course, and it is

just moments away now until we have one massive group at the front of

this world triathlon series race in Yokohama. Yes, a really important

race as well for the likes of Adam Bowden and Harris because it will be

in this race where the third decision is decided. Obviously the

Brownlee brothers will take the first and second spot. Jonathan

Brownlee is looking round, he is aware that he has company. The front

group of about 15 is growing. We have someone down, one of the

Russians. It is Polyanskiy, and he has hit the deck hard. His

appearance in Yokohama appears to have ended prematurely. Approaching

the end of lap four, 43.5 minutes gone. We will get a list of the

runners and riders here. Tom Davison has taken his position at the

front, Javier Gomez, then the Brownlee brothers. Mola, a great

runner. Wilson, the Australian, Tayama from the host nation. The

list is about 43, 44 strong. It is a huge group. Yes, you want to be near

the front in case there is a breakaway but at the same time sit

back and rest your legs because this looks like it is coming down to a

big running race. A couple of Japanese riders in that third group,

now the second group, just nine seconds off the pace so it is

encouragement for their fans that they could get involved in the run

for home here. This is the stretch between the back of the leading

group and the front, where Tom Davison is forcing the pace, telling

them along. This is lap six now, and Davison is such a strong rider. Head

down and away he goes. And this is the Swiss competitor wanting to get

involved in the front. The lead group with some big runners in

there. Some people will be fancying their chances today. Relatively calm

at this part of the cause, much more compact course setup for the run.

Really interesting to see Davison still pushing the pace. I'm

wondering if he should be thinking about sitting

wondering if he should be thinking legs. We know he is not the

strongest in the run, but he just loves this bicycle parts section of

the triathlon. Interestingly, no Alistair Brownlee at the front. We

normally see him pushing the pace. I can only think he is feeling the

pace, he hasn't really race properly since London on the circuit and I

think he is having a tough day. Yes, his first race back so we will

give him a chance and see if he is saving his legs for an explosive

exit at transition. Let's watch them come through again. Lots of noise to

welcome the triathletes out of the sunshine. The end of lap seven with

two to go and we will get a look at who is where. Alistair Brownlee is

still in the top five. Harris is looking good in 10th position at

this stage. Aaron Harris from Basingstoke in Hampshire. Somebody

is in trouble, and a bit evasive action taken. We have three or four

of them down, luckily nobody went the top. They are all picking

themselves up and trying to get back in the saddle. Such a shame. Third

here last year. And a previous winner. He really has not found his

form in 2014 yet. It is usually unfortunate for Joao Silva, this is

his favourite course, and he is unable to finish the so, who is

taking their turn now? It looks like Raphael of France is out there. It

is a huge group, a massive group of riders. The pace at the end of lap

eight is as strong as it was at the end of lap one. Raphael is the man

at the front. Jonny looks in good shape. Gomez is well, and crowd have

spotted the two Japanese athletes in the front group. They take the bell,

with one lap to go. Alistair Brownlee reaching for some

water, and a shower. Gomez is right behind him come there he is. Gomez,

sandwiched between the two Brownlee brothers at the moment. How well

they know each other! That famous Olympic race in Hyde Park in 2012,

the gold went to Alistair, the silver went to Gomez, and Jonathan

holding on for the bronze, despite taking that 15 second stop go

penalty for a dismount infringement. What drama.

So now, preparations are under way for the arrival in transition. There

will be hands reaching down to pull feet from pedals. They will rest

their bare feet on top of the shoes just to make sure of a quick and

effective dismount. Lots of Union flag triathlon suits involved.

Getting set for the finish of this 40 kilometre bike ride. And

everybody needs to make this clean. A quick exits, and the race can be

decided in the first two kilometres. Gomez will be not far off the front.

He will have Mario Mola potentially as a pacemaker as well. Although

Mola will have his eyes on a place on the podium, rather than helping

Gomez here. Tom Davison, who did plenty of work on the bike, is the

first to hang it up. We will keep on eye on how Javier Gomes does his

transition. Right shoe on first, then the left. And Jonathan is

making a quick exits from transition. Two of the Japanese boys

together. Sheldon is up there as well. And Alistair, left in amongst

the first group. ANNIE EMMERSON: Interesting how you

could see how the pack came in together as one, but if you do not

pace yourself well in that front pack, you can be leaving out of

transition 10-15 seconds behind the others. Richard Murray, who won his

only World Triathlon Series event in Hamburg in 2012. Murray will be

happy to be in good shape, but look who we have got at the front of the

field, the Brownlee brothers and Gomez. Act to old, familiar

territory. And then we have got Mola and fury chasing them down. And

these two are superb runners. Yes, Mola ran 30 seconds faster than

Gomez in Cape Town, and Gomez will probably have that in the back of

his mind. Alistair just dropping behind Gomez. He even said himself

he does not know where his fitness is. He has had a few injury problems

this year, in his attempt to qualify for the Commonwealth Games in the

10,000m. He did a lot of track running, pulled calf muscle. I am

sensing a bit of a grimace on his face very early on in the stages of

this 10,000m run. Richard Murray at the front of the

field. He is kicking clear, or attempting to inject a bit of pace

into the 10,000m run. At the moment the one that is struggling is

Jonathan Brownlee. Alistair is holding his position in fourth at

the moment. Jonathan is going further behind. At the end of the

first lap, we are back towards transition. Gomez and Mola, Murray

and Alistair, with Jonathan not looking particularly comfortable

down in fifth at this stage. Yes, certainly, the arms are pumping

quite hard, a very certainly, the arms are pumping

to where he was this time last certainly, the arms are pumping

when he was pushing the pace. Murray trying to stamp his authority,

perhaps put trying to stamp his authority,

and Mola. They know one another very well,

and Mola. They know one another very Mola now just sensing the danger and

trying to pull Murray back. Mola is in pretty good shape. He thinks, I

know what he is capable of. I wonder if we will have a different winner

today. I wonder if the Brownlee-Gomez domination will be

mixed up today? Tween 2009 and 2014, Alistair has had 22 races with 16

wins, Jonny has had seven wins, Gomez has raced 34 times, with eight

wins. Will Murray and Mola combine, will one of them make a difference

today? Gomez and Mola, running with

Murray. And Alistair has now been dropped. Alistair Brownlee, a

slightly distant fourth at the end of the second lap. And it looks as

if neither of the Brownlee brothers will be winning in Yokohama today on

the eye was just wondering about the impact of the training he did for

the 10,000m qualification race, whether he dropped back a little bit

perhaps on his bike and swimming training. It is very hard to train

specifically for one sport when you have got to other sports to think

about. I wondering if that has impacted his bike because he did not

look quite as strong as we normally see him on the bike. It is evident

now that this pace is too strong for him. Alistair can struggle on hot,

sunny days with no wind as well. It is pretty hot in Yokohama this

afternoon. Back with the leaders, Javier Gomez

of Spain, Mario Mola of Spain, Richard Murray of South Africa. They

have already lapped the Irish Richard Murray of South Africa. They

athlete Russell white. Con Murphy has dropped out,

athlete Russell white. Con Murphy representing Northern Ireland at the

forthcoming, love games in Glasgow. Around a hairpin. -- around the

hairpin. Always going to be a tough day for Alistair Brownlee, racing

against these three. This is their third race so far these year, in

these kind of conditions, being pushed all the way. They have the

racing fitness in their legs. To be honest, it is a tough day for

Alistair, he has not had that. He has just come from Yorkshire, where

weather conditions are very, very different. He is just lacking race

fitness. He is in fourth place, doing well, but it is not the

position that we have become accustomed to seeing him in. Richard

Murray leading the way. Javier Gomez on his shoulder. The speed of the

lead group around 19-20km/h. 30 strong in the warm conditions. The

lightweight Spaniard Mola, with the white visor, looking pretty

comfortable. Gomez is looking for three wins out of three. It took the

title in Auckland at the start of the season, he did it again in Cape

Town, and he takes the bell here in Yokohama, moving into the last lap,

with a real opportunity of taking three in a row. The Brownlee

brothers are in close proximity now. They will use each other for company

on the last lap. But look at the time difference, getting on for 40

seconds. Alistair looks really uncomfortable as they hit the bell.

So, Gomez takes his place at the front - they have dropped Murray!

Can Murray respond?! He seems to be unable to match the breakaway, this

will be painful for Richard Murray, as he watches the Spanish athletes

move away. And here comes Mola, taking his place ahead of Gomez. Can

Gomez respond to this little spot of danger? You cannot help but think

this will come down to a bit of a psychological battle. Mola knows

that he is the fastest runner out of the two, on paper, this year. But

does he have Gomez is just SO strong. And he is always a towering

figure. Everybody knows what he is capable of. The gap to Richard

Murray is eight seconds at the moment. He will be trying to

consolidate third position. Into the final stages of round three of the

World Triathlon Series 2014. And it is coming down to a sprint finish

between the two Spaniards! We know all about Javier Gomez's winning

capabilities. But what about Mario Mola? Some confusion about which way

they should go! They have taken the right track! And Mola takes his

place in first position. He is continually glancing over his

shoulder. Gomez is a threat, Gomez is alongside. Gomez is not going to

give this up. He wants his is alongside. Gomez is not going to

of the season. They are shoulder to shoulder! It is Gomez, it is Mola,

which one is going to take the win in Yokohama?! A sprint finish for

the line. It is Gomez! He makes it three in a row. Mola is beaten. What

a finish in Japan! Javier Gomez remains unbeaten at World Triathlon

Series level for 2014. He has won in Auckland, in Cape Town, and now he

is triumphant in Yokohama. Richard Murray was dropped towards the end

of the 10k run, but he is soaking it all in as he celebrates his podium

place. Murray, 29 seconds behind in third. And we will wait and see what

has happened to the Brownlee brothers. They will be fourth and

fifth, but who will take top honours in the battle of the Brownlees? What

a sprint finish that was between the two Spanish boys. It looks like

Alistair has eased clear of Jonathan. And there is another

British triathlete finishing in sixth, it is Aaron Harris. British

triathletes in fourth, fifth and sixth, not a bad day. But what a

brilliant season for Javier Gomez. Three wins in a row. That sixth

place for Aaron Harris will almost certainly give him the third English

place in the Commonwealth Games. That was the toughest race in

Richard Murray ran very fast. Somehow I managed to keep up when I

was just about to drop in the second lap. It came down to the final few

metres. I gave everything. Pretty happy. Third victory of the year, I

cannot believe it. I know I still need two more good results, but

obviously, when you have two wins, it makes you a bit more calm. I know

that everything is on track. I could not have expected being in that

situation at the start of the bike, but Tom Davison, he was great. We

just could not keep up with him. And suddenly we were together. And then

everything was a 10k run. I tried to stay at the back behind Javier and

Richard. And then I found the energy at the end, not enough, he won, but

Javier deserves it more than anyone, so congratulations to him, and also

to Richard. I went with these two on the run and gave a surge at about

three kilometres, which I think was a bit early, I was a bit overeager,

and I paid for it later on! I enjoy running up at the front. I gave it

everything I had. I am super stoked with third position. So, after an

uneventful swim, the action really started on the bike, with Tom

Davison responsible for bridging the gap between the two groups. Alistair

Brownlee went out hard at the start of the run, the brothers were not in

the sort of form which so often sees them romping to victory. Instead it

was left to Murray and Mola to take the fight to Javier Gomez. But once

again, the Spanish champion kept a cool head in the closing stages. If

he maintains this sort of form, Gomez could well go the whole season

unbeaten. He has maximum points at the top of the standings with

2014... Back here in Londonderry, it is training night for the North-west

Triathlon Club, And We Have Come To Find Out What Is Going On In

Triathlon In Northern Ireland. This club was set up 30 years ago, long

have you been a member, Paul? And what changes have you seen? Apart

from the kit and the bikes, people have brought down the distances so

it is all levels of people and the Sprint has made -- the distance has

made it possible for everyone to do. So it is the distance that has made

the difference? Because it has changed, it is not so long, that is

making the difference. How many sessions do you have a week? We swim

twice a week, we run twice a week, and we've bike twice a week. It is a

cracking facility here so we are very gifted. And you have got people

of all ages, shapes and sizes in the water. We have just started a new

club, but first today we have members up to 65 years old. We have

one's swimming tonight at 16, 17 years of age, hopefully stars of the

future. There are some talented athletes being put through their

paces here tonight and one former member of this club is getting ready

in Yokohama to go against the world's best. Let's find out more

about her. It was a natural progression to me to go into

triathlon and it was fun to be involved in sport, and that's what I

wanted to do. When I started, I was with my coach Chris Jones and he

told me that I could be good at this. In my very first race I came

sixth and I understood what he was talking about. This is European

level and I am competing against girls who are going to the Olympics

and I think I beat a few of them at the time. It opened my eyes and it

was only then that I thought maybe this could be a career. It is

something I thought, this is real, not my imagination, not something

people on television could do. This could happen to me! It happened. My

husband told me we were married for 11 months and I have been away for

nine. We met through sport and he understood what it meant to be a

world-class athlete and someone who was... You know, this is what I want

to be. I want to put all of my eggs in this basket and be the best I

want to be so he pushed me and helped me along the way. It is

fantastic. A tremendous achievement for me, and at the time I was so

delighted for my family all coming over. It was four years in a row

that they came over to London to watch. This time was just

absolutely, it made my day to have them there cheering me on. It really

was fantastic. Representing Northern Ireland, that really is amazing. It

is great to be from such a small nation and representing them well.

That is Aileen telling us about herself. Now we have two of her

friends to tell us what she is really like. What is she like? She

is a bad one! No, she's really not, she is the good one out of us. Tell

us how hard she works to be where she is. She has always been the

same, she has always trained hard no matter what sport she was doing. She

has always put everything into it so she is pretty dedicated. How proud

will you be to see her on the start line? I am usually the one back home

here, on the television, with three televisions on the same time,

texting and phoning. I am usually the one crying on the phone. Then

usually after the race, she is very good. She will send me a text

message or a phone call and say, I am fine, I am grand. Someone else

who knows Aileen very well is Roisin here. How did you know she was going

to be such a successful triathletes? She competed at such a high level

and I knew she was one for the future. I suspect you have some

mental strength because you are founding member of this club and

over those 30 years, how have you seen triathlon change and grow?

Years ago there were very few people competing and it wasn't the done

thing, particularly for women, to be out competing. You got quite a bit

of abuse on the streets when you were running. Since the onset of the

Olympic Games and our city of culture last year, the whole thing

has blossomed and exercise, whether it is running or walking, the town

is very conducive now to people getting out and exercising. With the

new bridge, people are getting out constantly and the whole emphasis is

on healthy living. Everybody wants to be part of that group. I'm going

to let you get into the water, and talk to Joe over here who also knows

Aileen very well. I guess she is a local star. Yes, I know her most

from racing against her, I see her going off into the distance. She has

been a fantastic influence on the club, she has come back several

times to give coaching sessions to the senior members but also to the

juniors. What does it mean to the club to have someone like that on

the world stage so prominently, so successful? It means a lot,

particularly for the youth in the club. We look at someone who has

reached the top. Triathlon is fantastic, it is not like any other

sport. You have premiership footballers, those guys are

untouchable but Aileen is from city and people can aspire, we can see

that we can do that and reach the top ourselves. Thank you for letting

us gate-crash your training session. Good luck to you for the rest of

your season. Before we show you highlights of the women's race from

Yokohama, let's remind you what happened during the last round.

The 51 and delete triathletes are into the water. The real depth in

talent and strength that Great Britain are exhibiting on triathlon

in both the men's and the women's field right now. Gwen Jorgensen can

certainly take out some during the run. Out in front, Helen Jenkins

leading for Great Britain, Jody Stimpson is second. Gwen

Jorgensen's place on the podium is guaranteed. She has surged through

the field. Jenkins in second, Stimpson third. With Helen Jenkins

sitting out this weekend, there is a real opportunity for Jodie Stimpson

to put some distance between herself and the rest of the field in

Yokohama, but on this flat course she will be banking on another good

swim to be on top of last year's winner, Gwen Jorgensen, who is now

in fifth place after that sensational run in Cape Town. Let's

rejoin our commentators, Matt Chilton and Annie Emmerson. That

used to be the largest ferris wheel in the world, part of the Cosmo

world amusement park here in Yokohama. That is the cityscape

here. A bit of chop on the water, as some of the best 54 triathletes in

the world are lined up and ready to go, and that is the world number one

currently, Jodie Stimpson. The winner in Auckland and Cape Town.

Lucy Hall goes for Great Britain with 14, Katie Hewison has 16. They

are ready to go in Yokohama. They will have nine laps on two wheels,

then the 10,000m run. Yes, conditions just a little bit choppy

out there. Although there is obviously lovely sunshine, we can

see the flags waving in the background and it is a little bit

choppy which could make things more difficult for the weaker swimmers.

That is a drone, a hand-held remote control helicopter bringing us some

of these pictures, as the swimmers start sorting themselves out,

approaching this turn. We can see the Arrowhead forming. We will

expect to see Jodie Stimpson not far away. No non-Stanford, the defending

champion still yet to make her return to the top level. -- Non

Stanford. It can be quite distressing if you get caught on the

turn but it looks like they have got through it without too much incident

and drama. Lucy Hall from Great Britain will be trying to go for

that spot, Commonwealth Games team, along with Katie Hewison. Lucy is

such a strong swimmer, but of late choosing to sit in more on the swim

rather than pushing the pace. In the early days of her triathlon career,

we saw her miles ahead of everyone. Natalie Millner here is also trying

to qualify for Scotland for the Commonwealth Games, also a very

strong swimmer. We are about halfway through the swim, they are about to

exit the water, before diving back into the second lap. We will get a

cheque after nine minutes of the race so far as to who is positioned

where at this stage in the triathlon. Thoughts turning of

course to the next Olympic triathlon in Rio, the qualification process

starts here and limited spaces available so they will be keen to

make a mark. It is once again Routier, the fiancee of Mola. We

will keep an eye on the next of the union flags, and there is Jodie

Stimpson, officially 14 seconds off the pace but very much in touch with

the leaders. Moffat getting a little stranded and left behind, they are

well on their stranded and left behind, they are

Lucy Hall and Carolina Routier among others trying to force their way to

the front of the field. Gwen Jorgensen out there, 15 seconds

down, just behind Jodie Stimpson and she is the one way we'll be looking

out for today. She had a storming run in Cape Town, where she ran two

minutes faster than Jodie Stimpson. Conditions were very cold but they

are much better here for her today in Yokohama. You never know what she

is capable of over 10,000m. Towards the end of the swim, and there is a

group of about 20 to 25, leading the way before they come to the exit to

complete stage one of the triathlon. There is a gap of about seven

seconds to 102, then a further gap to a chasing group of ten or 12.

That is how it should pan out as they come onto the bicycle section.

Preparations under way for the transition, let's see how they have

fared so far. Stimpson is now up into the top ten. And Jorgensen is

not far-away. She has had a good swim. She could really do well

today. Out in 22nd position, Natalie Milne. Lots of Japanese

representation, and Lucy Hall just jogging up to where her bike is

parked. On the right, the Italian, Alice Betto, always up there with

the leaders. She is in good shape. And there is Jodie Stimpson, coming

through the middle of your screen, as we arrive at Gwen Jorgensen's

stand, as she steps out of her wet suit. Stimpson picks up her bike and

heads out of transition. Olivero from Brazil, she has swum well

again. Not too far behind is Rachel Klamer. They cannot get on their

bikes until they are past the mount up line. There is the Olympic runs

medallist from London 2012, Emma Moffatt, slipping as she made that

transition to the tarmac. And they are on their way. The front group

starting to form. Ai Ueda in the second group, she has left herself a

lot of work to do. Lots of support for Ueda, the 30-year-old, who

weighs just 44 kilograms. She started swimming, then moved to

track and field, and these days she combines that with her cycling

abilities. She will be hoping to do well on home soil today. Yes, early

stages but already a little bit of a gap forming over the second pack. We

will expect to see Lucy Hall on the front. But an interesting race

today, with the likes of Jorgensen who perhaps we did not expect to say

seat, leading this, a very unusual position for her. Hall glancing over

her shoulder. She has tried to inject some pace at the front, but

nobody has taken her up on that offer. She is just letting them pull

her back. Jodie Stimpson shouting some orders, trying to get this

little group working well. She knows there is a danger coming from

behind, although she might be shocked herself to have the company

of Jorgensen in the front pack with her. 15 at the front of the field,

just under half an hour into the triathlon. And that is the gap

between the leaders and the chasing group. And a much easier size pack

to work with around this course, with so many tight turns.

So, preparations for the end of the next lap. The pace is not exactly

fast and furious, around the streets of Yokohama this afternoon. But

interestingly, Gwen Jorgensen is with the leaders. The strong running

American, who was third last time in Cape Town, will fancy her chances

already, knowing that she has the stronger run. She is in about 50 is

it on the bike at this stage, Gwen Jorgensen. The front group has grown

to around 20 strong. This is the scene from the back of the front

group, one or two just sitting in behind. The hard work going on at

the front. Of course, we are missing Helen Jenkins today, whose return to

racing has been very well received by triathlon fans. She missed the

whole of last year due to injury. But a brilliant return to racing,

second in Cape Town and third in Auckland she has gone home and

decided to rest up and recover from the last few races and prepare for

London, at the end of May. Lots of potential podium places

within that group, and none more so than Gwen Jorgensen, who must be

licking her lips, thinking about the prospect, if she stays on her bike.

Remember, she fell in front of Buckingham Palace last year, during

the London event. She does tend to make a mess of things on her bike,

but if she can stay clear of trouble, on a dry day like today,

then she will be in good shape. Lucy Hall gets out of the saddle and

looks to inject a bit of pace. In London 2012, she was there to help

Helen Jenkins through the race. These days, she wants glory for

herself, and Lucy Hall is once again taking them along. She is dictating

the pace of this 40 kilometre bike leg. Yes, really interesting to see.

On the front we have got Natalie Milne. I am really surprised that

Jodie Stimpson has not chosen to make a go with Lucy Hall. Because

she has got to get away from Jorgensen to have any chance. Emma

Jackson the Australian at the back of the leading group, which is where

she is typically to be found. Lucy Hall, through transition, four laps

to go on the bike. Stimpson is five seconds back, followed by Moffatt

and Natalie Milne. And we have lost the Russian Arina

Shulgina, who is out with a technical issue, I think.

At the back of the front pack, a familiar sight, Emma Jackson, never

chooses to do a lot of work on the bike. I do not know if that makes

her popular, but there are no rules to say you have to take your turn.

Aileen Reid is also in there. Let's see what Natalie Milne has got in

her legs today. Varies -- there is the Japanese athlete Yurie Kato, and

right behind her, Lucy Hall. And also another Japanese athlete. Gwen

Jorgensen just keeping out of trouble in the middle of the group.

Samuels from New Zealand on the outside of that pack. They are

looking like they are on a Sunday ride at the moment, I they are

thinking, we are all here, who is going to have a go? If anyone wants

to have a chance, they have got to break Gwen Jorgensen, she is too

good a runner to wait for the run. And she was the winner here 12

months ago. It was a cracking season for her, despite that crash she had

a win in San Diego and also in Stockholm. And she will be thinking

that she could make it two in a row here in Yokohama, if she stays out

of danger on two wheels. Just having a look at some of the other

athletes. The Polish athlete Jerzyk is in there. On the left of the

screen is Joanna Brown from Canada, taking her turn at the front of the

field. And also Ueda, who we mentioned before. Started swimming

at an early age. She has been compared in the Japanese press,

somewhat unflatteringly, to being like a Japanese hybrid compact car.

Not quite sure what they meant by that, but it gives you an idea of

her capabilities across the depositions disciplines. Around the

hairpin. Final lap of the 40 kilometre bike. And the lead group

has swollen in numbers even further. They are starting to consider their

arrival in transition. They will be parking up their bikes and heading

out onto the streets of Yokohama. And Gwen Jorgensen has eased her way

to the front of the field. She And Gwen Jorgensen has eased her way

be considering her options on the run. Alongside her, wearing a golden

number one on her shoulder, is the World Triathlon Series standings

leader Jodie Stimpson, looking for three wins out of three this season.

But one of the Japanese riders is looking for the first place into

transition, and it is point and, who is out of the saddle, looking down.

They will have to get off their bikes at exactly the right moment.

Ueda is starting to consider her options, heading into the run. And

the crowd are gathering to give her some support. Jorgensen right behind

her. Ueda needs to get in there quickly and make a clean transition

if she is to break away with a chance of staying with Jorgensen.

She touches down just a millimetre before the line. Oh, and there is

trouble for Jodie Stimpson! And I think that was all her own doing. I

am not sure she came into contact with anybody else. I think Stimpson,

with a lack of concentration, tripped up. She might have landed

heavily on her own bike. She has picked herself up and is hanging up

her bike. Meanwhile, Ai Ueda has arrived first and has left

transition ahead of the rest of them. Lucy Hall on her way. Let's

keep a lookout for Stimpson, who will be delayed because of that

incident. In second at the moment, Rachel Klamer, and Emma Moffatt with

that familiar running style. But it is Ueda who has been the best of the

Japanese so far. Real trouble for Jodie Stimpson as she tries to make

up for that mistake. Yes, Ai Ueda looking really comfortable. Such a

big sport in Japan, triathlon, and it is a really big day for these

athletes. I think we will be seeing some pretty good performances from

the Japanese athletes, with the support they are getting. And

obviously comfortable with the weather conditions as well. Look at

the pocket rocket, Ai Ueda, and Gwen Jorgensen, with a completely

different physical shape, tall and lean, just starting to close her

down. Jorgensen, the best of the 10,000m runners, in second position

at the moment. She is shadowed by a couple more of the Japanese

contingent. Jodie Stimpson some way back in the pack. I wonder if she

hurt herself as she collided heavily with her bike in transition. Yes, I

do not think that was part of the plan, by any means, and it might

really have broken her written. She has got a lot to make up now to get

back in contention. So, Gwen Jorgensen has caught up with Ai

Ueda. What a sight this is for the Yokohama supporters, as they watch

three of the front four wearing the black and white of Japan. With Gwen

Jorgensen towering over them in the yellow sunglasses. The American will

be waiting for her chance to try and kick clear of the Japanese trio.

Jodie Stimpson seems to be making up a bit of ground now. Claire Michel,

second in the 2013 World Championships, but quite new to the

triathlon. Claire Michel moves into third, for Belgium. As they come

towards the final stages of this third round of the 2014 World

Triathlon Series. Still a Japanese athlete leading the way. But

Jorgensen is on her shoulder. Down in fourth place at this stage, Sato.

Jodie Stimpson is up into about six but does not seem to be running as

freely as she has done in the two previous races this season, and she

is unbeaten so far. A really unfortunate error coming into

transition, at the end of the bike. And there is Stimpson. I am not sure

she has got what it takes to match Jorgensen over the second half of

this 10,000m run. And this is where it happened. Yes, her front wheel

folded back around, and then she fell heavily onto the top of her

bike. That is going to hurt. It certainly looks as we have said, not

looking as comfortable as we have seen in the last couple of races.

Then we can see the Polish athlete, Agnieszka Jerzyk, having a storming

run. Agnieszka Jerzyk making her move, she is past you distance. And

Gwen Jorgensen has gone past Ueda. -- she is past Jodie Stimpson. It

was always inevitable that Jorgensen would strike for the front. The

Japanese supporters will be hoping that Ueda Ueda can dig deep, but

Jorgensen is already sensing victory. She has struck for the

front and will take some beating. In all likelihood, she will simply move

further away from the field. Yes, such an intelligent runner. She

always runs the second part of her run faster than the first part, and

so in control. Four seconds is the gap to Ai Ueda and it is growing all

the time. The one to watch is Agnieszka Jerzyk, the Polish

triathletes starting to make a move up through the field, as Jorgensen

starts to really flow with her stride. Sato, in fourth place at

this stage. Stimpson is just about holding onto a top ten position at

stage. Rivas of Mexico follows. I have spotted some blood on the shin

of Jodie Stimpson. Gwen Jorgensen is leading the triathlon series race

here in Yokohama, stretching her lead over Ai Ueda all the time.

Moving to the left-hand side of the road where there are pockets of

shade to give her split-second moments of relief from the sunshine.

I have just seen Agnieszka Jerzyk in the background going into third

place, an athlete who has had some success over her career, 2011 world

under 23 champion. The swim normally let her down but she has been given

an opportunity today to show the other athletes how good she is on

the run. Yes, today it is run, bike, run, and that is where Agnieszka

Jerzyk has had her success. Into third position, in her own right,

leaving Sato fourth place. The field is really starting to spread. The

Canadian coming round the hairpin, Moffat and Stimpson soon after, then

a gap to Rivas of Mexico. We are focusing with the Japanese

triathletes, Ai Ueda, currently in second position. This is the

triathlete in third position, Agnieszka Jerzyk of Poland. This is

triathlete in third position, certainly going to be a breakthrough

race for her if she stays in third position. She has had some top ten

positions but she has never been on the podium. I am sensing Gwen

Jorgensen doesn't have any worries today, that she will be on top of

the podium. She has not been on top of the podium since last year, she

finished third in Cape Town with that storming run. There is Lucy

Hall who was so good in the water, struggling on the run. Jorgensen was

up there with the best in the swim and that is the key to her race

today. If she can keep with them in the water, then she can strike for

the front. We are on lap three and Jorgensen is out there on her own.

She is having a look over towards her connections at the side of the

racecourse, they will be giving her information. As she takes the bell,

she is more than 20 seconds clear of Ai Ueda in second position. You can

see Agnieszka Jerzyk in third. There is only a handful of seconds between

them so second place is still under threat for Ai Ueda. A further 13

seconds between second and third, then Sato is in fourth place, three

seconds adrift. There is quite a gap to this next group, led by the

Belgian who was up in the top three for a while but seems to be slowly

wilting in the afternoon sunshine. There is Jodie Stimpson, world

number one, winner of both the races so far this season. At this rate she

will not be anywhere near the podium at Yokohama this afternoon. I cannot

help but feel some of the coaches and athletes will have to go back to

the drawing board and work out how to crack Jorgensen because if she is

going to be coming off the bike with them for the rest of the season then

really that top spot is gone. Going round the hairpin, she will be able

to eyeball her competitors as they are heading one way and she is

heading towards the finish. Again, looking to the left-hand side for

the shade, and can get encouragement from the crowd there as well. The

Japanese supporters staying put because Ai Ueda has really given

them something to enjoy this afternoon. She is soaking up the

encouragement she is getting every step of the way, and responding to

it positively. At the age of 30, she is looking for a podium place on

home soil. Sato, staying in the top five at the moment, but this is the

best of the host nation triathletes. Out in front, Jorgensen leading them

home on the final lap, looking for her first win of the World Series in

2014 and it seems her timing has been perfect today. Agnieszka Jerzyk

on her way to a personal best for Poland as she clings onto third

position. Going hard now, really having to work hard in the heat of

the afternoon. Ai Ueda, at one hour and 55 minutes, almost home. Second

place almost sealed and she will be the toast of Yokohama today.

Jorgensen still with plenty in the tank, victory is assured that the

American. Starts to put the pressure on Jodie Stimpson, we will hear from

Stimpson later and find out exactly what happened with that incident

with the bike on the way to hang it up. It is certainly an incident she

will want to forget about and it will have affected her pace across

this 10,000m run. Ai Ueda working really hard now. Jorgensen lifts her

sunglasses and starts to enjoy the final stages of this race in

Yokohama. The blue carpet approaching, victory is assured for

her. And what a victory she has had here today. She has shown the rest

of the field that she can swim, she can stay on her bike and ride

strong. It has come down to a bit of a procession. And she is reducing

her run to snail 's pace as she slaloms from left to right across

the blue racing corridor, with high fives for as many people as she

come. A smile on the face of Gwen Jorgensen, she has made light work

of the conditions in Yokohama today and has left everyone in her wake.

Gwen Jorgensen will win and has left everyone in her wake.

of the 20 14th World Series at a canter. Jorgensen strides home for

victory, a comfortable victory in just under one hour and 59 minutes.

The crowds looked down and see that she will be joined on the podium by

Ai Ueda of Japan's. She has given it everything, she has worked really

hard in the last 20 minutes of her run. She is holding off the pressure

from the third-place runner, Agnieszka Jerzyk. And Ai Ueda takes

second place to embrace Gwen Jorgensen. An emotional day for Ai

Ueda in Yokohama, and a personal best for Agnieszka Jerzyk of Poland

who cannot quite believe what you has achieved. 46 seconds off the

pace, but on the podium that the first time. And then Sato finishes

for Japan to give them two of the top five places, she finishes just

over one minute down in fourth place. There is a Sprint going on, a

battle for fifth and sixth place, and it looks as if it will be the

Italian who holds on for fifth place, Betto, then Michel. The first

British athlete home is Jodie Stimpson, with Sanders rounding off

the top ten. Lucy Hall finished in 30 Second Place. I love Japan, I

don't know why, I think it's because I love rice. To win is awesome, it

is hard to win two races on the same course in a row. It is Ai Ueda's

first podium and to have that at home is really special. I get the

first podium, very, very happy. Today is a perfect race. It was my

favourite running race, but Jorgensen was very fast, but today

is the second race. Very happy. This is my first podium. Yesterday I

think about changing the distance, because my swim is not so perfect,

but today I stayed with the Olympic distance. It was a very hard race

but I am so very happy. It was a race that played to Gwen

Jorgensen's strengths. In the water and on the bike she did enough to

keep the pace with the leaders before unleashing her speed over

10,000m. Jodie Stimpson's stumble in transition undoubtedly reduced her

overall pace while Jorgensen moved clear of the field. Ai Ueda had a

courageous 10,000m run, whilst Agnieszka Jerzyk got a personal

best. But in the end Jorgensen jogged home with her first win of

the season. Despite finishing only ninth, Jodie Stimpson still leaves

the standings. Gwen Jorgensen is second, Helen Jenkins is third.

That's all we've got time for from Yokohama and here in Northern

Ireland. Next time we are going to London, as

the world triathlon series hits Hyde Park on Saturday the 31st of May. If

you are in the area, the races are free to watch so come along for a

thrilling afternoon of Sprint triathlon racing featuring the

world's very best. If you cannot make it, put your feet up and the

kettle on as Lou will be live on BBC One with full coverage of both

races. History tells us the Hyde Park race is always full of drama so

you are not going to want to miss that one. See you there.