This report is being posted by Jasmine, as Henry is working as an official on the elite race.

After torrential rain overnight here in Rimini, the elite women's race started in damp, cold and windy conditions, but an exciting race was about to unfold, with some great British performances. On the first run, a breakaway pack formed, including Annie Emmerson, Michelle Dillon, Vicky Pincombe and Hungarian Erika Csomor. Steph Forrester lost some ground and found herself in the second group at the end of the first run.

Into transition, Annie, Michelle and the Hungarian were first out onto the bike, but Vicky lost a few vital seconds changing her shoes. She soon caught the others and these four then worked together all the way around the bike course. The sun finally started to shine by the third lap of the bike and Steph maintained her position in the second pack who were chasing hard, but failed to make up any ground on the leaders.

Into T2, again Vicky lost a few seconds changing shoes, which left the way clear for Annie, Michelle and the Hungarian to keep ahead throughout the second run. Running shoulder to shoulder, these three approached the finish together, but it was Erika from Hungary who was just able to sprint past Michelle in the final finish straight. Michelle took the silver medal and Annie the bronze. Vicky Pincombe put in a tremendous performance to come fourth, with Steph finishing in seventh position.