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SLT Malta Day Two: Katie Zaferes dominates The Eliminator

The Eliminator was the Saturday format of racing at Super League Triathlon Malta - but the format seems to make little difference to the brilliant Katie Zaferes, who dominated the day
Chief Correspondent
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The Queen of Super League Triathlon wins again

Katie Zaferes in a different class in Malta

Saturday’s racing at Super League Triathlon Malta was over the Eliminator format. Three swim-bike-run triathlons, separated by 10 minutes, with the five final athletes eliminated every race. Whoever wins the final race, wins The Eliminator.

(CLICK HERE FOR THE MEN’S ELIMINATOR REPORT)

WOMEN’S ELIMINATOR

Race 1:
Eliminated (5) = Elena Danilova (RUS), Sarah Alexander (USA), Megan Foley (USA), Klaudia Sebok (HUN), Erin Storie (USA)
Winner ($1,000 bonus) = Katie Zaferes (USA)

A relatively comfortable race for all of the favourites. 12 athletes reached T2 together, and with 13 (of the 18 starters) to qualify, Clare Michel (BEL) was able to use her foot speed to ease her way through from the back.

Race 2:
Eliminated (5) = Yuko Takahashi (JPN), Claire Michel (BEL), Emma Jeffcoat (AUS),Desirae Ridenour (CAN), Danielle De Francesco (AUS)
Winner ($1000 bonus) = Katie Zaferes (USA)

Zaferes took the win – while looking remarkably composed – collecting another $1,000 bonus. Can anyone stop her in race three? The Queen of Super League looks like she still has several more gears in the tank.

Stage 3

Eight athletes started and from the hooter, Katie Zaferes powered to the front of the swim. Game over? Quite probably. A slightly dodgy line reduced her swim advantage however, leaving Taylor Spivey just four seconds back at the swim exit.

Out of T1 on her own, Zaferes attacked hard up the hill – probably for the first time today – and the race was all but over. Super League Triathlon highlights each athletes weakness, but Zaferes is strong across all three disciplines, technically accomplished and tactically smart. It’s no accident that she won in Jersey in both 2017 and 2018.

She won today – and it will be no surprise if she adds the overall Super League Triathlon Malta title tomorrow either. In the absence of Flora Duffy, it’s very difficult to see her being beaten right now.

“It was not easy!” Katie said after the race. Well, she certainly made it look easy. Class performance.

Super League Triathlon Malta, Saturday 27th October 2018
Day Two – The Eliminator – Final Race Standings
300m / 4km / 2km

WOMEN

1st – Katie Zaferes (USA) – 16:18
2nd – Rachel Kalmer (NED) – 16:31
3rd – Joanna Brown (CAN) – 16:37
4th – Taylor Spivey (USA) – 16;42
5th – Jodie Stimpson (GBR) – 16:45
6th – Charlotte McShane (AUS) – 16;51
7th – Kirsten Kasper (USA) – 17:00
8th – Summer Cook (USA) – 17:29

John Levison
Written by
John Levison
TRI247's Chief Correspondent, John has been involved in triathlon for well over 30 years, 15 of those writing on these pages, whilst he can also be found commentating for events across the UK.
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