Search
shop

Paralympic Bronze medallist, Nicole Walters, wins XTERRA Greece

On a busy weekend of racing and plenty of British podiums around the globe, Nicole Walters added another success by winning XTERRA Greece
Chief Correspondent
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Advertisement

Nicole Walters wins XTERRA Greece

First XTERRA victory for Rio 2016 Paralympic Triathlon Guide

After finishing sixth (XTERRA Malta) and third (XTERRA Cyprus) over the past two weekends, Great Britain’s Nicole Walters won her first XTERRA event on Sunday at XTERRA Greece in Vouliagmeni Bay.

In 2016 Walters was the Guide for Melissa Reid at the Paralympic Games, the pair winning a dramatic Bronze medal in the PT5 (Visually Impaired) category, passing an exhausted Elizabeth Baker on the finishing straight.

Nicole Walters and Melissa Reid

Walters is a fine athlete in her own right, finishing second overall to Emma Pallant at the 2017 Jenson Button Trust Triathlon and winning the Coed y Brenin Cross Duathlon in November.

An excellent swimmer, the opening 1.5km set the tone for Nicole’s race, her 19:41 split giving her a significant advantage over the rest of the women’s Pro field. Speaking to Nicolas Lebrun, XTERRA European Tour Director, she said,  “I felt very strong on the swim today, and it’s always good to start the race like that.”

Comprising of two laps, the 30km bike course in Greece puts a premium on power over technical skills, the fast course suiting the more extensive road-based experience of the Brit.

“When I started the bike, I didn’t feel amazing but tried to push as hard as I could on the fast and non-technical parts,” said Walters. “I was still afraid after my flat in Malta and didn’t want to experience that again, and I was expecting to see Brigitta somewhere, but I never did.”

After winning the last two races in Malta and Cyprus, Brigitta Poor (HUN) started the run in second. Favourite to win again, this would not be her day however, “I had nothing in my legs today”, she said.

The experienced Helena Erbenova had cycled a minute quicker than Walters and would take another 90 seconds back on the run, but it wouldn’t be enough to overcome her swim deficit, leaving the Brit to take the win.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BiKaIGtFOZQ/

XTERRA Greece Championship – Sunday 29th April 2018
1.5km / 30km / 9km

WOMEN

1st – Nicole Walters (GBR) – 2:37:52
2nd – Helena Erbenova (CZE) – 2:39:35
3rd – Carina Wasle (AUT) – 2:39:59

11th – Jessie Roberts (GBR) – 3:03:00

MEN

1st – Arthuer Forissier (FRA) – 2:15:51
2nd – Marcello Ugazio (ITA) – 2:15:59
3rd – Arthur Serrieres (FRA) – 2:17:46

17th – Henry Sleight (GBR) – 2:29:14
21st – Doug Hall (GBR) – 2:34:00

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.
Discover more
TRI247 podcast
What is it really like to be a professional triathlete? NEW TRI247 x Challenge Family podcast takes you beyond the start lines this race season
Challenge St. Pölten 2024 - image credit Jose Luis Hourcade / Challenge Family
Expert swim coach on the three most common swim mistakes age group triathletes make (and how to fix them!)
French Riviera T100 bike course Esterel
Let’s race… French Riviera T100
TRI-FIT VANGUARD tri suit review
The entry-level tri suit with a serious amount of performance for the price point – TRI-FIT VANGUARD review
Gustav Iden aero position body rocket
How to get better at holding your time trial position – Expert tips from former PRO time trial cyclist Alex Dowsett
latest News
Frederic Funk finish line Challenge Samarkand 2023 photo credit Challenge Family
Challenge Roth 2025: German star goes into the unknown in iconic triathlon showdown
Challenge Barcelona 2023 - Photo Credit: Jose Luis Hourcade
‘It’s going to be an absolute firecracker’ says Cam Wurf after booking IRONMAN World Champs spot
Maya Kingma Karlovy Vary win 2024
Two-time Olympic triathlete joins top pro cycling team – and is set to race in Giro d’Italia
Oliver Conway World Triathlon Cuo win Saidia 2025
Breakthrough World Cup win – and Brownlee Racing spot – in memorable week for British youngster
Lionel Sanders wins 70.3 St George 2025 photo credit Getty Images for IRONMAN
Triathlon superstar Lionel Sanders moving again but taking it step by step in injury battle
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

Share to...