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
Challenge Sardinia location
Let’s race… Challenge Forte Village Sardinia
Are calf sleeves actually worth it for triathletes? How many watts aero calf compression sleeves could save you
Laura Siddall Patagonman Xtreme Triathlon 2023
PremiumAre we in a triathlon boom, or hurtling towards burnout? Laura Siddall on the growth of the sport
Is sports nutrition bad for you? Ultra-processed foods are under siege, and athletes are caught in the cross fire – but should we be worried?
Challenge Barcelona 2023 - Photo Credit: Jose Luis Hourcade
The ultimate city break triathlon race-cations: from Challenge Barcelona to Singapore T100 these are the best city centre races to combine multisport with sightseeing
latest News
Laura Siddall Craig Alexander Daniela Ryf Kona 2025
Sid’s day four diary: Double run day as triathlon legends converge on Kona
Lisa Perterer Kona 2025
IRONMAN World Championship Kona: Lisa Perterer poised to spring another surprise
Kat Matthews wins IRONMAN 703 Swansea 2025
Why a change in approach could help Kat Matthews achieve World Championship glory
Laura Siddall Kona 2025 day three AG1 boat mk2
Sid’s day three diary from Kona: Breakfast with Bob and coffee catch up with Indie
Lucy Charles Barclay training swim Kona 2025
IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2025: Date, start time and how to watch live
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

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

100+ new articles/month

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

100+ new articles/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...