TOUGH DAY IN THE OFFICE FOR AUSSIE WOMEN

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Triathlon Australia, August 30, 2014: It was a tough day in the office for Australia's Elite women at the ITU World Triathlon Grand Final in Edmonton today.

Gold Coaster Ashleigh Gentle, who rode and ran almost the entire race by herself after leaving herself in no-man's land, was the best of the three Aussie girls, finishing 18th with London Olympian Emma Jackson, struggling from the outset to finish 27th and last year's Under 23 World Champion Charlotte McShane 38th.

American Gwen Jorgensen, who crashed out of last year's Grand Final in London, again produced an extraordinary 10km run leg to run past 17 competitors after hitting transition in the second bike group.

Kiwis Andrea Hewitt and Nicky Samuels hung on for deserved second and thirds with Jorgensen winning the overall title from fellow countryman Sarah Groff, with Hewitt third.

Gentle was quick to add that today's race was her entry into "non drafting" after missing the first packs on the bike after "getting knocked from pillar to post" in the swim.

But she was philosophical about the future, saying it was the first time in years that she had reached this stage of the year injury free.

"It was as mentally a tough race as I've ever had, and I have to thank Edmonton for turning on a great race and for the crowd for getting me through - it was a tough day," said Gentle, who will race in the Beijing International before returning home to prepare for the domestic season.

Jackson, who has been battling a head cold since arriving in Edmonton a week ago, admitted she had "the worst swim of her life" after getting her goggles knocked off at the first buoy.

"I think I was almost last out of the water, I felt terrible and really struggled but I knew I just had to keep going," said Jackson, who can still be satisfied to finish seventh overall for the season.

Emma Moffatt, who did not race here because of health issues finished 17th, Gentle 34th, McShane 36th and Gillian Backhouse, who will race the Under 23 World Championship tomorrow 49th.

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Issued on behalf od Triathlon Australia by
Ian Hanson| Media Manager Triathlon Australia
Media Manager, 2014 Australian Commonwealth Games Team
Deputy Media Manager 2016 Australian Olympic Team
Media Manager 2014 Pan Pacs