Londoner secures podium at T100 Triathlon World Series

Kat Matthews secured her second podium finish on the T100 Triathlon World Tour after finishing third in front of a home crowd in London.

Matthews came off the bike in sixth, but a tough ride saw her gain three places, less than two weeks after her second Ironman win of the season.

Despite competing in long and middle distances this season, the 33-year-old once again found the energy and rigour to put in an impressive performance in Docklands.

“I’m amazed that I was able to dive so deeply emotionally into each race and I’m so proud of that,” she said.

“I ran a long distance race two weeks ago and my enthusiasm levels were low at the start of the week, but I worked with my coach to build this up.

“Emotionally wanting to be there for every race, working hard and making it matter. Every race I start, I get really excited.

“I haven’t had the best of years, which means I’m grateful to be here, fit and healthy, so I feel rejuvenated.

“This was simply the best result – the group in these T100 races is the best ever.

“I can’t believe I made it to the podium!”

Competing in both formats can affect others, but Matthews insists it never seemed unreasonable to him to compete well in both.

“I’m fully committed to both,” she added. “There’s no part of me that thinks I can get away with not committing to either one.”

“The presentations I’m doing have given me even more energy to continue.

“The T100 series is huge. It’s basically a World Championship every time you show up.

“The only difference is that not everyone peaks on the same day – so there is a huge fluctuation in people’s fitness and performance throughout the year.”

Matthews’ popularity was clear as the 20 triathletes, including six Britons, raced through the capital.

“This environment is great and it’s really cool to be a part of it,” she added.

“It was an incredible crowd – from London and people who had travelled from all over England, so it was amazing to be there.

“I was surprised at how good the course was – how interactive, how feisty, how tough, how British! And I think the crowds just gave you that focus.

“The laps were great because it meant it never took long to overtake your friends and family again, which gave me energy.

“I really wanted to commit and make people proud today.”

The first weekend of the London T100 Triathlon, 27-28 July, is completely free to spectators and includes a dedicated T100 Watch Party at the ExCel London Exhibition Centre for the first time. Here fans will be able to watch the world’s best triathletes race at least 10 times during the 100km race format (2km swim, 80km run, 18km swim). They will also be able to follow them live on the course thanks to a large screen.