Lisa Norden claimed a podium finish in her first race of the season in the searing heat at Challenge Mogán-Gran Canaria.
Ranked at #18 for Team Europe ahead of the rescheduled Collins Cup, Norden came home in third place after a strong all-round performance in idyllic surroundings.
The Swedish athlete exited the water in third after clocking 24:20, leading a chasing contingent behind the rapid trio of Sara Perez, Nicola Spirig and Sarissa de Vries.
Norden then fought her way into second place on the bike, overhauling de Vries and registering a 2:19:26 split, eclipsed only by eventual race winner Spirig.
Although de Vries battled back to reclaim second place on the run, Lisa finished the leg in a commendable 1:23:23, less than half a minute behind her rival.
She stopped the clock at 4:11:43 for the race, well clear of fourth-place finisher Katrina Matthews, who was more than two minutes further back.
It was an impressive display from Norden to be so competitive across all three legs and claim a spot on the podium in her first race of the year.
The 36-year-old was delighted to simply be racing once again, with her performance in tough conditions an added bonus.
“Boom. 3rd today after a very hard race @challengegrancanaria,” she wrote on social media. “Analysis comes later, but so far just happy to be racing again.”
“Congrats @nicolaspirigofficial for a stellar race and @sarissadevries for a well-earned podium.”
Now Lisa will be seeking more positive results ahead of August’s Collins Cup in order to stake her claim for a spot on Team Europe.
Here are Lisa’s ‘Weapons of Choice’:
Swim
Goggles: Colting Wetsuits
Wetsuit: Colting Wetsuits
Speedsuit: Tyr Torque
Trisuit: Trimtex Aero 2.0 Tri
Sports Watch: Garmin Fenix 5S Plus
Bike
Bike frame: SCOTT Plasma 6
Frame size: M
Aerobars: Drag2zero low raise poles
Front wheel: Swiss Side Hadron 2 Ultimate 800
Rear Wheel: Swiss Side Hadron Disc
Tyres: Pirelli PZERO TLR race SL 26mm
Tyre and Tube type: Tubeless
Component Groupset: Shimano Dura ace/ Ultegra
Power meter: InPeak
Head Unit: Garmin Edge
Crank Length: 170mm
Gearing: 53/39 11-28
Helmet: SCOTT split
Cycling Shoes: Shimano Sphyre
Saddle: Syncros
Run
Shoes: Hoka One One Rocket X
Eyewear: Oakley
Heart Rate Monitor: Garmin
Misc: Compressport calf guards
