By Greg Pearson
Andrea Hewitt and Kris Gemmell have completed a Kiwi clean sweep in the Auckland leg of the ITU Triathlon World Cup.
Hewitt, the world number two, cruised to a comfortable win in the women's race, while Gemmell completed an emotional victory in the men's.
The first Auckland world cup triathlon in 13 years began with a real splash, as the elite women took to the water at Queens Wharf.
Kiwi Teresa Adams set the early pace in the 1500 metre swim leg, emerging from the water second and among the leaders on the bike.
That lead pack was quickly caught by Andrea Hewitt, the pre-race favourite upped the tempo through the downtown streets.
Hewitt was first into the second transition and stretched her lead on the 10 kilometre run, far enough ahead to enjoy the final stages of her third win in three races.
The locals were in the mix right from the start of the elite men's race.
Tony Dodds and Kris Gemmell came out of the water second and third, part of a four strong Kiwi contingent setting the pace for the cycle leg. Gemmell and Tom Davison were were even going into the run but Gemmell quickly stormed ahead and into an unassailable lead.
Giving a high five on the final run down Queen Street, the 34 year-old boosted his Olympic hopes with his first world cup win since 2008.
Bevan Docherty finished second to make it a kiwi one - two, and capping a perfect day for New Zealand.
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