VANCOUVER, Canada – The International Triathlon Union officially announced today that Vanessa Fernandes of Portugal has been crowned the 2007 BG Triathlon World Cup Series Female champion by finishing the year ranked number one in the world. It’s the second straight overall title for Vanessa. Fernandes has spent the majority of the 2007 season ranked number one in the world and enjoyed similar seasons.
The Fernandes legend grew in 2007 as the 22-year old added another phenomenal season to an already stellar career. After settling for bronze in the season-opener, Fernandes blazed to gold for the rest of the year in nine straight major events, including her first World Championship title. She continues to etch her name in the ITU history books, now owning 19 World Cup titles, tying her with Aussie Emma Carney for most all-time. Even more remarkable is that Fernandes has only competed in a total of 30 World Cups. With three straight Beijing titles, Fernandes is arguably the overwhelming favorite heading into next summer’s Olympic Games.
Fast Facts:
VANESSA FERNANDES (POR)
Date of Birth: September 14, 1985
Place of Birth: Perosinho, Portugal
Residence: Perosinho, Portugal
Height: 5’6” (1.68m)
Weight: 126 lbs (57kg)
2007 highlights
March 25: Mooloolaba BG Triathlon World Cup – bronze
April 15: Ishigaki BG Triathlon World Cup – gold
May 5: Lisbon BG Triathlon World Cup – gold
May 19: Gyor ITU Duathlon World Championships - gold
June 3: Madrid BG Triathlon World Cup – gold
June 29: Copenhagen ETU Triathlon European Championships - gold
July 29: Salford BG Triathlon World Cup – gold
September 1: Hamburg BG Triathlon World Championships – gold
September 15: Beijing BG Triathlon World Cup – gold
October 7: Rhodes BG Triathlon World Cup – gold
Career highlights
2007 World Champion
19 World Cup titles – tied for 1st all-time
2006 & 2007 World Cup series champion
2004 Olympian – 8th place
4-time European Champion (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007)
