Rimini, Italy (September 26, 2008) - Olympic silver medallist Vanessa Fernandes of Portugal headlines the elite competition at this Saturday's ITU Duathlon World Championships in Rimini, Italy. One of the most accomplished athletes in ITU history and known as one of the greatest runners in triathlon today, Fernandes is perhaps less known as one of the strongest cyclists in the world. She was introduced to triathlon in 1999 by her father Venceslau Fernandes, a former cyclist and winner of the 1984 Volta a Portugal.
Last year Fernandes won her first elite Duathlon world championship in Gyor, Hungary and will defend her title this weekend in Rimini against a field that includes 2004 Athens Olympic gold medallist Kate Allen of Austria, Beijing Olympian Erin Densham of Australia and MultiSport star Catriona Morrison of Great Britain. Her résumé includes a silver medal in 2005, gold medal in 2006, last year's European Duathlon championship and the last two Long Distance Duathlon World Championships. Last year in Hungary she finished a disappointing ninth place but will likely challenge Fernandes for the top spot this year.
Elite Women - Ones to Watch:
Vanessa Fernandes (POR) - 2008 Olympic Silver Medallist, 20 world cup titles (ITU record)
Catriona Morrison (GBR) - 2007 & 2008 Long Distance Duathlon World Champion
Kate Allen (AUT) - 2004 Olympic Gold Medallist
Erin Densham (AUS) - 2008 Olympian, Under23 Triathlon World Champion
Ana Burgos (ESP) - 2004 & 2008 Olympian
Click here for women's start list
