Katrina Matthews made her first appearance of the 2021 season at Challenge Gran Canaria, finishing a creditable fourth as she takes aim at those Collins Cup qualification spots for Team Europe. She currently ranks #7 in the qualification standings.

The Physiotherapist Officer with the British Army had enjoyed previous success on the Gran Canaria course, having won an Age Group race there in 2019.

Katrina headed out of the water in eighth place during the 2021 event in a time of 29:46 – more than 2:30 behind eventual winner Nicola Spirig.

The British athlete soon charged through the field on two wheels though, producing a split of 2:23:02 and moving up to fourth place after the bike.

A 1:20:29 half-marathon kept her in contention at the front of the pack, but she was unable to rein in Spirig, Sarissa de Vries and Lisa Norden – who all earned podium finishes.

With roster spots for the Collins Cup at stake, every race is vital, especially with the calibre of athletes Team Europe has at its disposal. Katrina though advertised her claims to the team captains here.

“I’m satisfied with 4th, it was what I had today,” she said on social media afterwards.

“Not an outstanding result for me but an excellent field which challenged me and has stoked a fire that really needed stoking!”

Next up for the Team Europe contender is IRONMAN Tulsa, and these are the Weapons of Choice she will have at her disposal for that full-distance test:

Swim

Goggles: Orca
Wetsuit: Orca
Speedsuit: Orca
Trisuit: 2XU
Sports Watch: Wahoo

Bike

Bike frame: BMC
Frame size: Small
Aerobars: Custom
Wheels: DT Swiss
Tyres: Hutchinson 25mm Tubeless
Component Groupset: Shimano
Computer: Wahoo
Power meter: Stages
Crank Length: 165mm
Helmet: Uvex
Cycling Shoes: Mavic
Saddle: Selle Italia

Run

Shoes: Nike
Heart Rate Monitor: Wahoo
Eyewear: Uvex
Headwear: 2XU
Nutrition: 6D Energy Gels