Zemanova, Luis top Triathlon European Cup

(BEIJING, July 13) -- The Czech Republic's Lenka Zemanova won the 2008 Athlone ITU Triathlon European Cup in Ireland on Saturday. The men's title was claimed by French teen Vincent Luis, who has had an amazing season, previously winnning the junior European and world championship titles.

In the women's race, Zemanova finished with a total time of 2:01:20, followed by Emma Davis, the only Irish triathlon athlete to compete in the Beijing Games, who came in at 2:01:50. Australia's Felicity Sheedy Ryan was third at 2:02:34.

For Davis, this was her first major triathlon in Ireland, and her last race before the Olympic Games. "Zemanova is a brilliant athlete and has great experience so to be close to her is good for me and my preparation ahead of Beijing," she said.

Luis won the men's title with a time of 1:48:49. He was followed by compatriot Aurelien Raphael who clocked 1:48:52 and Aaron Farlow, who finished third in 1:48:53.

The 2008 Olympic Games Triathlon races are scheduled for August 18 (women's) and 19 (men's).