Intro:

Australia's Andrew Hewitt picked up her first ITU World Series Triathlon victory in Sydney on Saturday to improve her chances of competing at London 2012.

Script:

Sydney Opera House provided a stunning back drop for competitors in the ITU World Triathlon Series on Saturday.

The athletes plunged into the Australian waters to start a race that would provide a number of twists and turns.

Russia's Ivan Vasiliev and James Elvery of New Zealand broke away at the start of the bike leg as others crashed behind them.

But as the leaders faded in the run, Germany's Steffen Justus led the way to the finish line to claim his first major ITU title in a time of one hour 51 minutes.

South Africa's Richard Murray and Frenchman Laurent Vidal came in second and third respectively.

In the women's race, Japan's Mariko Adachi opened up a lead during the swim.

But as the bikes snaked their way through Sydney's streets, Lisa Norden of Sweden set the pace.

Yet, the lead was to change hands once more and it would be to the delight of the natives.

Australia's Erin Densham completed a strong run and proved her incredible World Cup win in Mooloolaba recently wasn't just a one-off performance.

Densham's first ITU World Triathlon Series victory improves her chances of being selected for the Olympics.

Great Britain's Helen Jenkins came in second whilst Andrea Hewitt of New Zealand completed the podium.