Stanford Caught Up In Bike Carnage

Non Stanford went from joy to agony after crashing in the World Series Triathlon opener in Abu Dhabi.

Just 24 hours after being named captain for Team Wales at the Commonwealth Games, Stanford went down on the Formula One track.

The 29-year-old was just one of several big-name casualties on the bike leg on Friday which was described as carnage.

Stanford, who just missed out on the medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics, eventually finished 16th after getting back on her bike.

Fellow Britain Jessica Learmonth – who will be her rival on the Gold Coast – went on to finish second.

And Learmouth said: “It was carnage. It was survival of the fittest.”

Stanford admits she will realise her childhood dream when she leads Wales in her first Commonwealth Games.

She missed out in Glasgow four years ago with a stress fracture in her left ankle.

“The Commonwealth Games has been a dream of mine since a young age and it was on my radar well before the Olympic Games,” said Stanford, 29, who was fourth in Rio.

“Growing up, my dream was to be able to compete for my country. Missing out on the last Games in Glasgow was really tough for me so I’m just thrilled to now have the opportunity to wear the red jersey and lead a strong Team Wales out in Gold Coast.

“It will be my first Commonwealth Games, so this is really exciting for me and it has pushed me to want to do an even better job for Wales and for the team. It’s certainly another incentive to get the team off to a great start.

“I’m competing on the first day of the Games, so I want to give it my all and try to inspire the rest of the team for the duration of competition.

“We’re so patriotic as a nation and it is always a special moment in your career, and unlike any other, when you get the chance to compete for Wales. I really hope the rest of Wales will get behind the team and show their support for Team Wales.”