The American pair also listened to the national anthem on the podium after organizers red-faced a rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” instead of “God Save the King” as the athletes' flags were raised.
There was a one-two for Spain in the men's event, with Alberto González García leading home Antonio Cerrato Seoane. Japan's Kenji Nenel, the reigning Asian Games champion and world No. 14, took third place.
Zaferes won an individual bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics and became a mother the following year. However, the 34-year-old has ruled out continuing until the 2028 Los Angeles Games, increasing the need for him to travel to Paris this summer.
She completed the Central Harbourfront course in 59 minutes and 53 seconds, nine seconds clear of Rainsley but seven seconds clear of teammate Kasper.
Zaferes said her performance felt like a “relief” after her husband and coach Tommy withdrew from the U.S. Triathlon Championships two weeks ago, saying his wife “melted in the heat.” Told.
Memories of that episode in Miami came to Zaferes “in a not-so-good way” as he raced under the scorching Hong Kong sky.
“in [Miami] I think my legs started to tingle and I freaked out and broke down,” Zaferes said. “I put that thought aside today when my legs felt itchy. After such a tough race…I was really ready to get hurt this week. I was pretty shaken up, but it helped me here. ”
Zaferes is vying for one of the two remaining spots on the U.S. Olympic team, and former Ironman world champion Taylor Knibb has already qualified.
“I want to go to Paris and I think I have the ability, but I feel like this is a bonus round,” Zaferes said. “Don't be bound by what I say now, but I won't continue with it.” [after Paris].
“We would like to have another child, but I'm really enjoying my career. I wouldn't say I'm retiring, but I don't know what I want to do.”
Rainsley, ranked 177th in the world, downplayed her Olympic hopes after suffering an injury in 2023, saying “British women are very strong”.
It was the 26-year-old's fifth time competing in the race since the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
“I've been training a lot with my partner.” [Bishop]It gave me strength,” Rainsley said. After a long delay, Rainsley finally heard her national anthem. “We have been training in Thailand and Australia and trying different things in our program. His podium this morning gave me confidence that I can do the same.”
Men's champion Gonzalez, ranked 39th in the world, finished in 53 minutes and 17 seconds, becoming the second first-time World Cup winner of the day.
Gonzalez, 25, gushed about the “tough course” because “some of the world's triathletes have it easier, and this was fun.”
He added: “There's a lot of pressure in any race in an Olympic year, but I try not to think about it too much.”
Serratto, ranked 19th in the world, returned home five seconds after his compatriot. Nenel, the last member of the runaway trio who ransacked the field, was a further two seconds behind when he crossed the line and slammed into an advertising board, knocking him off his feet.
“I'm completely exhausted but I have to learn to keep pushing and that's what I did,” Nenner said. “It's difficult to say whether it's transferable or not.” [Asian] We have grown towards the world level… but it is good to gain momentum. Today is always going to be a challenge and the race will only get harder from here. ”
