WILMSLOW-born Liz Blatchford failed to medal at the Salford BG Triathlon World Cup for the first time.

But the 26-year-old Australian-raised all-rounder had the satisfaction of finishing as the leading Briton.

Blatchford refused to blame a tumble at the start of the final discipline for her seventh place.

And she did have the consolation of securing a spot in Britain's squad for the World Championships in Lausanne in September.

Defending champion Blatchford looked capable of becoming the first competitior to successfully defend an elite title at the Quays.

She led after the 1500m swim and the 40K bike ride before a collision with a lapped athlete in the transition area allowed Sam Warriner to take the lead.

Blatchford, also the top Brit at this year's Commonwealth Games, faded during the run.

However, she said: "I've had a bit of an injury this year so I'm quite pleased. One of my aims was to come here and make the World Championship team.

"The collision cost me about 10 seconds but it didn't cost me the race.

Injury

"I wouldn't say I was pleased with the result but I'm satisfied considering my training leading into it. It's an okay result and it's something to work on.

"I haven't been doing much running. I had a leg injury so I've only just been doing enough running to get me by.

"But I think the injury is getting better, and now I've qualified for the Worlds I'll train harder and hopefully pick up my running.

"Given that I have five weeks to work hard I hopefully want to go top 10 or better.

"I think Salford is a great course. I'd love to have the World Championships here. They always put on a good race and I think they'd do a great job of the Worlds."

For Warriner, victory was doubly sweet. She finished runner-up to Blatchford 12 months ago and tomorrow can certainly enjoy the celebrations for her 35th birthday.

The Kiwi, who won one World Cup race in 2005, has shown what you can do with talent and determination.

Warriner was a world age group champion in 2001 and her career as a professional triathlete has been combined with full-time teaching.

She even prepares all her meals on a Sunday night for the rest of the week so she can train and teach.

Dream

One of her former pupils, Nicky Samuels, also raced yesterday.

"This is a dream come true," agreed the Athens Olympic silver medallist.

"It's my second World Cup win and with five weeks to go until the World Championships, things are looking good.

"I got pushed out a bit during the swim and had to work hard to make the lead pack in the first 2km of the bike leg.

"Once I got out in front on the run I was able to relax a bit and enjoy it."

Originally from Farnham, Warriner moved to New Zealand eight years ago.

Team-mate Andrew Hewitt, last year's World Under-23 champion, finished third with Brazil's Mariana Ohata in second.

Warriner had 24 seconds to spare on Ohata, winning in 2hr 4mins 27 secs. Blatchford crossed the line in 2.05.47.

However, only 15 seconds covered the top three in the men's elite race won by Commonwealth champion Brad Kahlefeldt.

The Australian, who celebrated his 27th birthday last Thursday, succeeds Frenchman Frederic Belaubre as champion.

He stayed in the front pack and cruised into the lead at the half way point of the run section.

It was his fourth time in Salford and his first time on the podium.

Potential

Kahlefeldt's compatriot, Peter Robertson, took silver with Britain's European Under-23 champion, Will Clarke, recording his best ever result with bronze to underline his huge potential.

"I felt great today," said the winner. "I got into the lead group and really pushed on the pace.

"I felt strong on the run leg and kicked it on after half way."

Clarke's medal ensured Britain's men have made the podium in all four Salford World Cup gatherings.

But there was disappointment for 2003 winner Andrew Johns, who was only 14th. Tim Don, third in 2005, dropped out.

Don is the National champion and had hoped to put on a show for his family who made the short trip from Hale Barns and Altrincham.

Clarke, though, was overjoyed. "This is really unexpected and I'm absolutely delighted," he said.

"I made a bit of a mistake in the run. I had it in my head that it was a three-lap run so when I overtook Robertson on the third lap I thought I'd gone into second place. I thought I'd got him but then I saw one more lap to go and I thought `you are absolutely kidding'."

Yesterday's race was the last under the present deal with the International Triathlon Union.

But after the massive crowds at Saflord and excellent racing, it seems a formality it will be back in 2007.