Boost Olympic 2012 hopes Helen Jenkins wins San Diego title

World champion Helen Jenkins consolidated her position as favourite for Olympic gold by winning the San Diego World Triathlon Series on Friday. The Welsh athlete, 28, ran away from Australian Erin Densham in the closing 10km run after being part of an eight-woman breakaway on the 40km bike ride. "It was a good race, I had to work hard for that," Jenkins said. Jonny Brownlee is favourite for the men's race, which is live on the BBC Red Button at 22:30 BST on Saturday. "I really pushed the swim and we really worked hard on the bike and that was hard all the way," added Jenkins, who won silver behind Densham in the opening race of the series in Sydney. "I really enjoyed the run course. It was really cool. There was so many people out there supporting - it was awesome." Jenkins won in a time of one hour, 58 minutes, 21 seconds, more than a minute ahead of Densham. Vicky Holland was the next best-placed Briton in fifth, behind America's Laura Bennett and France's Jessica Harrison Liz Blatchford came home in 16th, with fellow British athletes Non Stanford (21) Lois Rosindale (30), Vanessa Raw (37) and Jodie Stimpson (45) further down the field. Jenkins and world number two Jonny Brownlee have already qualified for the Games. Brownlee's elder brother Alistair, who is the world number one, is recovering from an Achilles injury. British men Will Clarke and Tim Don are among those looking to meet the qualification criteria ahead of next month's Team GB announcement. "There is an opportunity this weekend for British athletes to demonstrate that they have the form to fight for medals at the London 2012 Olympic Games," said Malcolm Brown, British Triathlon Olympic performance manager. "The selection policy is focused on podium performances in the ITU World Triathlon Series, and the door is open to anyone who can achieve this standard." Jonny Brownlee will make his World Triathlon Series debut in Saturday's men's race, and the 22-year-old Yorkshireman said: "It will be an interesting race with some people aiming at Olympic selection. "For me it's about the build-up to the summer now, and a good result here will confirm that I'm on track."