Melanie McQuaid of Canada had led as the women went into the water, although it was not long until South Africa's Carla Van Huyssteen pulled into the lead.

A pack of four including Paterson (pictured top) then formed behind her, but it was McQuaid again who went in front in the bike leg.

More than two minutes were between her and the chasing pack during the leg, but on the run Paterson began to rein in her lead.

She eventually managed to move ahead of McQuaid and once she had done that, there was no chance for the rest of the pack as the Brit went on to victory.

McQuaid, the defending champion, hung on for silver, with Van Huyssteen third.

"I feel great, training has gone well, preparation went well," said Paterson.

"I was feeling energised and ready to rumble.

"Everything went to plan really.

"I had a little mechanical [problem] on the bike – my chain came off.

"Everything else went pretty smooth."


In the men's race, Stoltz (pictured above) was in strong form as he marched to victory.

Richard Stannard of Britain went in front early on during the swim, but soon fell adrift as Stoltz took charge during the bike leg, with Craig Evans of the United States chasing him hard for the lead.

Stoltz built up a one-minute lead by the start of the run, with Evans continuing to chase, and although the American narrowed the gap, he could not push past the South African and had to settle for second.

Chris Legh of Australia came in third place.

"I am really, really proud to do this for my country," said Stoltz.

"I did not realise I was making gaps as big as that on the bike.

"Normally I really would not consider this my course because I am so tall.

"I do not see myself as the king of corners."

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