The former world champion under 19 AG triathlete, Holmes celebrated a win in race four of Triathlon South Australia’s State Series at West Lakes.

It was her first win in season 2011/2012 since making a return to competition after winning the world championship title in 2009.

In hot and windy conditions, the Fuse Multisport Racing Team athlete led the female open field out of the 700m swim leg and was never headed.

She held her lead on the 20km bike course, before extending her advantage on the 4. 8km run leg to beat the classy Maria Kosztovits.

Ella’s time of 1:01.48 was a course record for season 2011/2012 and secured 13th individual place overall. The event attracted more than 600 competitors across various distances.

Coach Steve O’Brien said that Ella’s strength has traditionally been her swim leg, but a run-focused training schedule over winter, and gruelling speed sets over summer, had developed her run endurance and speed.

“El’s been working very hard to improve her run speed,” O’Brien said. “And it’s beginning to pay off.”

The win capped off a busy month for the outstanding 21-year-old triathlete who is in the middle of a demanding preparation schedule for national series events.

Ella said the race was a good confidence builder ahead of the Victorian leg of Triathlon Australia’s World Championship Qualification series on February 12.

“The race was good preparation for the Geelong Olympic distance event,” she said.

“We completed a pretty hard bike training session before and after the race, so I’m really happy with a win.”