Newcastle paratriathlete Lauren Parker backed up an emotional Oceania championships win on home turf with a convincing Devonport International Triathlon Union victory in Devonport, Tasmania on Saturday.
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Parker powered to glory in Newcastle on February 23 and for the second week in a row the 30-year-old was not headed after emerging first from the 750-metre swim.
The Commonwealth Games bronze medallist increased the lead in the 20-kilometre hand cycle then had enough of a buffer over the field to soak up the World Cup win in the 5km run leg. Compatriot and world champion Emily Tapp again finished second
Parker described it as her most complete paratriathlon race to date. It came just over 12 months on from a return to racing after she was paralysed from the waist down in a horrific training accident in April 2017.
"Compared to last year, our transitions are so much better, and I made no mistakes in the race, so I was relieved at that," Parker said.
"I've improved so much in the last year. I'm much stronger now and more fit.
"I had a great day out there. I felt even better than last week and having a strong field always makes it more satisfying as well."
The back-to-back wins send a strong signal to Parker's rivals in the paratriathlon wheelchair class ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics selection period starting in June.
She now faces spinal surgery on March 9, which is hoped to alleviate chronic back pain.
"It sucks that I've got to have surgery right now when I'm going so good and feeling so good, but hopefully I don't lose too much fitness," Parker said.
It was Parker's second World Cup win after collecting her first in France last year.
