Alistair Brownlee started his 2012 season in style by crossing the line at the GE Blenheim Triathlon in a ‘dead heat’ with his brother Jonny.
The victory came hours after it being officially announced that they’ve been selected to represent Great Britain at the Olympics this summer (more here).
Alistair, who hasn’t raced in 2012 after tearing an Achilles in February, was first out of the water. Working in tandem with Jonny, the pair increased their lead over the chasing pack throughout the bike and run legs, leaving the nearest competition in the large elite field over 2mins adrift.
The Yorkshire brothers crossed the line in an impressive 57mins 16secs overall, with third place contested between Adam Bowden, Con Doherty and Mark Buckingham with the latter narrowly leading the pack over the finish line by 6secs.
Jonny said, “To cross the line like that was really good, especially this year with how hard it’s been for Ali and his Achilles injury. It’s great to see him back. For me personally it was a tough race on a hard course, as it constantly goes up and down. It’s a true triathlon course and nice to race on the same course as age groupers and to be in the countryside.”
Alistair added, “The first race back is always a bit nerve racking but it’s good to get it out of the way and have a solid race. We wanted to cross the line together before we started so it was good we had the chance to do it.”
In the women’s race, Jodie Stimpson claimed victory in 01:06:12. The British elite, hours after it was confirmed she hadn’t made the Olympic squad, said, “It’s an awesome race and really special to me as all my friends and family get to come and watch.”
For results from Blenheim see www.blenheimtriathlon.com. We’ll have more in issue 276 of 220.