Alistair Brownlee made it a golden double for Great Britain, following Helen Jenkins’ victory on Saturday by winning yesterday’s men’s elite race at the ITU World Championship Series race in London.
And there was further celebration for the British team as Alistair’s younger brother Jonathan produced a strong finish to collect bronze, outpacing Spain’s reigning World Champion Javier Gomez to secure third.
Russia’s Alexander Bryukhankov produced a brave run to hang on second place.
Alistair Brownlee was part of a pack of four featuring Russia’s Bryukhankov, James Elvery of New Zealand and Spain’s Ivan Rana that broke away during the ride.
But, in torrential rain, Brownlee made the decisive break in the run, setting a pace that the other couldn’t match to take gold – a victory that saw him climb from seventh to second behind Gomez in the ITU World Championship rankings.
“To be honest I couldn’t believe I got away on the bike,” he said afterwards. “I was worried I would be attacked on the bike.”
He said he was pleased his brother Jonathan joined him on the podium and that he enjoyed the support of the crowd.
“The big goal was to make sure we both got on the podium, and we did,” he said. “It’s one of the best receptions I’ve ever had. It was a great experience.”
Asked whether today’s performance was the best of his life, he said: “I hope not. I hope I’m going to be better next year.”
Jonathan Brownlee had to fight off a challenge from last year’s winner, Javier Gomez (ESP) to take bronze.
“I’m really pleased, but absolutely shattered,” he said. “I wanted to come in the top three and I’ve done that.
“When I got off the bike I knew first and second places had gone, but everyone was racing for third. It was a really hard race and Javier kept pushing me to the end.”
Will Clarke was the third of the Brits, finishing 14th. “I didn’t quite get it right today, but I was the third Brit, which is nice,” he said. “I felt as though I needed another gear today. It’s good to be the third Brit and I hope the selectors noticed that.”
A full Hyde Park round-up to come in Issue 265.