Jonathan Brownlee kept the family dynasty going with a win at the ITU World Triathlon Series in Madrid. The 22-year-old put on a dominant performance to run away with the win following three straight victories by older brother, Alistair, 24.
Brownlee attacked the race from the start, swimming at the front with a trio of strong Russians and Slovakia’s Richard Varga. A group of nine athletes worked together on the tough bike course, even passing drinks between each other in the heat of the Casa de Campo park.
At the start of the run the group had built an unassailable lead, and Brownlee made an immediate move to the front. He was never challenged and won convincingly from Alexander Bryukhankov, Dmitry Polyanskiy and Ivan Vasiliev were third and fourth, making it a successful day for the Russians.
Brownlee said: “It was the perfect scenario. I wanted a break and it happened, and the group kept working. I couldn’t ask for any more, I won and that’s what I wanted to do.”
Jonathan Brownlee finished second to Alistair here last year. With Alistair set to return from an Achilles injury at the next round of the Series in Kitzbuhel, Jonathan was favourite to win in Madrid.
He said: “I’ve enjoyed having a bit more pressure, not just thinking that Alistair’s going to win. It’s been good to have to take the race to people. Coming first is good because you want to teach yourself to win. It’s a skill.”
David McNamee was the second British finisher today in 17th. The 24-year-old Scot said: “It’s probably my best result in the World Series, so it’s a great race. I’ve got a 19th, a 23rd and a 17th so far, so it’s looking good for a top 20 over all.”
There was disappointment for Tim Don. The 2006 ITU world champion and three-time Olympian withdrew during the run. Will Clarke also didn’t finish but Aaron Harris was 23rd and Stuart Hayes 47th.
The Olympic qualification period has now finished and selectors will meet during the next week to decide who will fill the final place in the men’s team and two places in the women’s team. TeamGB is expected to be announced by the British Olympic Association in early June.
British Triathlon Olympic Performance Manager, Malcolm Brown, said: “We’ll look at performances over the last 18 months and consider all the options.”
He added: “It was an outstanding performance from Jonny (Brownlee). He has moved forwards since San Diego just two weeks ago.”
Elite men’s results
1. Jonathan Brownlee GBR 1:51:49
2. Alexander Bryukhankov RUS 1:52:28?
3. Dmitry Polyanskiy RUS 1:52:54?
17. David McNamee GBR 1:55:15
23. Aaron Harris GBR 1:55:29
47. Stuart Hayes GBR 1:58:13
DNF William Clarke GBR
DNF Tim Don GBR
Credit: Delly Carr/ITU