Search
shop

Alistair Brownlee hoping to be better for Mallorca showdown after “great race” in Barcelona

Alistair Brownlee shares his thoughts after second at Challenge Barcelona.
Staff Reporter
Last updated -
STRENGTH. ENDURANCE. PERFORMANCE.

Alistair Brownlee launched his comeback from ankle surgery with a fine second place at the first edition of Challenge Barcelona on Sunday, with the double Olympic Champion leading for large parts of the race.

Racing over the middle distance for the first time since the PTO Tour European Open in Ibiza in May, the Yorkshireman picked up the first podium of his season and got the ball rolling as he looks to race his way back into top shape.

Set to take on another strong field next weekend at Challenge Peguera-Mallorca, the 35-year-old Brownlee will have another chance to test himself as he looks to gear up for a strong end to the season.

Advertisement

Brownlee on Barcelona return

Having enjoyed the brilliant scenery on offer at the race course in Barcelona and a good battle with eventual race winner Youri Keulen, Brownlee appeared happy with his return to racing, but tellingly spoke of hopes for a better performance in Mallorca next weekend.

“It was a great race today, it’s fantastic here in Barcelona. We had a beautiful swim this morning as the sun was coming up over the sea, the ride around the city was cool, with a lapped course which worked well.

On to Mallorca

“On the run, I just tried to get into my own rhythm and knew it would get hard in the end, which it did! I hung on with Youri for a bit but with a kilometre to go, I knew I didn’t have anything left. The plan is to race in Mallorca next week, so hopefully I will be a little better there!” 

In Mallorca, Brownlee will take on newly-crowned IRONMAN 70.3 World Champion Rico Bogen and his compatriot Frederic Funk, who finished as the runner-up in Finland, in what is set to be a fascinating showdown.

Tomos Land
Written by
Tomos Land
Tomos Land is a triathlon & running journalist whose expertise lies in the professional world of short course & long distance triathlon, though he also boasts an extensive knowledge of ultra-running.
Discover more
Dave Ellis / Luke Pollard - World Para Triathlon Championships Pontevedra 2023
Golden opportunity – British Triathlon launches search for LA2028 paratriathlon guides
IRONMAN Lanzarote 2024 - Anne Haug on run course
Best marathon shoes for Ironman – the ‘legal’ super shoes you CAN wear to level up your run split
Challenge Sanremo 2024 - Photo: Jose Luis Hourcade
How to fuel your triathlon training: Expert nutritionist tips to help you nail every session
swim start IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2024 photo credit Tony Svensson IRONMAN
Level up your Ironman swim split – must-read tips from an expert swim coach
Ironman gear guide – everything you need to get to the finish line of a full distance triathlon
latest News
Richard Varga Jonny Brownlee Arzachena
Triathlon legend Jonny Brownlee reveals ‘Last Dance’ motivation behind latest challenge
IRONMAN Kona 2022 Age Group Results
How will “re-imagined” IRONMAN World Championship at Kona actually look for Age Groupers?
Lucy Charles-Barclay IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2023 Finish
IRONMAN World Championship goes ALL IN on Kona again with men and women to race on same day from 2026
Laura Philipp and Kat Matthews on the run at the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship
Nice gets consolation prize of 70.3 Worlds after IRONMAN World Championships return to Kona
Kona scenic 2022 photo credit Getty Images for IRONMAN
The survey results which prompted IRONMAN’s dramatic Kona U-turn
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

Share to...