Search
shop

‘It’s good to be back’ – Alistair Brownlee gives verdict on race return

Alistair Brownlee said he was happy to "race hard from the gun and get to the finish line" on his return at the PTO European Open in Ibiza.
News Director
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Alistair Brownlee says he’ll adopt a patient approach to his running following his sixth place in his comeback race at the PTO European Open in Ibiza.

We got the showdown we wanted as all the Olympic champions since 2008 – Brownlee,  Jan Frodeno and Kristian Blummenfelt – lined up against each other.

And it was London 2012 and Rio 2016 winner Brownlee who arguably did most to animate the race, racing in his trademark aggressive style.

Advertisement

‘It’s good to be back’

He was in the front three after the swim alongside Frodeno and Aaron Royle and then led for chunks of the bike.

Coming out of T2 he was at the front of the run, opening up a lead of nearly half a minute in the early stages and looking smooth.

However eventual winner Max Neumann powered past approaching halfway and went on to hold off the charging Blummenfelt in the closing stages.

Alistair Brownlee finish PTO European Open 2023 Ibiza [Photo credit: PTO / Darren Wheeler]
[Photo credit: PTO / Darren Wheeler]

Brownlee would drop back to sixth but was keen to take the positives in his post-race debrief on his social channels.

He said: Happy to stand on a start line, race hard from the gun and get to the finish line today. Felt good on the swim and the bike.

“Always knew coming into the race that the run was going to be a struggle. I’m going to build my running slowly over the next few months.

“Congratulations Max Neumann on an incredible performance to take the win.

“It’s good to be back!”

Welcome return

Brownlee endured a frustrating 2022 which was blighted by injury and illness.

And his planned return this year was delayed when he missed IRONMAN South Africa in early March because of “a slightly sore hip”.

His big target this season is the first ever IRONMAN World Championship in Nice which features an up-and-down bike course which should play to his strengths as he looks to boost a full-distance record of three wins out of four.

Jonathan Turner
Written by
Jonathan Turner
Jonathan Turner is News Director for both TRI247 and RUN247, and is accustomed to big-name interviews, breaking news stories and providing unrivalled coverage for endurance sports.  
Discover more
tri-fit vortex tri suit review
TRI-FIT VORTEX tri suit review – race day approved performance
Maja Stage Nielsen Kat Matthews Jocelyn McCauley IRONMAN Texas 2023 podium photo credit IRONMAN
PremiumRacing to keep up: Is social media making us train harder?
Cadomotus chronos aero triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Wahoo ELEMNT RIVAL
PremiumTraining to heart rate vs power on the bike
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumHow to pace a triathlon to leave it all out there WITHOUT blowing up
latest News
Sam Renouf CEO of the PTO
T100 Valencia replacement announced as PTO chief acknowledges “challenges” with 2025 calendar
ironman hamburg 2025 podium laura philipp kat matthews solveig lovseth
Matthews and Løvseth clash again in star-studded IRONMAN 70.3 Zell am See
Jonny Brownlee with bike transition Supertri Toronto 2025
Supertri Chicago 2025: Date, start time, how to watch live and who’s racing
Frederic Funk media day Challenge Roth 2025
IRONMAN Switzerland starts ‘Road to Kona 2026’ for Funk and co
Kristian Blummenfelt wins Challenge Samarkand 2024
Challenge Samarkand 2025 race preview: everything you need to know as next gen stars and former Olympians take to the start line in the ‘jewel of ancient Asia’
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

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

100+ new articles/month

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

100+ new articles/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...