If there is one thing certain in life, it’s that Alistair Brownlee will race full throttle no matter the distance, and the British triathlon legend did just that yet again on Saturday at the Miami T100.

In the front pack out of the water, the Yorkshireman broke away from the lead group with Mathis Margirier early on in the bike, with eventual winner Magnus Ditlev and IRONMAN World Champion Sam Laidlow the only athletes capable of riding up to the pair.

Setting out strong on the run, Brownlee was eventually thwarted by the sweltering temperatures, but said after the race that a fifth place finish was a fine performance to kick start the 2024 race season.

“A promising race for the season ahead!”

Last year, Brownlee also started the season off racing over the 100km distance, finishing sixth at the PTO Tour European Open. Going one better on Saturday, the 35-year old appeared afterwards to be content with his race.

“A promising race for the season ahead! I actually felt good on the swim, bike and the first bit of the run. Then things just got way too hot, it was absolutely brutal.”

With temperatures exceeding 35 degrees, and a lightening quick bike split in his legs, Brownlee ended up just 90 seconds off the podium, but said he was just “pleased to hold on for 5th all things considered”.

Singapore up next

Five weeks out from the next T100 event in Singapore, Brownlee said the race in Miami was a good test, and that he can now get back to work to prepare to compete for a first podium over the 100km distance.

“At least I know what I now need to work on and hopefully prepare well for Singapore. I loved racing on the Miami speedway and a massive well done to the podium!”

After a long period on the sidelines last year, the PTO World #30 said it was “good to be back”, and he demonstrated clearly this past weekend why he should still be regarded as a podium contender in any race he enters.