Search
shop

Alistair Brownlee reveals why T100 Ibiza was ‘so good’ despite that crucial drafting penalty

British superstar was handed a key penalty during T100 Ibiza, before battling back to finish fourth on a dramatic day.
Editor-In-Chief
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

It has been a long tough three years for Alistair Brownlee – but Saturday in Ibiza brought some welcome light at the end of the tunnel.

The two-time British Olympic champion has seen his career hampered by injuries and illness since he retired from short-course racing in 2021 – notably a pair of ankle surgeries.

Brownlee, now 36, went into 2024 with the new T100 series as his main focus, in particular that big race in London in July. But even though his health did not foresake him there, luck absolutely did as a bike puncture cost him the chance of a podium on home soil.

Saturday in Ibiza saw Alistair endure another podium near miss as he finished fourth, with the first drafting penalty in T100 history costing him the chance of battling Germany’s Mika Noodt for third.

Advertisement

Alistair Brownlee on T100 Ibiza

Despite that though the brilliant Yorkshireman came out of the race in relieved and positive mood after a day in which he felt his body and his race did him proud.

He revealed: “P4 in Ibiza – So good to finally have a solid race that I’m proud of. I felt like my body was firing as it should for the first time in a long time!”

The penalty – which cost Alistair a crucial 60 seconds – left some people astonished, notably now TV pundit Jan Frodeno. But Brownlee himself had no issues with the call – in fact he welcomed the principle it represented.

“Probably deserved the penalty. I did enter the zone a few times and was pushing hard with my head down when the ref gave me it. Good to see the PTO being active on fair racing. Really enjoyed the run and pleased to have made up one place.”

Alistair Brownlee bike T100 Ibiza 2024 photo credit PTO
British triathlon great Alistair Brownlee during the bike leg at T100 Ibiza 2024 [Photo credit: PTO]

Overall Brownlee was happy with his day on the party island, but would he have been ahead of Noodt and on the podium without that penalty?

What might have been

“Well, if I hadn’t had the penalty I would have been with him at the end of the bike. I mean, I would have been back a minute further up the road and with him. So, yeah, it would have been a good race.

“You definitely get a physiological advantage from having a penalty though. Like you have a minute rest. Which doesn’t sound a lot, but at a time, it feels like a long time.”

Graham Shaw
Written by
Graham Shaw
Graham has been involved with TRI247 & RUN247 since the summer of 2021. Since then he has provided strategic direction for all news and is passionate about the growth of triathlon as a fan sport.
Discover more
TRI247 podcast p/b Challenge Family episode 2
Go behind the scenes at Challenge Roth with the latest episode of the TRI247 podcast
Cadomotus Chronos triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Challenge Family Roth
Five things you need to know about the Challenge Roth bike course
Challenge St. Pölten 2024 - image credit Jose Luis Hourcade / Challenge Family
Expert swim coach on the three most common swim mistakes age group triathletes make (and how to fix them!)
TRI-FIT VANGUARD tri suit review
The entry-level tri suit with a serious amount of performance for the price point – TRI-FIT VANGUARD review
latest News
Lisa Tertsch Cassandre Beaugrand Beth Potter Hamburg WTCS 2024 Photo credit: Tommy Zaferes / World Triathlon
WTCS Hamburg 2025: Start time, preview and how to watch live
IRONMAN CEO Scott DeRue Women For Tri 2024
‘The more co-operation the better’ – Challenge Roth chief welcomes IRONMAN CEO’s visit
joe-skipper-kona-2022-bike
Joe Skipper says his Challenge Roth experience proves just how high the bar now is in triathlon
Anne Haug wins Challenge Roth 2024 [Photo credit: Simon Fischer | Challenge Roth]
Anne Haug on inspiration ahead of comeback, sub-eight and no intention of retiring just yet
Caroline Pohle Ironman 70.3 Zell Am See 2024
CHAOS as Lena Meissner wins amazing sprint finish to become 70.3 European Champion and is then DEMOTED
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...