Jonathan Brownlee found himself back on a podium last weekend, as the Olympic medalist kickstarted the final stage of his Olympic qualification campaign.
Brownlee, who has won medals at each of the last three Olympic Games in London, Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo, has his sights set on a fourth appearance in Paris this summer.
After a difficult season on the World Triathlon circuit last year, Brownlee picked up a second place finish at a local bike race in Spain to start 2024.
Starting as he means to go on
Beginning preparations for the crucial final stage of Olympic qualification, Brownlee appears to be in good shape on the bike, sharing that he was up for the win until the very last moment.
“Started the race season with a podium. Second place in the local bike race wearing @brownleefitness colours.
“Made the break, attacked on the last climb and went solo but got caught on the finish line. Probably best because I have never done a hands off finish before!”
Full steam ahead
Currently ranked World #73, Brownlee endured a difficult season on the WTCS circuit last season, with his best performance a 17th place finish over the sprint distance at WTCS Montreal.
The Yorkshireman, who currently sits below already qualified Alex Yee and fellow British contender Barclay Izzard in the rankings, will have his work cut out if he hopes to make a fourth Olympic team.
However, the 33-year-old did look much sharper towards the end of the season in the Super League series, picking up two podiums in London and Toulouse and finishing in fifth place overall.
Having also finished second at the European Triathlon Championship (which was turned to a duathlon) last year, there is still plenty of hope that Brownlee can rediscover his previous form and return to the front of races once again in 2024.
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