The Brownlee brothers’ record of at least one of them making the podium in every World Triathlon Series race when they start together ended in Japan on Saturday.

Alistair came fourth and Jonny fifth as Spain’s Javier Gomez threw down yet another stellar performance in Yokohama to win and reaffirm his place at the top of the 2014 rankings.

The Bingley Harriers siblings were knocked off the podium by Spaniard Mario Mola, who settled for silver after being outsprinted by Gomez, and South Africa’s Richard Murray.

For Jonny, it meant a run of 17 consecutive World Triathlon Series podium places – stretching back to Madrid in 2010 – had ended.

Meanwhile, Alistair (pictured) was competing in his first race of the 2014 season. He said: “The swim was real tough. I had to fight my way around a bit and, with the bike, obviously we tried to push on early doors and then it came together and nothing happened really.

“On the run I had no legs at all really. I hope there is more conditioning to come from me but I think I am a fair bit fitter than that to be honest, even though I haven’t done the training I would like to. I was practically jogging. But I think hopefully a bit more running, maybe a bit more rest and I will be a bit better.”