Brownlee bids for world title (From Ilkley Gazette)

Bramhope's Jonny bids to keep world title in the family

10:09am Thursday 18th October 2012 in Sport By Alan Birkinshaw, Weeklies Sports Editor

Jonny Brownlee will be hoping to keep the ITU world triathlon title in the family on Sunday.

His older brother Alistair won the crown in 2009 and 2011, now the 22-year old is bidding to win the championship for the first time.

The Olympic bronze medalist from Bramhope heads the points standing going into the final event in Auckland, New Zealand on Sunday.

With his Olympic-champion brother not competing after recently having his appendix removed, Jonny will be looking to end his outstanding season in style.

But he faces a tough battle. Olympic silver medal winner Javier Gomez of Spain and Russian Alexander Bryuk hankov are hot on his heels.

Jonny did not compete in the last race in Japan where Gomez showed great determination to win despite suffering a sprained ankle and he will be determined to put the pressure on the younger Brownlee.

He said: “It’s an honour to be thought of as the favourite for the title, but there is a job to be done this weekend and I am not underestimating the competition or the conditions.

“This is going to be a tough race on a challenging course against athletes who all want to end their seasons on a high.

“To win the world title would be incredible, especially to follow Alistair as the champion. It’s been a long season and the Olympics was my major focus this year, but I now have a big opportunity this weekend and I hope to make the most of it.”

Looking at the tactics of the race he added: “Alistair wanted to be here but we’ve both been so busy since the Olympics, it’s been crazy and he needed a break.

“The World Series races in San Diego and Madrid were two of my best ever, so I’ve shown I can race without him, but it does change things.

“My ideal race would be to be part of a small break away on the bike. It’s no secret that I like to race like that and the tough bike course in Auckland should break things up a bit.

“Whatever happens on Sunday I have had a fantastic year. To finish it off with the world title would really be something special, but I know I have to stay focused in the lead up and get everything right if that is going to happen.”

Olympic champion Alistair is hoping his brother succeeds him as the 2012 world champion.

He said: “I knew early in the year that I wouldn’t have enough points to defend the world title.

“I wanted to be there to help Jonny at the Grand Final, but it didn’t work out. He’s had a fantastic year and I hope he can win this one.”