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Alistair Brownlee and Jonathan Brownlee on the run leg of the triathlon. Mike Egerton
Brothers in Arms

Gold and silver for Brownlee brothers in men's triathlon as Keane finishes in 40th

Alistair had six seconds to spare over his younger brother Jonathan on a challenging Rio course.

TEAM GB’s ALISTAIR Brownlee has defended his Olympic triathlon crown with a commanding performance on the Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro.

After a leading group of 10 formed during the cycle, the older Brownlee surged clear in the latter stages of the run to become the first man to defend triathlon gold.

The 28-year-old came home in 1.45.01, walking over the line in celebration before Jonathan (26) joined him second six seconds later.

Jonathan Brownlee added a silver to the bronze medal he won in London four years ago with the silver medallist on that occasion, Spain’s Javier Gomez, missing the Brazil Games with a shoulder injury.

South Africa’s Henri Schoeman claimed the bronze.

Ireland’s Bryan Keane, who turns 36 on Saturday, finished in 40th place in 1.52.09, just over seven minutes behind the winner.

A strong swim put pre-race favourites the Brownlees firmly in contention and Alistair moved to the front as the leading pack built a commanding advantage.

Spain’s Mario Mola — tipped by many to be the brothers’ main competition– found himself in the chasing group and was one minute and 23 seconds off the lead heading into the run.

It was during the final element of the race that the Brownlees really came to the fore, pulling clear of Schoeman over the first five kilometres before Alistair shifted up another gear.

By the 7.5km mark his lead was up to 15 seconds and the cushion became such that he had time to collect the flags of Great Britain and Yorkshire and walk across the finish line.

The Brownlee brothers, who hail from Yorkshire, have continued a remarkable Games for Team GB. With 20 golds, 21 silvers and 13 bronze medals they have moved into second on the medal table, ahead of China, with the US still well out in front.

Mike Egerton Mike Egerton

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