Golden form by Brownlee in San Diego (From Wharfedale Observer)

Golden triathlon form by Jonny Brownlee in San Diego

3:17pm Sunday 13th May 2012 in Sport By Sports Desk

Jonny Brownlee was victorious in his first World Triathlon Series race of 2012 with a dominant display in San Diego on Saturday.

The 22-year-old Bingley Harrier was in control throughout the race and strolled to the finish line to secure a convincing win in Great Britain colours.

He clocked 1hr 48min 47sec to finish clear of Sven Riederer of Switzerland in second and third-placed South African Richard Murray.

“For me it was the first race of the season,” said Brownlee – who has already qualified for this summer’s Olympic Games in London along with older brother Alistair, who is currently recovering from injury.

“I didn’t really know what to expect. Seven months is a long time out.

“I was in a bit of shock at the race briefing, thinking ‘wow, it’s been a long time since I’ve been in one of these’.

“I went into the race very relaxed really because I knew I didn’t have to do anything.

“I didn’t have to finish top nine, top four or anything – I just had to race my own race. I was really pleased.”

Brownlee was part of a small break at the start of the bike leg but the leaders and first two chase groups soon came together to form a huge pack of over 50 athletes.

They hit the second change-over together and from there it came down to the ten-kilometre run.

Brownlee and Murray charged to the front on the first lap before the Briton surged clear in the latter stages.

Brownlee said: “The swim and the bike were good. I wasn’t sure what to expect on that but I have been running well all winter and my cross-country races have been good.

“I felt good on the run. I felt a bit tired towards the end but I think I just lacked a bit of racing there.”

RESULTS – Elite Men: 1 Jonathan Brownlee (GB) 1hr 48min 47sec, 2 Sven Riederer (Swi) 1:48.52, 3 Richard Murray (Rsa) 1:49.01, 4 Mario Mola (Esp) 1:49.09, 5 Hunter Kemper (USA) 1:49.18, 6 Ryan Sissons (Nzl) 1:49.22, 7 Tim Don (Gbr) 1:49.25, 8 Bevan Docherty (Nzl) 1:49.29, 9 Manuel Huerta (USA) 1:49.31, 10 Kris Gemmell (Nzl) 1:49.40. Selected others: 20 William Clarke (GB) 1:50.07, 23 David Mcnamee (GB) 1:50.10, 37 Adam Bowden (GB) 1:50.49. DNF: Aaron Harris (GB), Todd Leckie (GB).