The World Triathlon Series this weekend in Leeds, UK will miss double Olympic champion Alistair Brownlee due to injury.

The 30-year-old Briton who has won both races held in his home town was disappointed to withdraw, but younger brother Jonathan will still race, having twice finished second to Alistair in Leeds.

“I won’t be able to compete to the best of my ability,” said two-time world champion Alistair Brownlee.

Jonathan will be missing that competitive edge in elder brother Alistair, who usually drives him to perform better at races.

“It’s a shame for me because I’ve enjoyed racing with Alistair in Leeds, I’ve enjoyed going through the whole event together and we race similarly tactically. To miss that big driving force on the bike is a big disappointment.” said Jonathan.

Defending women’s champion Flora Duffy has also withdrawn because of injury.

At the impending World Triathlon Mixed Relay race, Jonny Brownlee will team up with Rio bronze medallist Vicky Holland, former world champion Non Stanford, two-time Commonwealth champion Jodie Stimpson and Tom Bishop as part of the Great Britain squad. They are looking for qualification points before the event making its Olympic debut in 2020.

Source: BBC