British Women
Read the report from Georgia Taylor-Brown's first World Triathlon Series gold here.
Georgia Taylor-Brown: “Last year’s race was a breakthrough race for me and this year I really wanted to fully commit on the swim and I did that. I’m just so happy and I definitely had a tear in my eye crossing the finishing line knowing all my family were here. It was amazing once again racing in Leeds and the Leeds crowd are the best on the World Triathlon Series circuit.”
Jess Learmonth: “I’m delighted to have achieved a podium in Leeds. After difficulties in T1, I managed to keep it together and I’m so happy with the result. Going forwards it is a case of taking it race by race and perform the best in every race I compete in.”
Non Stanford: “Today was my best race of the season. Normally I struggle in Leeds especially with the swim. But today I got that right and I’ve never won a sprint finish before so I was pleased with that. I’m now focused on being in the best shape for Tokyo which will be a big opportunity to show what we can do ahead of Olympic selection.”
Vicky Holland: “To be back again in the top ten is a positive and its all about taking those positives into the Tokyo test event for Olympic qualification. The home crowd are unbelievable and the best crowd we see on the circuit. Every year, people come out and support us and it really helps. Any extra home advantage we can get is much appreciated.
Sophie Coldwell: “I was really pleased with the swim and the bike was really good. I’m pleased with the performance and it is a step in the right direction. Next race is in Hamburg and am hoping to put in another good performance there.
Jodie Stimpson:"I've had a challenging start to 2019 but this is my starting point and I'm not giving up. It's not comfortable for me to be on a start line knowing I'm not in my best shape but it's more uncomfortable to be on the side lines so I'm pushing through and thank you to everyone who's in my corner and still believes in me. Congratulations to the stronger girls in the break today and the podium of Georgia Taylor-Brown, Katie Zaferes and Jess Learmonth."
British Men
Jonathan Brownlee: "The crowd was absolutely amazing, we are so fortunate to be able to race in front of a home crowd and without the home crowd it would have been a real struggle to finish the race. Thank you for turning out and I’m sorry we couldn’t deliver the win. I’ll be back, better and stronger next year. You don’t realise how proud it makes me to see Leeds as a triathlon city. We really do put on good sporting events in Britain and especially in Leeds, in Yorkshire"
Tom Bishop: "I went for a medal today. I found myself in the front group on the bike and I thought now is the chance. Maybe I pushed it too hard on the bike, but I started on the run and felt pretty decent; I thought maybe I have a shot at the podium and then I just faded a bit. The crowd is inspirational, that’s probably why I went out too hard. I could spot faces in the crowd and it gives you that extra boost. Alex and I train together every day and he’s had a cracking start to the season; it has inspired me to push on and try and deliver a result I’m happy with. Today it could have been better, but I gave it my all and theft it all out there.
Alex Yee: "It was really, really hard. I’m pleased I managed to salvage something on the run and hopefully I can build on that (performance) next year. I’m overwhelmed by how many people came out today to watch, so thank you for that. The next race for me is Nottingham and then Hamburg. A lot of short, sharp fast racing, so I’m excited for that."
Alistair Brownlee: "I just didn’t feel great today. I mean, I just felt pretty rubbish from the first 100m of the swim. I thought I could battle through and do a bit better, but I just had no energy. The crowd was fantastic and they certainly lifted my spirit on what was a pretty tough afternoon, so that was good."
