Sunday 2 August 2015 21:36, UK
London 2012 triathlon gold medal winner Alistair Brownlee could only finish 10th at a test event in Rio ahead of next year’s Olympics.
But his fellow Brits Non Stanford and Vicky Holland came home second and third respectively in the women’s race to move a step closer to Olympic qualification.
The duo now need podium spots at the World Triathlon Series event in Chicago in September to confirm their places in Brazil next summer.
The men’s race was dominated by Spain's Javier Gomez, the current World No 1 and Olympic silver medallist.
But Brownlee, whose brother Jonny missed the race through injury, lost third place on the run and eventually jogged over the line well down the field.
Conversely, Stanford looked close to her best as she chased home American Gwen Jorgensen, having suffered an injury-plagued couple of years since winning the world title in 2013.
The 26-year-old Welsh athlete told www.britishtriathlon.org: “It was paramount I did well today for selection and it's boosted my confidence after a tough couple of years.
"It's a stepping stone. We had to podium in this race and now we have to podium in Chicago, so step one is done.
“It was fantastic to have Vicky up there on the podium with me, I think the more girls we can get qualified by the end of this year, the better. And guys, for that matter.
"All in all, it was a fantastic day, and now I need to keep my head down and work towards Chicago."
Holland fell over at one point during the run but recovered to secure the bronze.
The 29-year-old said: "We had a two-stage process to qualify for next year, so today I had to finish on the podium. Fourth place wasn't really an option.
“I'm really, really pleased with how it went."
Former world champion Helen Jenkins withdrew after she was kicked on the swim.
