The Brownlee brothers might be the overwhelming favourites in the men’s triathlon competition at the London 2012 Olympic Games, but as history goes to show, nothing is certain in this event. Here is a quick snapshot of who to watch for in Hyde Park on Tuesday August 7.
Alistair Brownlee (GBR)
The eldest Brownlee has two ITU World Championships, 12 ITU World Triathlon Series wins (nine more than anyone else) and is one of the best swimmers, bikers and runners the sport has ever seen. Any lingering concerns from an Achilles injury he suffered at the start of the year were put to bed in a dominant comeback win in Kitzbuehel this year. If there is an athlete that seems destined to break the curse of the test event winner never taking Olympic gold, it would be Brownlee.
Jonathan Brownlee (GBR)
The younger Brownlee brother dominated his first two races this year, in San Diego and Madrid, but is yet to beat his older brother when fit over the Olympic distance. He did outrun him in last year’s Lausanne sprint distance world titles, and in Sydney in 2011 when Alistair slipped and fell on a rain-slicked road, but London could be his time to shine. The same as his brother, Jonathan excels in all three disciplines.
Sven Riederer (SUI)
The Athens 2004 Olympic Games bronze medallist knows how to perform on the day, prefers race conditions wet and cold and last year ran over Jonathan Brownlee in the Beijing Grand Final to finish second. He will have no doubt all been inspired by teammate Nicola Spirig’s incredible win in the women’s triathlon competition in London on Saturday.
Alexander Bryukhankov (RUS)
The big Russian is the most successful man in ITU World Triathlon Series history yet to actually win a race. He’s collected five silver medals, including in last year’s test event – sandwiched between the Brownlees on the podium – and one bronze. It’s only a matter of time before that win comes, and it wouldn’t be surprising if it did come in Hyde Park on Tuesday given he’s another all-round strong triathlete.
Javier Gomez (ESP)
Gomez was the favourite in Beijing, but carried an injury into those Games and finished an agonising fourth. Back with that experience in his mind, the dual ITU World Champion has engaged in some thrilling battles with the Brownlees and when both Alistair and Jonathan have made the podium – he’s been the man most often up there with him. In the six ITU major races where the Brownlees have both medalled, Gomez has been there three...