• ITU World Triathlon Series

Brownlee pipped to world title by Gomez

Jonathan Brownlee was beaten by a second as Javier Gomez won world title number three © Getty Images

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Great Britain's Jonathan Brownlee suffered world triathlon heartbreak as he finished one second behind winner Javier Gomez at Hyde Park, with the Spaniard topping the overall standings to claim his third ITU world title.

Brownlee, the 2012 champion, and Gomez contested a thrilling finish in London as they played cat and mouse in the final run, both taking and surrendering the lead inside the closing 500 metres.

Gomez issued the first attack towards the line but allowed Brownlee to reel him in and move ahead. However, it was Gomez who timed his final move to perfection, edging Brownlee in the sprint finish to cross the line ahead of his rival.

"I gave it everything but there was nothing I could do. It was tough," Brownlee told BBC Radio 5Live.

"Alistair [Brownlee] wanted me to use my brain and to think about it. I did use my head as much as I could.

"When it is so close, you ask yourself 'what could I have done differently?', but when you get beaten by 30 seconds you just think 'he was better than me'."

Olympic champion Alistair Brownlee, who topped the overall standings prior to Sunday's Grand Final, finished well down the field after suffering from his recurring ankle injury during the 10 kilometre run.

"I'm so glad this whole year is over. It's been an absolute nightmare," Brownlee said.

The 2009 and 2011 champion shouted encouragement to Jonathan as their paths crossed in the run, but Alistair later criticised his younger brother for throwing the world title away, telling BBC Sport he raced like a "complete tactical numpty" in the closing stages.

On Saturday, Great Britain's Non Stanford was crowned world champion in the women's event.

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