In a career that has seen so much success, there are still few better feelings for Alistair Brownlee than winning his home race in Leeds.

The double-Olympic champion pipped his brother Jonny Brownlee to win the World Triathlon Series Race and secure qualification for Gold Coast 2018.

And after a year away from his normal training regime, Team England spoke to Alistair as he looks forward to a busy year ahead.

He said: “I feel really, really happy. It’s obviously very special to be in my home race and it’s very special to win as well.

“I was kind of surprised how good I felt. I was speeding up on those last few laps. I didn’t go in with any pre-conceived ideas today.

“When I got on the run I thought I would struggle to beat Jonny to be honest, he was making me hurt on the first lap.

“But you never know, you’ve just got to keep trying, I got the gap at the end and I was pleased to do so.”

Jonny Brownlee came second after he and Alistair broke away from the pack during the cycle, while fellow Team England hopeful Tom Bishop came fifth.

Alistair won despite taking a break from his triathlon training this year to concentrate on The Ironman 70.3 event, which he won on his debut race in May.

He said: “I’ve enjoyed having a different focus. It’s quite nice just being able to not focus so much on what I’ve done for so many years and I’ve enjoyed doing the Ironman.

“I’m not sure if preparing over longer distances helps me in the Triathlon, I think I’d be better prepared if I was doing similar training but I feel relatively fit.”

Although Alistair is unsure if he will be able to go to Gold Coast 2018, the 29-year-old is pleased to have at least given himself the chance.

He said: “I actually hadn’t thought of that! I’ve qualified now because I needed to do the one qualification race this year.

“I’m not 100% whether I’m going to be there yet but it’s fantastic to have ticked the box and it means I can be there if I want to.

“I love triathlon events in major events like the Commonwealth Games. It’s obviously really special so I’d love to go if I can.

Having competed at the Glasgow 2014 Games, Alistair already has experience of pulling on the Team England jersey.

He won two gold medals in 2014 in the men’s race and mixed team relay and he fondly remembers the experience of wearing the red and white jersey.

He said: “It’s always really special to put on your national kit. I’ve had the chance to go to one Commonwealth Games before and it would be really special to get the chance to go to another one.”