Vicky Holland stole the show in the absence of the injured Brownlee brothers over the weekend, picking up two medals at the latest World Triathlon Series in Hamburg.
The double Commonwealth Games medallist, who claimed her first series win in April, won silver in the women’s individual race on Saturday before teaming up with Gordon Benson, Non Stanford and Mark Buckingham for bronze in Sunday’s mixed relay.
Holland had been joined by Commonwealth champion Jodie Stimpson on the start line for the women’s competition but the 26-year-old withdrew after appearing to develop mechanical problems during the bike race.
But Holland kept up the pace, finishing second behind world number one Gwen Jorgensen with Wales’ Non Stanford third.
The result leaves Holland fifth in the overall standings and the highest placed Brit.
Meanwhile in the men’s race, European Games champion Gordon Benson was the best British performer in 28th, four places above Buckingham – older Brownlee brother Alistair resting an ankle problem and Jonny recovering from a stress fracture.
Attention now switches to the Rio Olympic Test Event in Brazil on August 2, with British Triathlon performance director Brendan Purcell particularly pleased with the team’s medal-winning efforts in the mixed relay.
“It was a good job by all of them after some tough racing, and it was so close. Sunday showed the depth we have, which is always a positive," he said.
“It’s been a great weekend; this sets us up well, particularly the women, for the Rio Test Event in a couple of weeks.”
© Sportsbeat 2015