New Zealand's Sissons left the Casa de Campo lake in the Spanish capital among the first group of swimmers before a large group formed on the bike course.

A small break was attempted by the French squad but Sissons managed to follow, and he clicked into gear with 500 metres left of the run to clinch glory.

"I think I did really well," said the New Zealander.

"It was a very compensated race. 

"I swam well, then managed to be in front of the big group on the bike course, and then I just concentrated on keeping myself well hydrated and calm during the run."

France's Raphael Montoya finished in second place with third going to his compatriot Simon Viein.

In the women's race, Spaniard Carolina Routie led after the swim in front of her own fans.

Britain's Taylor-Brown was part of a seven-strong group who gave chase on the bike leg, and she then pulled away on the run to finish first at Madrid's Royal Palace.

The Manchester born triathlete dedicated the win to her city after last week's terrorist attack which killed 22 people at an Ariana Grande concert.

"When you come away with flowers and a sticky face, it's been a good day," she tweeted. 

"Hope I made Manchester smile."

"That slope was just terrific, but having such a great atmosphere, with crowds cheering, really helped to get through it."

American Taylor Spivey was second, with her team-mate Chelsea Burns third.