Portugal's Joao Pereira won the men's title in Düsseldorf ©Getty Images

Portugal’s Joao Pereira was crowned winner of the men’s race at the European Sprint Triathlon Championships in Düsseldorf.

Pereira featured in a lead group which formed at the close of the 750 metres swim, before heading out on the 20 kilometre bike section.

The group would stay together heading into the final transition, leaving the race to be settled during the 5km run.

Pereira would complete the run course in a time of 14min 48sec, crossing the finish line in a winning effort of 57:33.

He had been forced to sprint for victory, with Pierre Le Corre of France ending just 3sec back.

The podium was completed by Portugal’s Joao Silva, who finished 1sec further behind.

Germany's Laura Lindemann triumphed in the women's event ©Getty Images
Germany's Laura Lindemann triumphed in the women's event ©Getty Images

Defending champion Vincent Luis would narrow miss the podium, with the Frenchman finishing in 57:38.

The women’s race was won by home favourite Laura Lindemann, as the German completed the course in a time of 1 hour, 3min, 35sec.

It would prove to be a closely fought race, with Switzerland’s Jolanda Annen and Czech Republic’s Vendula Frintova ending 3sec back.

Annen finished narrowly ahead of Frintova to secure the silver medal in the event.