Faye McClelland (centre) claimed a British gold in the PT4 women's event ©Twitter

Faye McClelland claimed British gold at the International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Paratriathlon Event today in Besançon after the swimming leg was scrapped due to a flooded river.

The triathlon thus became a duathlon, with only cycling and running being contested.

A 2.5 kilometres run was followed by a 20km bike and a longer 5km run:

McClelland triumphed by over one minute in the women's PT4 category, crossing the line in 1hour 8min 32sec.

Gwladys Lemoussu of France finished second in 1:10:03, with another Briton third in the form of Kerry Large in 1:15:06.

There was French success in the corresponding men's event as Yannick Bourseaux won in 58:27.

Yannick Bourseaux of France was among the winners today in the duathlon event ©Getty Images
Yannick Bourseaux of France was among the winners today in the duathlon event ©Getty Images

Alexander Yalchik of Russia was second in 58:53, with Britain's David Hill third in 59:35.

Geert Schipper of The Netherlands took PT1 gold in 56:05.

United States' Krige Schabort was second in 56:53 as Joseph Townsend took British bronze a further 10 seconds back.

There was a second French victory for Stephane Bahier in the PT2 class, while Tojo Lazzari of Ireland took PT3 honours.