February 25 - Britain's reigning ITU world champion Alistair Brownlee will miss the start of his 2010 season due to a femoral stress fracture, it was announced today.



The injury will keep the Yorkshireman out of the first two rounds of the 2010 ITU World Championship Series in Sydney and Seoul.

Brownlee hopes to return to racing in time for the Dextro Energy Triathlon ITU World Championship Madrid on June 5.
 

He said: "As an athlete, getting the best out of myself means pushing myself to the edge of my limits.

"Unfortunately, sometimes you cross the line and injury is inevitable.

"While the worst part is not being able to do what I love every day, I am pleased with my rehab to date.

"My primary focus is to get fit and healthy and I really hope to be racing in the Dextro Energy Triathlon ITU World Championship Series race in Madrid in June."

Brownlee will still have an opportunity to recapture his world title by scoring points at the remaining Dextro Energy Triathlon ITU World Championship Series races in Madrid, London, Kitzbuehel and the Grand Final in Budapest.

Additionally, Brownlee will be able to use points from two World Cup races toward his final world ranking. 

Earlier this week it was announced that the women's world champion, Australia's Emma Moffatt, will miss the Mooloolaba World Cup on March 27 due to a broken shoulder.


Related stories
February 2010: Exclusive - Alistair Brownlee picks his biggest threat to Olympic glory - his brother
December 2009: Brownlee leads British Triathlon World Class Performance Programme
December 2009: British Triathlon upset Brownlee overlooked by BBC
November 2009: Brownlee's achievements recognised with top Olympic award
October 2009: Brownlee has set the bar very high admits chief rival