Germany's Justus Nieschlag won the men's race in sunny conditions, with Czech triathlete Vendula Frintova topping the women's podium.

Nieschlag was close behind swim leader Norwegian Jorgen Gundersen following the first leg in the Atlantic Ocean, which attracted thousands of fans to Punta Umbria Beach.

The 1,500 metre swim was followed by a 40 kilometre cycle including four laps of the city centre and Nieschlag comfortably positioned himself in the lead group of 11 riders.

The German then took the lead following the second transition into the run, and refused to relinquish the advantage before the finish.

Britain's Gordon Benson tried to keep pace on the first lap but the heat took its toll and he faded to finish fourth.

The winning time was 1 hour 45min 46sec with American Kevin McDowell second in 1:46:20.

There was a home bronze medal for Spain as Uxio Abuin Ares came home in 1:46:47.

Frintova's victory in the women's race was by a huge 36 seconds and came after a superb cycle leg.

Japan's Yuko Takahashi emerged first after the swim but Frintova worked her way into contention from the chasing pack of cyclists and then built a lead of more than 20 seconds.

She did not relinquish the advantage she had going into the run as she finished in 2:01:14.

Joanna Brown of Canada finished in 2:01:50 for silver and American Chelsea Burns won bronze in 2:02:03.

Takahashi had to make do with fourth place.