Hollie Avil was the top-ranked senior, finishing 10th in the main race won by Switzlerland's Nicola Spirig ahead of Carole Peon of France and Lisa Norden of Sweden.

Avil had a strong swim, and exited the first transition along with team-mates Vanessa Raw and Abbie Thorrington.

They caught lone breakaway rider, Line Jensen, of Denmark after two of the eight bike laps around the centre of Athlone.

The British women did the majority of work at the front of the bike pack, with the race favourites not showing their form until they got to the run.

Avil said: "I’m glad to be back racing after eventful start to the year getting sick in Seoul.

"I’m back into it now and every race is a step stone.

"You are going to be disappointed if you’re not on the podium, but I fought for every position during the race.

"We tried to push the pace on the bike, maybe that killed my legs on the run but I like to race tough and I did so I’m pleased with that."
 
Chittenden, a 19-year-old from Fleet, was an impressive winner of a silver medal in the junior women’s race behind Germany's Annika Vossing.

Chittenden, who is due to start at Loughborough University in October said: "This is my first international race and I’m really pleased to win silver.

"The course really suited me with hills on the bike and on the run."
 
Woprld champion Alistair Brownlee is set to race in the men’s event tomorrow at 3.30pm.