More than 250,000 spectators lined the roads of London to watch Britain's Olympic hopefuls compete in the races, which were held last Saturday and Sunday (July 24 and 25), and they were not disappointed.

Helen Jenkins claimed a bronze medal and the Brownlee brothers made it clear that there could be two Britons on the podium in the men's race come 2012. 

Jonathan Brownlee, 20, claimed silver, beating his older brother, reigning world champion Alistair, who led the race until 500 meters to go.

Alistair was reduced to a painful walk for the final 50 metres, crossing the line in tenth position before being rushed off to the medical tent to be treated for exhaustion as Spain's Javier Gomez (pictured) claimed victory.

But that failed to detract from the success of the event.

"Hyde Park offers the ideal venue to host an event of the magnitude of the Olympic triathlon," said International Triathlon Union (ITU) President Marisol Casado.

"The course is very spectator friendly and will no doubt make the event one of the most memorable events of the 2012 Games.

"We're very excited to return to London in 2011 to test the same course set for the Olympic Games, which runs around Hyde Park."



Debbie Jevans, Director of Sport at London 2012: "Hyde Park is an iconic venue in central London and this will without doubt be one of London's most popular venues putting on a world class Olympic event.

"We look forward to working on all the details of the event with the ITU over the next two years."

Triathlon is anticipated to be one of the most exciting events in the Games, and also one of the most accessible with Londoners being able to watch the event for free.

"We couldn't be more pleased with the preparations made so far for London 2012," said Casado, who is also a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

"We have no doubt that LOCOG will do everything possible to make the event hugely successful.

"Certainly after this weekend's races London has clearly demonstrated that they are willing and able to host a truly amazing Games in two years time."

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