Brownlees dash back for triathlon final in Hyde Park

The premier event in the world triathlon calendar will be staged in Hyde Park this summer as part of a week-long sports festival inspired by the Olympics.

Olympic champion Alistair Brownlee and his bronze-winning brother Jonathan will return to the scene of their triumphs as they battle it out in the grand final of the World Triathlon Series in September.

In Britain’s largest elite triathlon event over five days, Hyde Park will host 5,000 competitors in junior, under-23 and disabled categories.

Londoners of all abilities will also be able to compete on part of the Olympic course with 2,000 places up for grabs in a ballot opening today for an amateur event.

Last year, Hyde Park hosted the Olympic triathlon with the swimming in the Serpentine, running in the park and a cycle race around the streets of Westminster. The park has been host to the event on three occasions before but has never had the grand final, which decides the winner of the international series.

Mayor Boris Johnson said the triathlon, which was secured before the Games, showed a sports legacy of hosting the Olympics.

He said: “Nearly 7,000 people of all fitness levels will be able to take part in this fantastic event, which will no doubt build on the inspiration and the legacy of the London 2012 Games.”

Events will take place from September 11-15. The elite women’s final will be on Saturday September 14, with the men’s final the next day.